CLUB ACTIVITIES

Iceboat Sailing

We have iceboat sailors who sail recreationally for fun. Some of the boats sailed include the popular DN Iceboat, plus the Melges 80, J14, J20, Sprinter, Renegade, Skeeter, Nite, Skimmer 45, and a few Stern Steerer iceboats.

Iceboat Racing

When conditions provide for racing on Gull Lake, the Gull Lake Ice Yacht Club has a variety of championships to be sailed for as described in the Bylaws. The club also coordinates its members for traveling to away iceboat regattas, including the DN Gold Cup (World Championship), DN North American Championship, DN National Championship, DN Central Region Championship, DN Western Region Championship, DN Northeast Region Championship, Renegade Championship, Wisconsin Stern Steerer Association Championship, Northwest Ice Yachting Association Championship for Stern Steerer iceboats, International Skeeter Association Championship, DN European Championship, DN and Ice Optimist Junior World Championships, Nite National Championship, and Lake Baikal Ice Sailing Week-Russia. * From time to time there are special events like the Hardwater Summit in Ft. Peck, Montana, for all types of iceboats that had been planned for March 2022 but conditions became unsuitable.

Special Events

The Seeding of Gull Lake - At first meeting in October, water from our wonderful Gull Lake is collected, then frozen into blocks, and deployed ceremoniously to hasten the development of sailable ice on Gull Lake. A great GLIYC tradition.

Annual Swap Meet - The first Saturday in November there is a Swap Meet held, rotating among the iceboat clubs of the west part of Michigan. At the swap meet there are iceboats, parts, trailers, other equipment for sale, and sometimes runner sharpening service available. There are educational presentations.

* Richland Wassailing Festival – The first Thursday in December you will find us in the park on the Square in downtown Richland from 5:30-8:00 pm with iceboats so you may learn about them.

* Iceboats on the Bay - See iceboats set up, sailing and racing if ice conditions allow, food, fellowship, more! Likely a Saturday in February. Check web site for updates.

* Vintage Boats at Gilmore Car Museum - See iceboats set up, visit with skippers, learn about how to get started. Early May weekend.

* Pentwater Wooden Boat Show - GLIYC skippers will set up iceboats and help guests learn about the fun enjoyed by iceboating. Late August weekend.