The recent passing of Gloria Melges reminded Don Sanford of a film clip from Bill Mattison’s collection taken at the 1970 International Skeeter Association Regatta, which was sailed on Lake Mendota from February 27 to March 1. Don shared this clip which shows a happy day on the ice for the Melges family and other assorted characters. It also brought back memories because I was there to watch my dad, Dave Rosten, and Buddy Melges tie for first place in that event. Link to Video
FRUSTRATING REGATTA CAPS OFF FRUSTRATING SEASON
For Midwest iceboaters, this was anything but a dream season. Light air, snow on new ice, flurries that drifted into mountains, bitter cold and rain showers all tested the iceboater’s determination to enjoy his “Thing.”
When the I.S.A. Championship was finally convened at Madison on February 27, it seemed as though the pain was to continue. The wind was non-existent and when it did come, it was light. As the regatta progressed throughout the three days, some of the races failed to make the time limit. Attempts were made to re-sail the abandoned races. But not all could be completed. Nevertheless, the competition was keen and some deserving champions were crowned.
OBITUARY
The iceboating community mourns the loss of Byron A. Tetzlaff and extends heartfelt condolences to his family. The Tetzlaff family’s legacy has been an integral part of our club’s history since the 1920s.
Via Don Sanford:
Once an iceboater…
c. 2024. Donald P. Sanford
Until a cold and blustery day in January, 2020, I thought I had met just about every iceboater in Dane County and listened to all their stories. Sure, I heard about Frank Tetzlaff and I had even met his grandson, Byron. On that day I was introduced to Frank and Evelyn Tetzlaff and instantly immersed in everything Tetzlaff and Mary B.
Peter Fauerbach arranged a field trip to their apartment in nearby Sun Prairie for a group of us from the Ice Boat Foundation. Byron was a master woodworker, a skill he no doubt learned from his dad. Our eyes popped as we checked out the beautiful collection of clocks and other projects displayed in their cozy apartment. What really caught our collective attention was the equally impressive family archive of Mary B photos, clippings, mementos and Evelyn’s Mary B quilt. As we took all this in, Byron told us story after story about his dad, the construction of both the B, the Fritz and the First Unitarian Meeting House as well as his experiences sailing on both of these iconic iceboats with Carl Bernard.
More than fifty years had passed but for us (and I guess for Byron) it was as though he’d just stepped off the ice. He was kind enough to let me scan all his photos and, by some stroke of luck, I had brought along my scanner. A lucky break because eight weeks later, Covid had us all isolated and nobody was going anywhere.
Fast forward to November of 2020. Production of our film, Mary B: Madison’s Legendary Iceboat was underway. I had Byron’s stories but I really wanted to hear him tell them. Again, we weren’t going to his apartment and he certainly wasn’t coming to us. But Byron was enthusiastic and wanted to tell his story for the camera. We came up with a solution. On a chilly day in November of 2020, Byron opened his garage door. He sat just inside, our crew took up a position at a safe distance in the driveway. Mission accomplished! Once an ice boater, always an ice boater. A little chill in the air wasn’t gonna get in the way of a good story! His in-person interview added so much to our film and I will always be grateful to Byron for his willingness to help.
Don Sanford and Brett Hulsey will be talking iceboats on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at the Memorial Union as part of Hoofers Sailing Club’s Winter Sailing Seminars. More information.
Previous: Iceboat Tourist in the Netherlands Dutch Style Iceboats Archive
The Dutch ice sailing club, DeRobben, and Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club completed a burgee exchange. Our burgee is now displayed in Alexander De Vos’ reconstructed 19th-century Dutch shipyard. Don Sanford, a 4LIYC Nite sailor, received a DeRobben burgee during his visit to the Netherlands in the spring. Maybe we will see the 4LIYC burgee flying on one of DeRobben’s historic Dutch ice yachts in the future!
Don, right, inspecting a model of a traditional Dutch ice yacht. Photo: Alexander De Voss
Learn More: Dutch Style Iceboats Archive
4LIYC Nite sailor Don Sanford recently visited the country where our sport began, the Netherlands, and met up with members of De Robben, the sailing club that keeps up the Dutch ice-yachting tradition.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the (iceboat) world, I was invited to visit with some hard water sailors in the Netherlands. No ice here, but I did get to see their collection of vintage iceboats. They also have a few DNs and a vintage Skeeter. As usual with iceboaters, there was lots of smart-talking and just a bit of actual work going on. I left some Nite caps, stickers, and a copy of the Mary B DVD. Their burgee will find a new home at the Nordhaus boat shop soon. – Don Sanford
