by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 29, 2023 | 2023, 2024
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Skeeter Sailor and Past Champions Iceboat Shop Trailer-Repair-Specialist, Ken Whitehorse
Junior Program Trailer Locked and Loaded
Submitted by Daniel Hearn
It’s an exciting day for ice sailing in the US of A! Thanks to 4LIYC’s Ken Whitehorse, with an assist from Paul Krueger, the chariot that will carry the next generation of American ice sailors into the future is ready to roll.
Can’t think of a better trailer for the job, as this one was formerly owned by the legendary, Jane Pegel, who always carried the torch for everything youth sailing. Now, the original aluminum frame, with high capacity rack system and dock box, is equipped with a new axle, bearings and leaf springs; new LED lights, a shiny new safety, new radial tires on new rims, and a new spare bias ply tire on a new rim.
Our new enthusiastic and visionary Junior Program leader, Sam Bartel, is now well equipped. He has gathered up an arsenal of DNs and Ice Optis which will ride on this trailer. And he’s got a back of newbie ice sailing kids lined up to give it a go at the Great Western Challenge. Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
Many thanks to Donny Anderson for the trailer donation for this cause. And to Dave Elsmo for the dock box donation. Think Ice! And let’s all help Sam refill the pipeline!
PK at the bench clamp
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 27, 2023 | 2023, 2024, Home Page
Final Confirmation
Western Challenge – A non-sanctioned fun-regatta, no scoring.
Date: December 1 – 3, 2023
Primary Site: Lake Christina, Ashby MN
Via Mike Miller on Minnesota Iceboaters Facebook Page:
Christina comes thru again! Quality ice big enough for a proper course. The Great Western Challenge will be sailed here December 1-3. Our buddy land-owner has again offered his property for the launch site. Please do not park in the coned off space. 2 walkways to carry on the lake are there.
LODGING
3 selected lodging options all with an iceboaters deal.
1. Battle Lake Inn $119 double Queen room or Single Queen. If you book online as they prefer, discount will be applied at check in. 20 miles from launch site. 218-862-2500.
2. Bonnie Beach Resort 3 BR newer cabins on Clitheral Lake, near Battle Lake. Full kitchen 2 Bath cabins. 18 miles from launch site. $207 1-4 persons $270 5-6 persons . Must bring own bath and kitchen towels. 218-864-5534
3. Ashby Resort & Motel $120 2 beds and kitchenette. $100 1 Bed plus sofa sleeper. 5 miles from launch on Pelican Lake. 218-747-2959.
Numerous other lodging options in Alexandria or Fergus Falls
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 27, 2023 | 2023, 2024, Home Page
Junior Sailing Page
Our new Director of Junior Sailing, Sam Bartel US1011, has created an engaging and informative slideshow tailored for potential junior ice boaters.
Don’t miss Sam Bartel’s informative presentation, whether you’re a novice, a supportive parent of an iceboater, or a seasoned veteran. Sam has already generated interest among junior sailors who are ready to try iceboating at the Western Challenge.
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 26, 2023 | 2023, 2024, Home Page
The DN Western Challenge has been tentatively called ON for December 1 – 3, 2023. Primary site is Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Final site confirmation and call will be posted on this website on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by noon CT. The Western Challenge is a non-sanctioned fun regatta with informal racing with no scoring.
Next update will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by noon CT.Â
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 22, 2023 | 2024, Home Page
Paul Chamberland KC5700 kickstarted the North American ice sailing season on November 21, 2023, near his hometown on Owlseye Lake, Alberta, Canada. Getting his DNs onto the ice required some elbow grease, but the effort was undoubtedly worthwhile. On his way back to the east coast, Paul is planning on attending the first fun-regatta of the season, the Western Challenge, in Minnesota, December 1 – 3, 2023. Keep an eye on the Minnesota Ice Sailing Facebook page for the latest information.
It took all morning to carry both boats from the road to the lake through the woods. Got a couple of hours of sailing in. The wind was very light at that point which was good as I was exhausted from getting the boats to the lake. Amazingly only 12 minutes from where I grew up! Because there is no access I had never been to it before this week. It’s mostly 3.5’ deep and 5.5’ at the deepest
Paul Chamberland KC5700
