2025 DN ICE SAILING GOLD CUP WORLD & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA
February 2 - 8, 2025Home Page
2025 DN Gold Cup World & North American Championship
Hosted by the Central Lakes Region, USA
Seahorse Magazine Showcases DN Class
Peter Van Rossum KC2766 on the ice, photo by Anna Suslova, courtesy of Seahorse Magazine.
The April edition of Seahorse Magazine includes an article highlighting the DN class. Dobbs Davis delivers a great article recapping class history and the 2025 Worlds, featuring an interview with Karol Jablonski P36 and the World & North American champion, Matt Struble US183.
Seahorse Magazine is subscription-based, but you can subscribe for instant access or order this individual issue from their back issues section (link) once it’s available.
Runner Tracks Mid-Winter 2025 Issue Now Online!
The mid-winter 2025 issue of Runner Tracks is now available online. In addition to excellent photography by Anna Suslova, articles by Sam Bartel, Warren Nethercote, and Peter Johanson offer perspectives that make this issue stand out. While we’ll have more regatta reports in the May issue, this mid-winter release holds its own.
RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS:
Flipbook Magazine
Download pdf file (best for tablets)
Download single page pdf (best for phones)
IN THIS ISSUE
- OFF THE WIND – THOUGHTS ON NIA RULE 4 BY WARREN NETHERCOTE
- THE GREAT WINDSTORM OF 2025 BY DEB WHITEHORSE
- MINUTES OF THE 2025 ANNUAL GOVERNING MEETING
- A MOMENTUM BUILDING YEAR BY SAM BARTEL
- A WEEK OF WINS BY PETER JOHANSON
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20. Click here to buy.
Visit the Runner Tracks archive to read it now. Hard copies of the full-color softcover book are available for $20.
Thank you to our contributors, photographers, and sponsors for their continued support.
New SA Podcast Featuring 2025 DN World & North American Champion Matt Struble
Matt Struble capturing the moment—2025 DN World Champion in action! Photo by Anna Suslova.
As most of us in North America are snowed out from ice sailing, it’s the perfect time to sit back and listen to the latest Sailing Anarchy podcast featuring 2025 DN World & North American Champion Matt Struble!SA’s Scott Tempesta caught up with Matt after his dominant performance on Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he secured the DN World & North American titles. While his scores made it look easy, Matt shares just how tough the event really was. As Scott put it: “I just chatted him up, and I can tell he is going to be a great guest!” The episode drops this afternoon, so be sure to tune in and hear insights from one of the best in the sport.
Listen here: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2116610/episodes/16631972-sailing-anarchy-podcast-49.mp3
Or check out the SA podcasts on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcasts.
2025 DN North American Championship – Seven for Struble: Another DN NA Victory
Matt Struble US183 – 2025 DN North American Champion
2025 DN NA RESULTS
Day 4 Report– 2025 DN North American Championship
Friday, February 7 – The Last Day of Racing
The final day of the 2025 DN North American Championship dawned cold but clear, with the sun shining and the winds finally calming down after Thursday’s wild storm. With the previous day’s 50 mph gusts still fresh in our minds, no one knew exactly what we would find at the launch. Big winds have a big effect on big ice, but fortunately, PRO Pat Heppert took an early 13-mile Dawn Patrol ride down the lake to ensure no wayward DNs had continued their solo journey overnight.
Back at the launch, local sturgeon fishermen were hauling their ice shacks back onto the lake, giving us confidence that the ice was safe. With temperatures low, it was clear that the final day’s racing would once again be scored from the warmth of cars.
“The wind was confused,” as Regatta Chair Peter Johanson put it, after blowing like crazy the day before. This meant constant adjustments—PRO Pat Heppert and his crew had to reset the starting line and marks after almost every race as the shifting breeze kept everyone on their toes. Fortunately, we were racing in a spot where sturgeon apparently don’t like to hang out, so there were no conflicts with fishing shacks on the course.
We needed six more races to complete the championship, and the fleet delivered with tight, competitive sailing. The racing remained intense, with different winners in almost every race, proving once again just how deep the competition runs in the DN class.
Matt Struble Defends His Title
In the end, Matt Struble successfully defended his championship, claiming victory as the 2025 DN North American Champion just days after winning his fifth World Championship. This marks his seventh North American title, further solidifying his legacy in the class.
Prize Giving & Final Farewells
The prize-giving ceremony took place back at the regatta headquarters, where a big group gathered to celebrate the competitors and wrap up an unforgettable week of racing. Competitors enjoyed pizza along with the trophy ceremony, giving everyone a chance to relax, share stories, and reflect on an incredible championship.
A huge thank you to Regatta Organizer and DN Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson for keeping everything on track, and to PRO Pat Heppert and his team for their tireless work in making this event a success. There are countless people who played a crucial role in making the regatta a success, from race officials and volunteers to ice scouts and supporters. A full thank-you post recognizing everyone’s contributions will be published soon—stay tuned!
To all the competitors who made the effort to attend both the Worlds and North Americans—thank you. We hope you had a great time, and we look forward to seeing you on the ice again soon!
Following the decision of a protest, Race 5 of the Silver Fleet in the 2025 DN North American Championship has been updated to reflect a disqualification (DSQ) for G390. However, this ruling did not affect the overall standings or race results beyond the individual DSQ. The updated results have been recorded accordingly.
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
DN North American Championship Important Update for Friday, Feb 7
Video above shows why we postponed racing today.
Via PRO Pat Heppert
Attention DN Racers!!
Due to today’s high winds, please read ALL of the following announcements:
- Racing on Friday, February 7 will be held as scheduled, with a 9 AM skippers meeting and a 10 AM first race start. The starting order will be Bronze, Silver, Gold.
- Today’s high winds resulted in many trailers and boats blowing around, even some that were tied down and anchored. Several parties have been at the lake to secure the trailers and boats in the launch area. We are confident that anything remaining in the launch area is now secure for the night, and the winds are decreasing. However, at least some boats were blown across the lake and will need to be retrieved tomorrow. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE DOING ANYTHING.
- The ice is assumed to not necessarily be safe, even in the areas we have been sailing. We are now completely starting over on ice scouting. Treat it like it’s a whole new lake that you haven’t been to before.
- Do NOT immediately drive cars across the bridges in the morning. The ice has already shifted, and the pressure ridge is actively changing. The fishing club will inspect bridges in the morning, and we will have no trouble getting off tomorrow afternoon.
- Do NOT go sailing before the skippers meeting. There are absolutely new cracks, holes, and heaves that the race committee will be inspecting at first light.
- The race committee has several 4-wheelers with trailers to help search and retrieve boats and trailers as needed.
- The Western region 4-wheeler will be utilized to set the race course.
- The rest of the race committee 4-wheelers will be used to help search and retrieve boats and trailers as needed.
- Many ice screws and ropes have been used to secure everything today. Please inspect your trailer and boat moorings, and bring all the ice screws and ropes that do not belong to you to the skippers meeting at 9 AM, along with any other lost and found items.
DN parking—high wind edition.
Day 2 Report: NA Regatta Timeout – Strong Winds Force a Postponement
Photo: Anna Suslova
NA PROVISIONAL RESULTS
We all met on the ice this morning, but before anyone started setting up, it was clear that enthusiasm for racing was low. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee gathered and determined that the wind forecast—with gusts up to 50 mph—was too high for racing. The decision was made to postpone racing for the day, and the announcement was met with a round of applause from the competitors. The lack of sails-up underscored that the conditions weren’t suitable for competitive racing.
As I write this, I can see the wind picking up, confirming that the governing board made the right call. PRO Pat Heppert encouraged competitors to take advantage of the lay day and check out another sport known for speed—the famous Oshkosh Experimental Aircraft Museum, just a few minutes up the road.
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, there’s still plenty to keep sailors entertained. Those staying in Fond du Lac’s Radisson Hotel can enjoy its large swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and bar, making for a relaxing break from the ice.
Updated Schedule for Friday, February 7
- 9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
- 10:00 AM – First Race
- Fleet sequence: Bronze → Silver → Gold
- We plan to sail 3 more races in each fleet, aiming for a total of 7 races for each fleet, conditions permitting
- North American Prize Giving will take place on the ice at the conclusion of the regatta
- The 2025 DN North American Championship will conclude tomorrow, as we are in the direct path of an incoming snowstorm forecasted for Saturday.
Taking full advantage of the lay day, Pat Heppert brought out one of his shop-creations—a Mini Skeeter. When I left the ice, sailors were lined up, waiting for their turn to take a ride.
Tomorrow, we get back to racing. Stay tuned for updates!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- 2025 North American Championship Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- 2025 World Championship Results – View here.
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 1 Report – 2025 DN North American Championship
Though it’s officially Day 1 of the North American Championship, it’s Sailing Day 4 for all of us here, and the fleet is showing no signs of slowing down.
The ice has tightened back up with colder temperatures—11°F when we arrived at the lake—providing solid racing conditions. The scoring team had the luxury of scoring from inside cars driven to the starting line, which made a huge difference in staying warm and efficient. Thanks to this setup, we completed four races in each fleet, despite a 160-degree wind shift.
The qualifiers were sailed early, and once things were set, the race committee got into a groove, firing off 12 races under the direction of the maestro of ice, Pat Heppert. Racing was tight across all fleets, with plenty of different winners mixing it up. The Gold Fleet saw four different winners in four races, proving just how deep the competition runs. Silver and Bronze fleets were just as competitive, as the results show.
Looking ahead, the forecast is calling for heavy air tomorrow, with gusts—but we’ll see if the predictions hold.
In the meantime, here are some more photos from event photographer Anna Suslova. Stay tuned for updates as the championship continues!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- 2025 North American Championship Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- 2025 World Championship Results – View here.
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World Championship Banquet & Awards Dinner
Vice Commodore Rob Holman presents 2025 World Champion Matt Struble with the Gold Cup. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 Worlds Results
The 2025 DN World Championship concluded with a memorable evening at Sunset on the Water, February 4, where sailors, race committee, and supporters gathered to celebrate three days of intense racing. The banquet and awards dinner honored the champions and recognized the efforts of everyone who made the event possible.
A special part of the evening was the raffle, organized by the youth sailors under the direction of Youth Sailing Program Manager Sam Bartel. Their efforts helped support the next generation of DN racers and added to the fun of the night.
Enjoy the photo gallery from the evening below!
Meanwhile, Day 1 of the North American Championship is in the books—a full report will follow soon.
Thank you to all who attended!
Banquet Awards Ceremonies – Photos by Anna Suslova
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 1 – 2025 DN North American Championship AM Update
Lukasz Zakrzewski P155
The 2025 DN North American Championship kicks off today with a full schedule of racing and events on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
- 9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
- 10:00 AM – First Qualifier
Racing will continue throughout the day as the fleets take shape.
Tonight, join us for the IDNIYRA Annual Meeting at 7:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
Check out the starting lineup for today’s qualifiers here: https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025-North-Americans.htm
Stay tuned for race updates as the championship gets underway!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- 2025 North American Championship Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- 2025 World Championship Results – View here.
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World Championship – Final Day Report – High Five for Struble
Five-Time Champion! Matt Struble celebrates moments after securing his fifth DN World Championship victory. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 DN World Championship – Day 3 Report
RESULTS
The 2025 DN World Championship wrapped up today on Lake Winnebago, and we extend a huge congratulations to five-time champion Matt Struble US183. Having already claimed his fifth World Championship title, Matt continues to cement his legacy in DN racing.
Matt grew up in Bay City, Michigan, where Jan and Mead Gougeon, legends in the DN class, mentored him. Now living in San Diego, California, he balances his career as a Nissan engineer, Moth sailing, competitive ice sailing, and time with his family. A gracious and humble competitor, Matt once again proved why he is one of the best in the sport.
A Bright, Cold Final Day
Today’s conditions were much colder than the previous two days, but a beautiful sunrise over Lake Winnebago greeted us for the first time since we arrived. After days of cloudy, gloomy weather, the bright sunshine was a welcome change—even if it made writing down scores challenging for the scoring team’s frozen fingers.
Winds were 20 mph from the north when PRO Pat Heppert arrived early for his daily dawn patrol, inspecting the course by ATV to ensure a safe and fair race surface. Pat and the protest committee were busy last night, hearing seven protests, with the final one wrapping up around 10 PM. Yesterday was also a massive scoring day, with 15 races completed across all fleets.
The Final Showdown
Racing began right on time at 10 AM with the Silver Fleet. Silver Fleet Champion Daniel Hearn had already secured his victory with enough bullets in the bank to sit out the race, but he still came out to help manage the starting line and watch the Gold fleet race.
With Silver wrapped up, all eyes turned to the Gold Fleet showdown between Matt Struble US183 and Lukasz Zakrzewski P155, who was trailing by just three points. The flag dropped, and the final battle was on. Matt found another gear, pulling ahead of the fleet, chased by a pack of Poles, an Estonian, and Swedes.
Three laps later, it was over. The top five competitors headed straight to the measuring corral and were in high spirits, congratulating Matt and each other in the bright sunshine. Everyone left the ice smiling—partly from the excitement and partly because we were all ready for a well-earned break from the cold.
Looking Ahead: The North American Championship Begins
Today is check-in day for the 2025 DN North American Championship, which officially begins tomorrow. Here’s what competitors need to know:
- Check-in is from 3 – 5 PM at Regatta Headquarters, Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
- Online registration closes at 5 PM. Click here to register.
- The prize-giving, banquet, and raffle—managed by Junior Sailing Manager Sam Bartel US1011—will take place tonight at 7 PM at Sunset on the Water, N7364 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac, WI 5493
(Dinner is ordered off the menu, and guests will pay individually.)
A Strong Showing from the Junior Fleet
One of the biggest positives of this regatta has been the presence of seven junior sailors, demonstrating the bright future of DN racing.
From Sweden, Oskar Svensson S714 and Gustav Linden S887 both closed out their junior years in spectacular fashion. Oskar, who won the first race of the Worlds and finished 6th overall in Gold, and Gustav, who placed 8th in Gold, have firmly established themselves as solid Gold Fleet competitors. Both sailors have been coached by Tomas Lindgren S81, and it has been a pleasure to watch them grow into top-tier racers over the years.
Our North American juniors also delivered outstanding performances, most in their first major regatta:
- Sam Bartel US1011 had a remarkable journey, qualifying from Bronze to Silver to Gold on the first day, ultimately finishing 31st in Gold Fleet.
- Jack Brellinthin US130 placed 18th in Bronze, gaining valuable international experience.
- Maggie McGary US2453 finished 15th in Silver Fleet, having qualified up from Bronze. Notably, she has competed in every regatta in the Western Region this season, showing incredible dedication to the sport.
- Andrew Roeder US5706 placed 3rd in the second Bronze Fleet race and finished 21st overall in Bronze.
- Sebastian Sorenson US5479 placed 32nd in Bronze, gaining valuable experience at the international level.
It’s impressive to see these young sailors step up in such a competitive event, and their performances are a testament to the effort being put into junior development. With a mix of experience and determination, this next generation of DN racers is proving they belong at the highest level.
There are countless people to thank for making this regatta possible—but we’ll save that for the conclusion of the North Americans.
Stay tuned for more updates as we shift into the next championship!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 3 – Photo Gallery by Anna Suslova – Gallery Link Password: sail
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