DN Regatta Reports

1996 Northwest Regatta. DN Class champions. From left, Todd Gamble, Jan Gougeon, John Dennis, Lou Loenneke, National Sailing Hall of Fame member Jane Pegel

Previous: Jane Pegel To Be Inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame

The National Sailing Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held last weekend in Newport, RI. Watch the Hall of Fame Induction Facebook Video (Jane’s induction starts at 1:28.) Jane and Susie could not attend the ceremony but Jane’s remarks were read by another inductee and friend,  Lynn Jewell Shore. Congratulations, Jane.

I am pleased to be inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame and disappointed at not being able to be in Newport this weekend. It’s a true honor to join the ranks of the nation’s top sailors.

 

Growing up on Lackey Drive in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, sailing was the neighborhood “thing.” As a first generation sailor, I learned how to sail by the trial-and-error method. Those in the know around Geneva Lake told my father Dr. Clifford Wiswell what sort of equipment I should have whether it be sailing equipment or iceboating equipment.

 

I learned many valuable lessons competing against great sailors and watching great sailors in action. Having a husband who was a master boatbuilder and sailmaker certainly helped my race results.

 

I consider Bill Buchan the ultimate role model for sailors seeking to become champions. He worked hard to perfect his equipment as well as his sailing technique. He always sought to be ahead of the curve and his results in the Star class reflect his dedication to the sport.

 

Iceboating was always #1 for me for more than 60 years. I raced in the Skeeter and DN classes, and served as an officer and committee member in many iceboat organizations.  For more than 40 years I served on the National Iceboat Authority, writing and analyzing the rules that govern iceboat racing. I am proud to say I mixed the epoxy when the stern-steerer iceboat “The Deuce” was rebuilt roughly a decade ago. (“The Deuce” is the world’s largest iceboat.)

 

I have watched many generations of sailors coming up through the ranks through my involvement with the Lake Geneva Yacht Club and Geneva Lake Sailing School. The tradition of champions coming from Lake Geneva is being carried on by Laser Radial sailor Chapman Petersen and others.

 

Thank you again for this honor. By the way, I’m not related to the Johnson Boat Works family in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Most of my relatives hail from Walworth County, Wisconsin or Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

P.S. Many thanks to Lynne Jewell for representing Jane at this ceremony. Jane and Susie enjoyed racing against Lynne in the Laser class over the years.

Jane Pegel