Well it appears 2010 will bring picture perfect weather to Lake Geneva to celebrate “Winterfest”. Many actives in the Lake Geneva area, with the primary focus down by the Riveria at the Lake! Come see and judge the Ice Sculptures starting at 11AM on Saturday when the last tool is set down. For a closer look at the action, check out the video below!
December 21, 2009 at 09:14 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you live in the Midwest, especially in Lake Country, it is inevitable that you are familiar with our area’s prime winter recreation activities; ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and skating. But are you familiar with one of the oldest and most unique winter sports, ice boating? Ice boating is every sailor’s favorite winter activity! If the love of wind and water gets your adrenaline running in the summer, ice boating will put you over the top, in the winter!
I’m not exactly sure where ice boating originated, but I remember hearing as a kid, that it was brought to the U.S. by the Scandinavians. In the late 1800’s, ice boats were considered the fastest mode of transportation on the planet! Huge boats were constructed and manned on the Hudson River, where, when the conditions allowed, teams of men would race the trains that ran along the river banks reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph. Years ago, Milwaukee Public TV ran a special with actual movie footage of just such an event.
For ice boating to occur, the “winter sailor gods” have to align the heavens for the perfect conditions. One needs, a frozen lake, little or no snow, and of course, wind! Because of this, some winter seasons come and go with little or no sailing, making the experience that much more coveted. The consensus is that if the conditions are right, you need to drop everything, and hit the ice. “Tomorrow snow may dump, and you’ve lost your chance!” My family has been ice boating for years. My uncle owns 3 boats, and my husband and I have inherited 2 youth boats. We’ve had years of fun, sailing on Golden Lake. As a child, we followed the regatta circuit on our local lakes, especially on Pewaukee Lake and Lake Geneva. Each winter, stories about the “perfect ride” circulate around the fireplace at family gatherings.
The boats themselves have various classes, just like water sailboats, based on hull and sail type, and typically resemble a torpedo like body with cross braces that have “skates” or “blades”…one in the front, and one on each side of the boat. The skipper steers the front blade and adjusts the sail to maximize the speed. Safety equipment consists of a helmet with face gear, warm clothes and often times, inflatable life vests, in the event of open water. It’s not for the faint of heart. The speeds are incredible, and if you hike up too far, the result can be a crash on very hard ice!
Many of my friends on Lac Labelle, sail the “Nite”. It’s the “Ferrari” of ice boats…sleek and beautiful. Opti iceboating is also hugely popular. My friend’s daughter sailed her opti ice boat at the world competition in Europe 2 years ago. One of our local Pewaukee sailors, won the North American Opti Championship, last year. There is a Wisconsin association that is dedicated to this sport, The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club. Fabulous photos and information are on their site. In addition, you can Google “ice boating” and a barrage of websites, photos, YouTube sites, etc. pop up with information on this awesome and unique sport. Click here to see a YouTube video of an ice boat in action.
Check it out…yet another awesome activity in Lake Country, Wisconsin! Ice Boating!!
July 13, 2009 at 11:14 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you have read my past blog posts, you may have noticed that youth sailing is a topic that I am passionate about. All three of my boys are sailors. It’s a great sport, filled with camaraderie, challenge, unique opportunity, and the list goes on.
Each summer, my kids and I participate on the regatta circuit, and on Lake Geneva, during their annual youth race week. This year was no exception, however, we did have a new twist. My middle son opted to skip the Lake Geneva event, and participated in the Kazube Cup, hosted by South Shore Yacht Club. We have never done this event in the past, but have heard that it’s such a fun regatta.
The regatta features optis, 420’s and lasers. Kids come from Greater Milwaukee, as well as from other yacht clubs around Lake Michigan, such as Chicago, Lake Forest, Waukegan, etc. The beauty of the event is that for the opti sailors, they can test their skills in Lake Michigan, and sleep on a “big boat” sailboat. Members open their cabins to sailors who request housing, provided they have a minimum number of kids on the boat, and an adult chaperone. Can you say “fun” with a capital F?? What a treat for a young sailor! Sailing in Lake Michigan, with the city backdrop is a treat for sailors and spectators, alike.
The host club provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, in addition to the regatta fee, at a very reasonable rate. My son had a fabulous time with good friends, sailing his boat and enjoying a night on a sleeper sailboat. The “MOM” in me can’t help but note that the best part of the event for him was the fact that the regatta fell on top of his birthday, and he won the opti event. Happy Birthday, Parker!
Summer sailing in Southeastern Wisconsin, is just one more reason to love living here!
Wow…it is already coming up on July 4th, 2009. You might be asking yourself, what is there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva? That’s a loaded question, what isn’t there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva. So just to give you a bird’s eye view.
July 3rd. Start early by going to the Grand Geneva which has a full list of activities. Independence Day festivities are highlighted by the Brown’s Lake Aquaducks Waterski Show and the Grand Fireworks display at dusk. Other activities throughout the day include a grand picnic, kids coloring contest, carnival games for children, balloon artist and much more. For more details visit www.grandgeneva.com.
Also on July 3rd are festivities all day long at the public park in Delavan. Included in the list is “The Dave Marshall Band” from 7-11 and fireworks starting at 9:30.
July 4th. It doesn’t get any better than Lake Geneva on the Fourth! The town is filled with things to do. But don’t be surprised when you don’t see fireworks in Lake Geneva, you are going to have to go to Fontana for that! Take a boat tour but book it now, www.cruiselakegeneva.com. Many options exist from dinner to ice cream! Fireworks start just after dusk. Along the way you will see all sorts of fireworks in the area, from large private fireworks to the big event at Fontana. Again, the park in Fontana is loaded with food, music, etc.. Enjoy your visit to the Lake Geneva area and Happy 4th of July!!!
For more information about upcoming events in Lake Geneva or what to do when visiting and, of course, all of your real estate needs, call Diane Krause, 262-215-4893.
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer in Lake Geneva with honoring those who fought for our great country! It was a busy day in downtown Lake Geneva with the streets packed. A little windy and cold, but many warm days to follow.
An amazing American Flag being carried down the street by the Boy Scouts followed by the Woods School Marching Band:
For more information about upcoming events in Lake Geneva or What to do in Lake Geneva, call Diane Krause, 262-215-4893.
April 08, 2009 at 12:05 PM · Posted under Sharon Seguin
As I look out onto the Lake in Lake Geneva, it gives me a serene feeling.
I watch as the ducks dip there heads into the water to find food, some fisherman fishing off of the shore. If you ever just want to sit and think, there is not a better place to do it than to sit on one of the benches along the walkway, and just relax. There is so much to do in this little town, and the visitors here should never get bored. Just look around, the library is just steps away from the lake. Inside the library there are picture windows overlooking the lake, as you sit and read.
Across the street from the library are restaurants for any taste. There are sandwich places, breakfast places, ice cream places. The shops here in Lake Geneva are exquisite, and each one is unique. So why wouldn’t anyone want to visit here, or even transfer here from a bigger city? I sure cannot think of any reason. Get away from the hustle and bustle. Do your heart some good, and just relax.
I have been a practicing Real Estate Professional for 9 years. I have been through extensive training and the designations. This has helped me focus on my clients needs. I also am a member of the Wisconsin Realtors Association, and the National Association of Realtors. I have served on the Lakes Area Realtors Association for 8 years, and was the President of that association in the year 2007-2008. I also was the Realtor of the Year for 2005-2006.
Diane Krause
If you live in the Midwest, especially in Lake Country, it is inevitable that you are familiar with our area’s prime winter recreation activities; ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and skating. But are you familiar with one of the oldest and most unique winter sports, ice boating? Ice boating is every sailor’s favorite winter activity! If the love of wind and water gets your adrenaline running in the summer, ice boating will put you over the top, in the winter!
Karen Trepton
If you have read my past blog posts, you may have noticed that youth sailing is a topic that I am passionate about. All three of my boys are sailors. It’s a great sport, filled with camaraderie, challenge, unique opportunity, and the list goes on.
Wow…it is already coming up on July 4th, 2009. You might be asking yourself, what is there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva? That’s a loaded question, what isn’t there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva. So just to give you a bird’s eye view.
As I look out onto the Lake in Lake Geneva, it gives me a serene feeling.
Sharon Seguin
