Ice sailing competition is Winter Carnival's first

Mark Kiefer
Mark Kiefer cruises across Lake Phalen in his ice boat.
MPR Photo/Toni Randolph

Ice sailing uses skills similar to sailing in water, but the ice boat looks more like a long luge with a tiller, connected to a big sail. And instead of sitting in a hull, the sailors lie flat on their backs while steering their boats. Some ice sailors are already warming up for The "Fire and Ice" Ice Racing Competition that takes place this weekend at Lake Phalen.

The competition during the Winter Carnival is presented by the World Ice Racing Circuit as part of the 2009 Risdall North American Tour. Saint Paul is the second stop on the tour. Races are on Saturday and Sunday at Lake Phalen starting at 10 a.m.

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