Junior sailor Maggie McGary. Photo: Julie Jankowski
Congratulations to all the competitors who participated in the 2024 DN North American Championship on Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN, from February 26 to March 1. Matt Struble US183 successfully defended his title while Bill Cutting US5430 won the Silver Fleet.
Senior Trophy US 183 MATT STRUBLE
Masters Trophy US 44 RON SHERRY
Grand Masters Trophy US 3 JIM GROGAN
Elliot Sharp Trophy, Highest Ranking Junior US 5777 MILO FLEMING
B Fleet Trophy US 5430 BILL CUTTING
HIGHEST SCORING FEMALE US 5630 KAREN BINDER
A few highlights:
- The Brian and Bruce Jones family epitomized the true spirit of the DN class, carrying on the legacy instilled by their parents. While some families plan their vacations around skiing or beach time, this remarkable bunch schedules theirs around the North Americans.
- The hard work of the Canadian fleet paid off handsomely in this regatta with 4 top-10 positions. Robin Lagraviere kicked things off with a bang, competing in the Northwest regatta just days before the North Americans and securing victory in the DN class. He also clinched the top Canadian finish in the North Americans, landing in fourth place overall.
- We welcomed three first-time racers, including Ben Garber, Peter Nordquist, and Noah Jones. Ben Garber particularly shone as the top placing Novice, with several top-ten finishes in the Silver fleet and an impressive 16th place overall.
- It was a special treat to have one of IDNIYRA Junior Sailing Director Sam Bartel’s students, Maggie McGary, join us as a junior competitor. A sincere thank you to Maggie’s mother for her unwavering support to her throughout the week. New England Ice Yacht Club’s Milo Fleming, who drove from Maine with mom and RC member Nina Fleming and RC member Henry Copotosto, emerged as the victor in the junior fleet. Unfortunately, fellow junior Sam Bartel encountered boat damage in Race 4 and could not compete beyond that point.
- Minnesota’s Peter Norton KA2, whose day job is president of the award-winning Rum Jungle Media, had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to unleash his team of professional video production crew at a DN regatta. We are all eagerly anticipating the final product.
Despite the challenging conditions posed by bumpy ice, the daily winds did not disappoint, providing a refreshing change and ensuring exciting racing throughout the event.
A huge thank you is owed to Regatta Chair James “T” Thieler for his tireless efforts in ice scouting and organizing meetings and trophy ceremonies. The dedication of the race committee was genuinely remarkable, and we hope to keep this talented group together for the 2025 World Championship. The race committee was composed of members from various regions who worked cohesively to guarantee the success of the event. Special appreciation also goes to PRO Pat Heppert for his strong decision-making and for ensuring ample sailing opportunities for all participants. The class is fortunate to have such an experienced ice sailor at the helm of these regattas.
Here’s a shoutout to the rest of the RC team:
- Mercedes Auger, North Carolina Ice Yachting Association, Cary, NC: Scoring
- Beth Corley, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Scoring
- Henry Copotosto, New England Ice Yacht Club, Maine: Starting Line, Staging
- Nina Fleming, New England Ice Yacht Club, Maine: Scoring
- Ann Foeller, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Registration & Scoring
- Bob Foeller, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Registration, ATV, Starting Line, Staging, Recovery
- Paul Hickman, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Measuring, Starting Line
- Julie Jankowski, Green Lake Ice Yacht Club: Weather Mark, Social Media
- Dave Ryan, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Measuring
- Erica Stange, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: ATV and Safety
- Fred Stritt, Delavan Ice Yacht Club: ATV and Weather Mark
Ways to Follow
DN Facebook
New England Ice Yachting Association
