ice sailing yachts

Welcome to iceboat.org

The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club is one of the most active iceboat clubs in North America. We’ve been building and racing iceboats for over 100 years in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Ice Is Never 100% Safe.

Our ice reports are strictly for iceboat racers. Recreational iceboaters, kite boarders, cross country skiers, and ice fishermen should not rely on our ice reports. We have safety equipment. Do you?

Buy or Sell Your Iceboat

One of the best pages in North America to buy or sell iceboats and their parts. There’s also a complete list of vendors who will supply iceboats, sails, and their components.

Common Questions:

How can I get started? How fast can they go? How much do they cost? Is it safe?

Regatta Watch

Information about the ISA, NIYA, WSSA, Nite, and DN regattas.

Iceboat Classes

Learn about Skeeters, DNs, Stern Steerers, Renegades, Nites, and Ice Optimists.

The purpose of iceboat racing rules is to prevent collisions.

Ice Yacht Clubs

The best way to learn about iceboating and make life long friendships is to join a local club.

Why We Sail.

“If all our ice were glass, slightly wet, and all our air reasonably steady with lifters just where needed, sailing would be perfect. Sometimes we do find this, and it is worth waiting years to have. Meanwhile we must accept the more ordinary ice conditions, ordinary weather and wind, and gracefully accept snow, sometimes for weeks. Our ideal comes from time to time, the Great Maker gives only so much of the very best.” Charles H. Johnson.

Iceboating for Kids

Ice Optimists were created specifically as a youth trainer, designed to be easily built using commonly available materials, and to keep costs to a minimum.

UPCOMING: Delavan Yacht Club Iceboat Swap Meet: November 9, 2024. More Information 4LIYC Meeting :  November 2024 4LIYC Shipstore:  Order custom iceboat shirts, hats, and gear. More information. BURGEE:  Order your 4LIYC Burgee Pay Your Dues Online

Delavan Yacht Club Swap Meet On Nov 9

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 30, 2024

Talking ice.

Fred Stritt checked in to let us know about the upcoming Delavan Yacht Club Iceboat Swap Meet. Missed the recent swap meet at Harken? Or can’t get enough of the iceboating community? Here’s your chance! Join us at the Delavan Yacht Club on Saturday, November 9 from 11 am to 3 pm for another opportunity to buy, sell, or trade iceboat gear, meet fellow sailors, and prepare for the upcoming season.

The Delavan Yacht Club will serve homemade pizzas, and the bar will be open, so come hungry and thirsty! It’s the perfect setting to connect with the iceboating community, discover great gear, and enjoy good food and drinks.

Delavan Yacht Club Iceboat Swap Meet Location: Delavan Yacht Club, 1501 Cedar Point Dr, Delavan, WI 5311 Map Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024 Time: 11am – 3pm Information: Midwest Hard Water Sailing Facebook Page

Nite Celebration Recap

For The Love of Iceboating The International Nite Class Association recently hosted an event at Harken Headquarters in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, bringing together Midwest iceboaters. The theme was “50 Years of Nite Racing,” attracting Skeeter, Stern Steerer, Renegade, DN, and, of course, Nite sailors of all ages.   The Nite was designed and built by Dick Slates at S & R Marine around 1968. The story goes that he aimed to create a side-but-side two-seater to take that “special” someone out for a night on sail on Pewaukee Lake. While Dick and his wife Gale were unable to participate in the activities, his sons Rich and Kevin Slates were able to join in.   It was wonderful to listen to sailors inquiring if a certain person would be attending, only to find out they hadn’t seen them or spoken to that individual in 20 years. It was amazing to watch friendships reignite as if they had seen each other on the ice last season. Additionally, guests could view a history of results displayed on the walls. Hearing the younger crowd react to names they recognized and discovering that many sailed a Nite was enjoyable.   During a roundtable discussion led by the Nite Fleet GOAT Tom Sweitzer, past champions offered advice to future champions. The discussion also included Bill Dale, Dave Koch, and Dave Navin.   Kyle Navin and Harry Melgas IV shared their recent experience sailing the American Magic Youth team alongside Bill Goggins, President of Harken, who facilitated the discussion.   Thank you to Harken, Inc. for hosting not only the Nite Fleet gala but also the Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet, which took place on Sunday, October 27th. Rumor has it some new Nite owners emerged from this weekend’s events. To top it off, we had a surprise guest: Peter Harken, Nite #98, who had just returned home from Spain after attending the America’s Cup. Maureen Bohleber

Kick Off the Iceboating Season in Pewaukee This Weekend!

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 24, 2024

See INSANITY at Harken

Historic Iceboats On Display This Weekend It’s the unofficial opening weekend of the iceboating season!

Join the Midwest ice sailing community on Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27, at Harken, Inc. in Pewaukee, WI, where we’re excited to help the International Nite Class Association celebrate 50 years of Nite racing. Thanks to the Iceboat Foundation, you’ll see the legendary MARY B, INSANITY, their museum

Bucky Badger relaxes on the MARY B

trailer, and the newest addition, PANTHER a Class A Skeeter originally built for Chris Smith of Chris-Craft.

With the Swap Meet happening on Sunday, it’s the perfect weekend for iceboating enthusiasts and newcomers to check out the sport. Whether you’re looking to find your iceboat, chat with veteran ice sailors, or admire some of the most iconic iceboats in history, this weekend has it all.

Join us to celebrate the start of the ice sailing season—experience the boats, the history, and the excitement of the fastest sport on ice!

Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet Date: Sunday, October, 27, 2024 Time: 9 AM – Noon Location: Harken parking lot N15W24983 Bluemound Rd, Pewaukee, WI

Kyle Navin & Harry Melges IV to Speak at Nite 50th Anniversary Party!

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 11, 2024

Previous: Cheers to 50 Years Nite sailors Kyle Navin and Harry Melges IV will be special guests at the Nite 50th Anniversary Party on October 26, sharing stories and insights from their recent experiences at the Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from two young, talented sailors who are deeply rooted in the Nite community.

Join the Nite Class at Harken Headquarters in Pewaukee to celebrate 50 years of the Nite Class and hear from Kyle and Harry about their incredible journey. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just a fan of the sport, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Sign up here for this event.

The Roundtable will begin at 4:00 pm with Tom Sweitzer the GOAT Hear some stories and learn some tips from the best Nite Sailors Kyle and Harry will continue with videos and a Q&A of their experience on the American Magic Youth America’s Cup October 26, 2024 5:30 Food and Cocktail at Harken, Inc. Pewaukee, WI $25.00 RSVP: [email protected] or https://niteracing.org/event/7NGFkfX0UX Southern Wisconsin Swap Meet Sunday October 27, 2024 9 – Noon The Iceboat Foundation will be displaying the Mary B and the Insanity both days.

NOAA Abolishes Wind Chill?

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 9, 2024

Jay Yaeso hiking in his Class A Skeeter iceboat on Lake Winnebago. Photo by Gretchen Dorian.

Well, not quite. NOAA has officially retired “Wind Chill Warnings” and “Advisories,” streamlining their alerts with new, simplified Cold Weather Alerts instead. Read more here. Tip of the Helmet: Mike Peters

Swap Meet Round-Up

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 6, 2024

NEW ENGLAND NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information: When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277 Information: New England Ice Yachting Associatio n

WISCONSIN Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet Date: Sunday, October, 27, 2024 Time: 9 AM – Noon Location: Harken parking lot N15W24983 Bluemound Rd, Pewaukee, WI Information

MINNESOTA Hosted by: Tim Carlson and Sailcrafters Loft and Rigging ((952) 540-7474) Date: Saturday, November 2 Time: 9 AM – Noon Location: 7450 Oxford Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Information: Minnesota Ice Sailors Facebook page Minnesota’s annual iceboat swap meet is a great opportunity to buy and sell used iceboat gear. Or, just spend time meeting local iceboaters and asking questions about our sport. Anyone interested in iceboating is encouraged to attend.

MICHIGAN 2024 Western Michigan Iceboat Swap Meet Date: Saturday, November 2nd Time: 9 am to 2 pm Location: Muskegon Yacht Club., 3198 Edgewater Street. Muskegon, Michigan. ANNUAL COMBINED SWAP MEET Three West Michigan Clubs: West Michigan Ice Yacht Club, Gull Lake Ice Yacht Club, Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club Information: Gull Lake Ice Yacht Club Facebook Page

4LIYC Notice of Dues

by Deb Whitehorse | Sep 24, 2024

As we start readying our gear for another iceboating season, it’s time to renew your Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club membership for the 2024-2025 season!

Your membership dues help cover essential costs such as:

Safety Equipment : Your membership helps us maintain and upgrade crucial safety gear, ensuring our safe experience on the ice.

Website Maintenance : Keeping iceboat.org current involves hosting fees, software updates, and technical upkeep. Your membership ensures we continue to deliver timely updates and resources to our community.

Event Costs: Your contributions are vital in supporting our ice sailing events and social gatherings, ensuring a fantastic season of camaraderie.

Whether you’re a long time sailor, a fan of ice sailing, or new to the sport, your support keeps our community strong. Plus, being a member comes with the perks of staying connected with fellow ice sailors, participating in club events, and helping preserve the sport we love.

How to Renew: Go to our membership page , fill in your details, and choose your membership level. Whether you choose our standard membership or become a sustaining member, every bit helps ensure we can keep the iceboating tradition alive.

Thank You! We’re grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to see you on the ice for another great season. Let’s make it the best one yet!

Click here to renew your membership today!

Fontana Iceboaters Competing in Final Series of Youth America’s Cup

by Deb Whitehorse | Sep 23, 2024

Previous:  Ice Sailors to Represent USA in Youth America’s Cup Iceboating: The Unsung Training Ground for America’s Cup Helmsmen It’s time to check in on the talented iceboaters from Fontana, WI, who are in the hunt in Barcelona, Spain, for the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup. Harry Melges IV, Kyle Navin, Finn Rowe, and Severin Graham (from Florida, but we hope to see him on the ice someday!) have advanced to the final series, clinching victory in Race 8 today. The team now stands second overall in Group A, just behind Italy.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, American Magic will face Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, Spain, and Australia in the final series of 3-4 fleet races. The top two teams will then compete in a single match-race final to decide the overall champion.

Catch the action live and watch these young sailors continue to represent the USA in thrilling foiling races. Watch Live: ESPN+ YouTube Link: America’s Cup YouTube Channel Race Time: 7 AM CT (with your coffee!)

Learn More About the AC40 Boats: The AC40 is modeled after the larger America’s Cup AC75 boats, featuring two large, weighted foils and no traditional keel. These boats foil on a single foil, with the windward foil raised from the water to reduce drag and boost speed. For more information, check out this in-depth article: Yachting World – Youth America’s Cup 2024. foiling races.

Frank Trost’s TUSCARORA Lives On

by Deb Whitehorse | Sep 22, 2024

Tim Fredman shared the photos and wrote: “I helped Rob Ritter (brother of John at S&R Marine) set this up for an antique boat club gathering yesterday. John is the current caretaker of the equipment, having been given it by Don and Mary Schwister, who were the prior caretakers. Frank Trost was one fine man and a great iceboater. To me, it looks like a survivor. Not much different than the last time I saw it about 45 years ago. Runners, sails, horses, parts, etc are all on the trailer looking as if it just returned from a regatta!” PREVIOUS: Pegel Slide Collection: Frank Trost & TUSCARORA by Deb Whitehorse | Jun 4, 2018 | 2017-2018, Bob & Jane Pegel Slides, Home Page, ISA

Frank Trost TUSCARORA III

Frank Trost, along with his neighbor William Perrigo, was another legendary E Skeeter sailor from Pewaukee, WI. Trost and Perrigo captured the 1953 Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant the first time the race was held in the Midwest after Fox Lake’s Eddie Rollberg won it out east in 1952. Trost was part of the winning team that went on to win it another 3 times. Frank Trost gave one of my favorite descriptive quotes about ice boating to a Russian reporter in 1960:

From “ Sailing In the Cold Region “, a Russian magazine article published in 1960: Frank Trost, Perrigo’s neighbor, describes even poetical a ride on his “Tuscarora”:- Iceboat comes alive, he begins to talk to you. Was I somehow on Lake Delavan. Gusts crosswind reached 80 km / h. I didn’t feel under itself, but the “Tuscarora” didn’t obey. It seemed to fly through the air; only the wind howled in the wires and whistled – people standing on the bank told us that the boat roared like a jet plane – and in my helmet was a rumble that I have not heard the creaking of the runners. After the arrival, from flying in all directions icicles Trost’s face was covered with hundreds of tiny cuts. But the little things it did not disturb. As many iceboat sailors, he doesn’t recognize the face masks. He argues that in order to determine the speed of a good sailor should feel the wind on his face and trap slightest changes, skillfully using them to speed up the movement. It is worth and cause injury to the blood!

read more…

Spaight St. Syndicate Update: Daniel 2.0

by Deb Whitehorse | Sep 4, 2024

The Daniel 2.0 

If you are not smart like Pat Heppert, I would highly recommend getting yourself a Daniel 2.0. You see, Pat designed this slick sheeting system for our Mini Skeeters. Rather than pulling downward off the boom, our sheet runs underneath the deck, which allows us to trim with the full benefit of our legs and torso. Now Pat is plenty strong enough to sheet the traditional way, but his much older and weaker travel mate is a total wuss. The system was likely designed with this in mind, but Pat is too nice to say so. It also allows us to crouch down deep into the cockpit keeping our elbows in, reducing windage. Even Pat, with his superior musculature, can nearly disappear inside the cockpit.

My first attempted Mini build ended with my mast listing to leeward at about 30 degrees. I told everyone I was testing an on-the-fly adjustable stay system. I said it with such conviction that no one immediately pointed out that the Mini has a stay-less rig. Given the wreckage that was left on my deck, I doubt anyone bought it, but it was worth a try. I have made a living spinning tales for decades, so I just could not help myself. This configuration certainly was not fast!

The playa fact checkers uncovered that the spinmaster’s boat blew up on the second day of racing last May. Regatta Manager extraordinaire, Dennis Bassano, provided the “tow of shame” back to the pits, while interested parties gathered around to survey the wreckage. “That one’s not going to buff out,” one helpful observer offered. “Hardly a scratch I replied,” simultaneously wondering what I was going to do in the desert for the rest of the week? Fortunately, Ironman Renee Fields (for those not in-the-know, the adjective is gender neutral), graciously offered to withdraw from the Mini Class, to allow me to race Pete John’s spare boat. Renee routinely races in every class. Pete is still going fast nearing 90 years old. Two amazing people!

Truth-be-told, the builder was too much of a weight weenie, removing structure he considered unnecessary. Guess we all know how that turned out! Sorry John. Sorry Pat. In my defense, it worked for Senna. At least the hull was still in primer, so the eventual paint would hide my ineptitude.

Since I was performing major reconstructive surgery, I decided to move my ratchet block further forward underneath the deck. This, to give me more un-tapered mainsheet to clutch before reaching maximum block-to-block. And, to still have only the tapered sheet running through all eight blocks at race trim. If I were smart like Pat, I would have left a tracer line in my hull before closing it up. No matter how I attempted to contort my body, there was no way I could reach that far forward. And my access panel underneath, was not quite big enough. Enter Daniel 2.0. Dashel Daniel , my grandson. Among the greatest honors of my life, he was named after me.

Dash was happy to scurry into the cockpit abyss, skillfully rerouting my mainsheet through bulkhead bushings, around my ratchet block in the correct direction and back to my waiting hand. So, if you find yourself with a similar dilemma, let me know, and I will share contact info for his mom. Dash has yet to learn his marketable value, but rest assured he will. His “Pappy” (and his Dad) will see to that! For now, he is most satisfied to work for chocolate!

Online Ship’s Store

Regatta Dates 2024

• DN Western Region Championship Postponed Information
• DN Senior Shuffle Postponed Information
• International Skeeter Association Regatta Postponed Information
• DN Worlds, Europeans, & Junior Worlds February 3 -10, 2024 Information
• DN North American Championship February 25 – March 2, 2024 Information
• Northwest Regatta Information
• Nite Nationals Information
• WSSA Championship Regatta Information.

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Email Address

4LIYC Governing Documents

• By Laws & Racing Rules
• 4LIYC Iceboating Rules Graphic
• Racing Rules Animation

4LIYC Race Results

Click for 4liyc meeting dates.

• November 8 Zoom
• November 22 Elections
• December 20
• January 3 Honor Roll Nominations
• January 17 Deadline for By-Law or Racing Rules Amendment Submission
• January 31 – in person, no Zoom
• February 15 Business Meeting – Zoom only
• March 6 – in person, no Zoom. Last meeting of the season.

Location: In person at Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club or Online using the Zoom App Members please email [email protected] for the link.

Time: 6:30 PM

TO ROUND THE MARK SINCE NOVEMBER 1999.

Iceboat Clubs

• Boe-Craft Skeeter Association
• Chickawaukee Ice Boat Club, Maine
• Connecticut Ice Yacht Club
• DN America Forum
• DN North America
• DN World Portal
• Green Lake, WI Ice Yacht Club
• Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club
• Gull Lake, MI Ice Yacht Club
• 4LIYC Ice Optimist Youth Sailing
• Hudson River Ice Yachting
• Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust
• Ice Boat Foundation – MARY B
• International Skeeter Association
• Lake Hopatcong, NJ Facebook
• Lake Ronkonkoma Long Island, NY
• Long Branch Ice Boat Club, NJ
• International Nite Class Association
• International Renegade Association
• Jack Jacobs Northern Michigan Ice Boating
• Menekaunee Ice Yacht Club, Menominee, MI Phone 906-290-0047
• Minnesota iceboating.net
• Montana Ice Sailing Yahoo Group
• Montreal, Canada Ice Boating Association
• New England Ice Yacht Association
• North Shrewsbury, NJ Ice Yacht Club
• Northwest Regatta
• Paul Goodwin IDNIYRA site
• South Bay Scooter Club, Long Island, NY
• South Side Ice Yacht Club, Oshkosh, WI
• Toledo, OH Ice Yacht Club
• West Michigan Ice Yacht Club
• Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association
• Yankee Ice Yacht Association
• Remote Control Ice Boats

Facebook Groups

• Green Lake IYC
• Gull Lake IYC
• IDNIYRA Europe
• Lake Hopatcong, NJ IYC
• MN Ice Boaters
• North Shewsbury IYC

Ice Cam Links

• Canyon Ferry, Montana
• Geneva Lake, Gordy’s Boat Sales, Fontana, WI Look for webcam link upper right corner
• Lake Geneva Yacht Club
• Lake Mendota Today
• Lake Mendota, Center for Limnology
• AOS Roofop: Lake Mendota,
• Mallets Bay , Lake Champlain
• Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
• Lake Winnebago, Neenah, WI
• Great Lakes MODIS Satellite
• Sentinel Satellite

Lake Access Permits

• Lake Mendota Warner Park Mendota County Park
• Lake Monona Tonyawatha Tr. Olin Park
• Lake Waubesa Goodland Park

Purchase Lake Access Permit Online.

Recent Posts

• Delavan Yacht Club Swap Meet On Nov 9 October 30, 2024
• October 30, 2024: DN in WI October 30, 2024
• Nite Celebration Recap October 30, 2024
• October 29, 2024: Nite in MN October 29, 2024
• SOLD! October 21, 2024: Stern-Steerer Model in WI October 28, 2024
• October 28, 2024: Nite in WI October 28, 2024
• October 27, 2024: Vintage Skeeter in NY October 27, 2024
• October 26, 2024: Nite Sail in IL October 26, 2024
• October 26, 2024: J14 Skeeter in MI October 26, 2024
• October 26, 2024: Class A Skeeter in WI October 26, 2024

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DN ICE YACHT RACING

Maximum speed, member countries, registered sail numbers, world championship competitors, the fastest sailing on the planet..

Fun.Exciting.Exhilarating.

Join the dn world., connect with us in europe, connect with us in north america, international dn ice yacht racing association, europe & north america, join our class. our community..

The one-design DN ice yacht is easy to transport, light, and relatively inexpensive. Carrying 60 sq ft/ 5.57 sq m of sail, it offers spirited performance and very competitive sailing. Ice yachters, from veterans to juniors, find the DN’s demands in competition a satisfying challenge. The DN has evolved into the world’s largest iceboat class with active sailors in 18 countries. A world championship regatta is held each year, alternating between North America and Europe. North American regions and European countries also host their own continental championships and regional events.

Why You Should Be Sailing a DN

“DN sailing has taken me around the world and introduced me to life-long friends – the very best people on the planet. If you make the effort to learn the sport, you can achieve results at any age, any gender, or any size. “

“I am fascinated by many things about ice sailing: the speed, the acceleration, the use of technology, and sports in nature with cold winter air. And of course, the large DN family with many friends is a reason to go ice sailing..”

“DN sailing has taught me everything – fast trajectories, apparent wind building, and much more. Sailing 5 times the wind speed has made me such a better sailor! And frankly, the spirit of the class, driven by passion, speed and friendship, is hard to beat. One of my favorite sailing boats, with absolutely no doubt ! It’s just like a drug, you become addicted at first sight!!”

More knots per dollar/euro than any other sailing

2025 DN Regatta Schedule

World & North American Championships Date: 2 – 8 February, 2025 Host Region: North America, Central Region Location: Michigan, Ohio, or best in ice North America Email Contact: [email protected] Information: DN North America idniyra.org

European Championship Date: 22 February – 1 March, 2025 Host Country: Europe, DN Finland Location:  Finland or best ice in Europe Email Contact: [email protected] Information: DN Europe idniyra.eu

Faster.Transportable.Most Popular.

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