iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

A sticky situation was been amicably resolved regarding the use of a non-conforming hull in the National. Greg Simon was originally not scored because his hull is not fiberglass nor made by the class-approved builder. Greg believed he should have been scored because he had his boat measured several years ago by the builder.

The technical committee reversed their decision as of 12/15/04 and the '04 champion is now Greg Simon. Terry Erwin shifts to second.

The final, final results are:

Lake Christina was an awesome venue for the Nite National. Only 12 boats, but we set the tone that hopefully will influence the fleet in the future -- early season iceboating in Minnesota is great stuff.

Thanks to the JD, Jim McDonagh and Mark Kiefer for local information and race support. It's much appreciated.

Results should be posted on the Nite site shortly.

Nites:

And something else...

There's a report by Madisonian Niter Greg Simon about the Nite Nationals posted on:
http://iceboat.org/

Cheers,

Geoff S.

It looks like the winds today may be a bit much:
http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KFFM/2004/12/12/DailyHistory...

35 mph, gusting to 43!

Yesterday's winds looked much better. How was the sailing?

Cheers,

Geoff S.

The Nite Nationals are confirmed ON for Saturday and Sunday on Lake Christina. A few boats will be scrub racing Friday. Safety meeting at 9 AM Saturday on the ice. Five races Saturday, three Sunday. Race instructions available at the hotel and at the meeting.

The '04 Nite Nationals are called on for Lake Christina December 11/12. Lodging and directions to follow.

Many thanks to the ~ 50 competitors who joined the Minnesota Ice Sailing Association in "kicking off" the season this past weekend at MilePost 8, Lake Christina, Ashby, MN.

We appreciate the great distances some of you travelled, and hope you found both the ice suitable and enough sailing for one weekend.

Think ice!

4695

anyone know who won th echallenge?

Sorry, no dramatic action shots (too cold, and 2-lap races don't leave much time to take photos). Here are two shots of the fleet. One in the morning, and one just before the last races:

Cheers,

Geoff S.
US-5156

Debbie Whitehorse is posting some notes and photos from the 2004 Western Challenge regatta:

http://iceboat.org/images/04-05/westernchallenge/westernchallenge.htm

Cheers,

Geoff S.

38 boats setup for a few scrub races on Friday.

Winds were variable, but picked up nicely at the end of the day.

The Nite National is postponed until December 11th and 12th. Hopefully we'll find some ice that's not so far north. But if we don't, get ready to travel. The only alternative is to NOT sail. And we didn't buy these boats just to stare at them.

Regatta headquarters is the:
Best Western, The Falls Inn & Suites
925 Western Ave, I-94 & Hwy.210
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
1-800-293-2216

When you make reservations mention that your with the iceboat group and get a discount. The rate for a double room is $65.

Acomidations include:
96 Guest rooms and suites
Hero's Family Eatery & Sports Bar
Complimentary Expanded Continental Breakfast

Lodging is also available at:
AmericInn
526 Western Ave. N.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
1-800-634-3444

Fergus Falls is aproximately 15 miles West of the Ashby Exit on Hwy 94. The Alexandria hotels that we have used in the past are booked due to a hockey tournament this weekend. Directions to lake Christina are posted under the heading Ice information. Basically, Take the Ashby exit, go north to mile marker 8, stop and look right. Launching is along the shoreline.

As a first-time visitor to the Ashby area, I'm wondering where to stay?

I'm not much for great luxury, but a nice bed, a warm shower, and a short drive to the launch site are always nice.

Cheers,

Geoff Sobering
DN US-5156/Laser 145234/Renegade 510