Ice Boating/Sailing
An Ice boat (seen here on Lake Wingra, Wisconsin) is a boat or purpose built framework similar in appearance to a sail boat but fitted with skis or skates and designed to run over ice instead of water. Iceboats commonly used for racing are usually only for one person. However, several classes of two seat iceboats are common. On some boats, a "side car" can be fitted to take others along for a ride.
Traditional iceboats from the late 19th century were used for transportation and racing. These boats reached lengths of 30 to 50 feet and were transported between sites on rail cars. Sailing was done in several locations where the sport continues today with active clubs, including the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, Detroit, Sandusky Ohio, Gull Lake Michigan, Lake Geneva Wisconsin, Oshkosh Wisconsin, and others. These older large iceboats can seat several in their "baskets." Several of these boats are maintained and raced today. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association sponsors an annual regatta that includes classes for these boats. This annual regatta recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
December 20, 2006 10:50 AM | Category: Boats