The Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association regatta begins today on Lake Noquebay in Crivitz, WI. Our good friend, iceboat photographer Gretchen Dorian is on-site and she has already shared photos from Friday’s setup day. Please take a look at her Friday gallery here: https://www.gretchendorian.com/2025-WSSA-Lake-Noquebay-WI
Ruben Snodgress with COLD WAVE. Photo courtesy of Catherine Firmbach
PREVIOUS: Ole Evinrude’s Iceboats
A small object can reignite another dive into ice sailing history. Recently, Henry Bossett sent me a photo of a sail slide with the iconic Evinrude name stamped on it. For most people, Evinrude is associated with boat motors. However, for ice yachting enthusiasts, it evokes memories of the company’s venture into ice yacht manufacturing.
The sail slide that Henry shared belonged to Ruben Snodgress, who owned the stern steerer COLD WAVE, and he sailed it on Mecox Bay in Long Island, New York. While I’m unsure if COLD WAVE was an Evinrude-built ice yacht, it certainly used Evinrude sail slides. Interestingly, there are mentions of ice yachts named COLD WAVE in old magazines, but I’m not sure of the history of Ruben’s boat. I suspect Henry can fill us in.
But the story doesn’t end there. Ruben Snodgress wasn’t just an ice sailor but a true adventurer. His adventures even took him to a Russian DN regatta before the Cold War ended. To learn more about Ruben’s trip to Russia, read the full story here:
Siberian Adventure Part One
Siberian Adventure Part Two
Sometimes, the small things, like a simple sail slide, remind us of the history and connections within the world of ice yachting.
Photos of Ruben Snodgress and COLD WAVE courtesy of Catherine Firmbach.
The Stern-Steerer class is planning for the upcoming season. Wisconsin Stern Steerer Association Secretary Andy Gratton has shared the WSSA annual newsletter, providing a perfect reason to hang on tight and watch Dave Elsmo’s epic Deuce video.
As we wait for the first “first” (ice), here’s some philatelic news. The U.S. Post Office released the 14-cent Iceboat stamp on March 23, 1985, at ROPEX, the annual stamp show in Rochester, New York. The postcard and
envelope, featuring a Nite, was one of 324,710 first-day covers cancelled and was in a collection of postcards and ephemera mailed to me by Don Fischer of Michigan. The stamp’s artist, William H. Bond, created 58 U.S. postage stamps, including a series of 50 World War II commemorative issues.
Tip of the Helmet: Don Fischer
Previous: Ice Sailing Goes Postal
Via the Oshkosh, WI Herald
Andy Gratton and Michael Kroll were the first in the Oshkosh area to iceboat this year off south shore, launching from the Fugleberg Park landing recently. Both live nearby in Oshkosh so when any equipment breaks or needs replacement, it is a quick trip home for the needed parts.
Continue reading.
National Iceboat Authority Web Page
Location: In person at the Elks Lodge 711 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703
Time: 6:30 PM
YOU ARE SKIPPER NUMBER
TO ROUND THE MARK SINCE NOVEMBER 1999.
