NIYA

Northwest Ice Yachting Association An iceboat regatta first sailed in 1913 in Menominee, Michigan.

Stern Steerers

The NIYA was originally a stern-steerer regatta organized to determine ice yacht supremacy in the Midwest. A,B,C,& D stern-steerers continue to compete in the NIYA.

Skeeters

Class E Skeeters first raced the NIYA in 1936 when Lake Geneva sailor Harry Melges won in MICKEY FINN.

DN Class

Skip Boston of Detroit was the first winner of the NIYA in the DN class in 1954.

Renegade

First sailed as a seperate class in 1958 and won by “Mr. Iceboat”, Elmer Millenbach.

NIYA Centennial

The NIYA celebrated 100 years of iceboat racing in 2013 on Green Lake in Wisconsin.

A Brief Overview of Northwest Regatta History

Welcome to the home page of the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association (NIYA) Regatta. This historic regatta was first sailed in 1913 in Menominee, Michigan when the massive stern-steerers ruled the ice. The Skeeters, DNs, and Renegades—staples of today’s ice sailing world—hadn’t even been invented.

Learn more.

The Founding of the NIYA

Dateline: January 13, 1913 – Wisconsin State Journal

“Representatives of Oshkosh, Madison, Menominee, and Marinette met at the Hotel Menominee this morning and discussed the future of the new NIYA… L.F. Porter of Madison, a man who has been connected with several water and ice craft organizations, gave some timely and instructive suggestions in regard to the proper manner of conducting the association. He proposed having two delegates from each club present at a future gathering and form a constitution and bylaws at that time.”

That first year, Menominee skipper E. Peterson won the inaugural Class A championship in Square People. In 1914, Madison’s Emil Fauerbach took the title in the famed Princess II, a boat that would later go on to win the prestigious Hearst International Trophy.

Evolution of the NIYA Regatta

For its first two decades, the NIYA remained a stern-steerer-only championship. That changed in 1933 when bow-steering boats were allowed to compete for the first time. This shift opened the door for the Skeeters, Renegades, and DNs, expanding the competition beyond the classic stern-steerers.

Today, the NIYA remains one of the most prestigious and longest-running ice yachting championships, bringing together generations of iceboaters to compete for some of the most sought-after titles in the sport.

Notable Champions & Iceboat Classes

Class A Stern-Steerers

Some of the most famous names in iceboating have hoisted the Class A championship trophy, including:

  • John Buckstaff (Oshkosh)
  • Fritz Jungbluth & Carl Bernard (Madison) – FRITZ
  • Harry Melges (Lake Geneva)
  • Carl Bernard – MARY B
  • Buddy Melges – FERDINAND THE BULL

DN Class (First recognized in 1954)

  • 1954 – Skip Boston (First DN champion)
  • 1956 – William Sarns
  • 1960 – Jane Pegel (First win of 10 NIYA DN championships!)

Class E Skeeters (First raced in NIYA in 1933)

  • 1936 – Harry Melges MICKEY FINN
  • 1949 – Elmer Millenbach RENEGADE II (Before Renegades became a separate class, they raced with Skeeters)

Other Class E Champions: Bill Perrigo, Howard Boston, Frank Trost, Jack Ripp, Dave Rosten, Bill Mattison, Lou Loenneke, Buddy Melges, Bob Pegel, and Paul Krueger.

Renegade Class (First recognized in 1958)

  • 1958 – Elmer Millenbach RENEGADE III (Won every NIYA Renegade championship until 1984!)

Other champions: Arlyn Lafortune, Lorne Sherry, Jack Ripp, Tim McCormick, Roger Derusha, Don Anderson, and Mike Derusha.

A Legacy of Competition & Tradition

The Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Regatta has been a proving ground for the fastest ice yachts and most skilled sailors for over a century. From the towering stern steerers of the early 1900s to the sleek Skeeters, Renegades, and DNs of today, the NIYA continues to celebrate the sport’s thrill, speed, and camaraderie.

NIYA Secretary-Treasurers: A Legacy of Service.

Since 1922, the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association (NIYA) Secretary-Treasurers have played a crucial role in maintaining the continuity and success of the Northwest Regatta. Over the decades, only 11 individuals have held this position, each ensuring the smooth operation of the association, maintaining records, and keeping the regatta running for generations of iceboaters. Their dedication has helped preserve the tradition and history of ice yachting, making the Northwest Regatta one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

NIYA Secretary-Treasurers (1922 – Present)

  • 1922 – 1926 C.H. Marquart
  • 1927 – 1934 C.J. Meyer
  • 1935 – 1940 O. Lyman Dwight
  • 1941 – 1953 Frank A. Meyers
  • 1954 A.W. Bentler
  • 1955 – 1959 Gloria Melges
  • 1960 Jim Robinson
  • 1961 Gale Bennett
  • 1962 – 1974 Cora Lee Millenbach
  • 1975 – 2016 Paul Krueger
  • 2017 – Present Steve Schalk

Vintage Film: 1952 Northwest on Lake Monona


Big Tip of the Helmet to Henry Bossett for finding this historic footage of the 1952 Northwest regatta on Lake Monona. If you recognize some of these boats, drop a line to me and I’ll add to the post.  Video link

1954 Northwest History

DN iceboat plan c1950s from the files of John Bluel

1954 Northwest Archives
Since we are on the subject of the Northwest regatta, Kenny Beal, great-grandson of a long-time 4LIYC member, John Bluel, shared some of his grandfather’s documents with the club, including a report from Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Secretary Frank Meyer about the 1954 Northwest.

Rather than the typical three-day event, the regatta was held over two weekends in Pewaukee because of challenging weather conditions. The 4LIYC’s Carl Bernard won the A Class Stern Steerer title in MARY B, competing against Skeeter Iceboat Club’s Lou Loenneke of Lake Geneva.

1954 was the first year that the DN Class competed in the Northwest. The DNs had one race in bad weather, and the Northwest officials decided that the fleet would sail the remainder of their races in the Detroit area “as all the entries were from that vicinity.” Skip Boston won that first Northwest DN title.

Regatta Watch: 2023 Northwest Postponed to March 17 – 19

The NIYA Race Committee has postponed the 2023 Regatta to March 17th, 18th and 19th. The shoreline at Kegonsa is starting to melt open and the snow event coming Thursday into Friday will eliminate any possibility of regatta conditions. The search for any suitable site within reach will continue this week.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

NIYA

Regatta Watch: 2023 Northwest Tentatively Called On for Kegonsa March 10-12

MICHIGANDER, a Class A Stern-Steerer. Photo: Gretchen Dorian

The NIYA Race Committee has called on the 2023 Regatta for Friday March 10th-12th at Lake Kegonsa, Madison, WI. There were racing conditions there this afternoon. The final call will be made Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at noon CT after a morning examination of the ice and launch ramp.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

NIYA

Regatta Watch: 2023 Northwest Regatta Postponed to March 10 – 12

HAYWIRE at the 2010 Northwest on Lake Winnebago

The NIYA Race Committee has postponed the Regatta to March 10th, 11th and 12th 2023. The surface at Kegonsa has not been able to firm up, and will not be available until some colder weather – which is on the way mid-March.

The next update will be Sunday March 5th by 7 pm.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

Northwestern Ice Yachting Association

Regatta Watch: 2023 Northwest Called ON for Lake Kegonsa March 3 – 5

Photo: Kevin Chapman

The NIYA Race Committee has called the 2023 Regatta tentatively on for March 3 – 5,  2023 at Lake Kegonsa, Madison Wisconsin.

The lake currently has 15 inches of ice, with a slushy surface from the recent snow that will melt quickly.

The rain event that starts tonight will revise the surface a good deal. The lake will be checked Wednesday morning to see if it is still viable for the Regatta. The final call will be made by noon or earlier on Wednesday.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

NIYA

Mary Jane Schalk: Ready For Some Time Away

Steve and Mary Jane Schalk

Via Mary Jane Schalk, Fontana, WI

Hey Ice boat racers,

I just want to thank all of you for so many years of helping me with one of the coolest things I have ever done. We have all been through so much together.

I think I started scoring ice boat regatta’s back in the 90’s. Remember way back then and I did all the tabulating with a pencil and a very long sheet of paper. There were some interesting stories and memorable situations back then! It took a while but so worth it to graduate into computer scoring.

I had so many great people to work with. First of all many of you sailors were my callers, and then I had Renate Intini, Julie Jankowski, and then Deb to work with. As you know Deb and I had some pretty good and crazy times together. We could figure out ways to entertain ourselves during a postponement, and had way more fun that we probably should have!!! Thanks Deb for all the fun times. I would also like to thank Shari Lundberg for teaching me in the beginning all about scoring and tabulating.

I stopped scoring from the ice to help take care of my mom and then we had so many cats that needed care like insulin shots twice a day, fluid under the skin, and medicine that – that kept me from coming back. But I was then able to do the tabulating from home.

I was still a helper by arranging hotels, banquets, and meetings for regattas. I drew for your starting positions from home and called them into Deb. Deb would take a picture of your finishes and call them in or send them to me. Now with me being able to post to the web page on a good day I could score the race and get it posted before the last finisher got out of his boat. That is way cool.

But I am ready for some time away. I have lots of plans for some fun activities while the regattas are on. Maybe I’ll just go down and visit some other retired ice boaters like Gary and Kenny Kessler. Now that would be fun!!! Deb asked one of the DN tabulators, Ann Foeller of the Toledo Ice Yacht Club, if she would score the ISA and NW regattas and she agreed. I wouldn’t leave without a replacement.

I am so happy to have met so many really cool and fun ice boaters. We have had lots of fun times, and made great memories. I can hardly wait for a regatta to come to Geneva Lake, as then I can hang with you all on the ice, and not be stuck at home in front of the computer.

Have fun everyone, be careful on the ice, and sail fast,
MJ
BTW I am sharing my favorite version of Steve’s iceboat song. I’d say it a pretty good one! LINK

Via Jane Pegel:

Mary Jane was a significant member of the Lake Geneva YC race committee. She also is a competitive sailor. She handled the front end of Steve’s E scow and his J-24.

She trimmed jib on my class M scow and helped me win Inland Lake YA championships and Blue Chips. She is no doubt, an exceptional woman who is happy to be “involved”.

…Jane

Mary Jane Schalk has been a crucial part of North American iceboating racing, and she’s decided to take a well-earned retirement. You may have seen her smiling face on the ice of Lake Geneva, but she was deeply involved behind the scenes in every Northwest, ISA, Renegade, and many Nite regattas for 30 years. She took care of numerous organizational details so that you ice sailors could book a room, attend a banquet, see your regatta scores, receive your trophies, and pursue your passion for iceboat racing.

MJ and I share many good memories. One of my best was driving on Geneva back to the Fontana landing towards the sunset. We were singing a silly, fun song at the top of our lungs that we had made up about the late Renegade sailor, Arlyn Lafortune, to the marching chant O-Ee-Yah! Eoh-Ah from the Wizard of Oz. (Yeah, you had to be there…) We both probably enjoyed too much red wine later that night but were always ready for the next day. I know she’ll continue to be the first person I call when I have a funny story to share. – Deb Whitehorse

2023 Northwest Regatta Documents

Stern Steerer ROSEMARY

Northwest Home Page
2023 Northwest Race Documents, via Northwest Ice Yacht Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk

The  Northwest regatta is tentatively scheduled for January 20, 21, and 22, 2023. Stay tuned for the next update on Sunday, January 15, 2023 by 8 PM.
Ice Yacht classes that sail the Northwest:
A Stern Steerer
B Stern Steerer
C Stern Steerer
D Stern Steerer
DN
Renegade
B Skeeter
C Skeeter
A Skeeter

Iceboat Virtual Hall of Fame: John Buckstaff 1888-1960

Carl Bernard, Camp Van Dyke, John Buckstaff, and Andy Flom sitting on the DEBUTANTE on Lake Winnebago in 1934. John Buckstaff is holding the Stuart Cup.

John Buckstaff Archives
If iceboating had a hall of fame, Lake Winnebago sailor, John Buckstaff would undoubtedly be among the first to be nominated. Buckstaff’s Oshkosh roots go back to his grandfather, who was born in 1799 and came from New Brunswick, Canada, to Oshkosh in 1850 and started a sawmill.

An early mention of Buckstaff in the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern newspaper was in 1903, when he was 14 years old and recognized as a skilled scow sailor. “His first experience was gained, when as a boy in knickerbockers, he constructed an iceboat and sailed it on the frozen surface of Lake Winnebago. Here he learned to be quick and certain with the tiller and to handle the sail and tack.”

Buckstaff was in Menominee, Michigan, when the Menominee, Marinette, Wisconsin, and Oshkosh ice yacht clubs formed Northwest Ice Yachting Association in 1913. The morning after a banquet at the Hotel Menominee, where 200 ice yachtsmen gathered for a feast, they organized the Northwest, which they patterned after the Inland Lake Yachting Association, a soft-water scow regatta still going strong today.

In addition to his Northwest victories, Buckstaff won two prestigious stern-steerer titles, the Stuart and Hearst Cups. In 1903, The Kalamazoo Ice Yacht Club in Michigan persuaded F.A. Stuart, maker of Stuart’s Dyspeptic pills, to donate a trophy for ice yachts carrying 850 square feet of sail or less. Later that year, a Kalamazoo club member wired newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, asking Hearst if he would donate a trophy, in his name, for the ice boat race. Hearst complied and deeded a gold-lined silver cup.

Buckstaff was a stern-steerer man and would point BLUE BILL, FLYING DUTCHMAN, DEBUTANTE III to victory on the ice at the Stuart, Hearst, and Northwest regattas. FLYING DUTCHMAN has remained on her home lake of Lake Winnebago with Dave Lallier. DEBUTANTE III is in Menominee with Mike Derusha.

DEBUTANTE III was a Hudson River-style stern-steerer built in the famed Poughkeepsie, New York iceboat shop of Jacob Buckhought. The “DEB” with 600 square feet of sail was considered the most lightweight iceboat in the world per square foot of sail carried. DEB was the first iceboat to use aluminum runners, a much superior material than the cast iron runners traditionally used. The Oshkosh Daily Northwestern reported that the “DEB” held a speed record of 119 miles per hour clocked on Gull Lake in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

John Buckstaff passed away on the morning of Sunday, January 10, 1960, the weekend when the iceboating community gathered on Lake Winnebago for the Northwest, the regatta he had helped to begin. In a movie-like ending, DEBUTANTE III, skippered by E.W. Stroshine, won the Class A championship trophy that same day.

John Buckstaff Obituary

Northwest Class A Stern Steerer
1923 BLUE BILL, J. D. Buckstaff
1926 BLUE BILL, J. D. Buckstaff
1939 BLUE BILL II, John Buckstaff, Owner; Tom Anger, Skipper

Hearst
1932 (December) FLYING DUTCHMAN, OIYC, J. C. Van Dyke, J. D. Buckstaff (skippers)

Stuart
1920 DEBUTANTE III, OIYC, J. D. Buckstaff
1939 DEBUTANTE III, OIYC, J. D. Buckstaff

 

 

Wisconsin State Journal. February 14, 1935. A time when sports columnists followed the stars of ice yachting and rooted for the home team. The 4LIYC’s FRITZ with Carl Bernard at the helm won the Stuart that year.