Arrival of Spring closes iceboating season

In the sport of iceboating the always-present variables of ice conditions, temperature, launch sites and impending snow, all factor in to determine how your season progresses or digresses. We mortals have little control over most of the aforementioned situations. However, one mitigating factor we do have is four wheels and a tank of gas.

That’s right, a truck or car is the great compensator for any trick Mother Nature throws in our direction. Welcome to the 2015 International Skeeter Association (ISA) Championship, where the caravan headed to Little Bay de Noc, Gladstone, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on March 20-22

The ISA is the official organization of all Skeeter class iceboats, which includes the A, B, C Division Skeeters, Renegades and Nites.

This late in the season, with spring waters beckoning, it is a huge challenge getting boats on the ice, but with some hustling the Nites and Renegades each fielded fleets of 11 sailors for the largest participation numbers in the regatta.

“The decision to travel to Gladstone was a great move and we cannot thank Mike Derusha and Ken Krieder enough for scouting the ice and making the event happen,” said International Nite Class Association Commodore Don Sanford. “This location is not generally known as a traditional regatta site, however, I think it might be from now on.”

The Nite class was especially pleased, observing it to be some of the best iceboating the class has seen in many years. “Our Nationals were the largest in participation in almost 20 years, all our fleets grew, our builder had an exceptional year, and yes, we were the only iceboat class in North America to get all our official events in for the season,” reported International Nite Class Association Secretary John Hayashi. “What more could you ask for? Maybe early fall ice? See you then.”

Source: Words: John Hayashi; Photos: John Hayashi; Video: Joe Terry