Western Challenge sailors on Lake Christina may have noticed the drone buzzing around over the weekend. Montana photographer Sean Heavey made the trip to the Challenge and has shared his photos. He sends his apologies for not getting everyone’s pictures because he spent a lot of time practicing flying the new drones and figuring out to cover the action with them. See the photos here.
The Western Challenge was “great” as always. 70 boats attended the unofficial opening of the 2020-21 iceboat season on Lake Christina just past Mile Marker 8 in Ashby MN. Sailors from near and far dusted of the cobwebs and enjoyed a weekend of comradery and one solid day of racing.
The sailors split into two fleets and over 10 races were run. In keeping with recent tradition, sailors were free to select any starting position for the two lap races. Finishing positions were not recorded but everyone looked fast. It was fun to see many new sailors and an ever-growing fleet of women sailors.
Special thanks to the Minnesota boys for organizing this yearly event. John Dennis, Mike Bloom, Tom Meyer and Mike Miller lead the charge. But the biggest thanks go to Pat Heppert for running the races and providing the 2 x12’s so we could access the ice without getting wet.
Think Ice!
Via John Dennis, the Western Challenge is called on for Lake Christina in Ashby, MN December 3 – 5, 2021. The Western Challenge is a an informal tune-up fun regatta for DNs.
What: Western Challenge
Date: December 3 – 5, 2021
Where: Lake Christina in Ashby, MN
Lodging: Recommended nearest Battle Lake, Minnesota
Battle Lake Inn and Suites (almost full, no vacancies for Friday night)
102 Glenhaven Dr, Battle Lake, MN 56515
+12188622500
Bonnie Beach Resort
20341 Bonnie Beach Road
Battle Lake, MN 56515
$175 night 3 bedrooms, (sleeps 4) with kitchen
218-864-5534
The Hideaway at Xanadu Island
35484 235th St, Battle Lake, MN 56515
+12188648096
The Otter
306 MN-78, Ottertail, MN 56571
+12183672525
Line up at the 2021 U.S. Nationals on Black Lake in Michigan. Photo: Catherine Firmbach
Cancellation of the 2022 North American Championships: U.S. Nationals Called ON
The IDNIYRA Governing Committee earlier announced plans to decide by November 22th the status of the 2022 North American championship. The Governing Committee has agreed that continuing changes, challenges, and uncertainties relating to the pandemic make it apparent that holding the regatta in 2022 is not in the best interest of our class members. Therefore the 2022 North American championship is canceled.
However, based upon the success of last year’s non-ranking U.S. Nationals Championship, IDNIYRA Governing Committee has decided to endeavor to hold another non-ranking American Championship in the same timeframe. Central Rear Commodore Rob Holman will soon release Notice of Race for the U.S. Nationals.
2022 U.S. NATIONALS (A non-ranking regatta)
Dates: January 23-29, 2022
Host Region: Central (Michigan and Ohio)
Location: Best ice in the Central Region or the United States
Information: idniyra.orgJody Kjoller
Commodore IDNIYRA
The DN remains the world’s most popular iceboat for many reasons. It’s usually someone’s first ride, home buildable, easy to transport and set up, and pure fun to sail. The DN is also the perfect size for a permanent exhibit in the National Sailing Hall of Fame’s new museum in Newport, Rhode Island.
The DN’s natural wood hull, plank, and runners will stand out among the other five soft-water boats that will permanently hang from the former armory’s impressive wood ceiling in the interactive exhibition hall.
Home built by Doug Kolner (Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club) in Monona, Wisconsin, the boat reflects the DN’s humble beginnings at the Detroit News hobby shop in the 1930s and its evolvement into a modern racing machine. Doug built the boat using standard plans and it is most representative of the type of DN you’ll see at North American regattas. Typical of modern DN racers, the hull was built using Gougeon brothers epoxy, Harken brothers blocks, and Sarns hardware.
The DN class is honored to symbolize the spirit of American ice yachting in the new Sailing Museum.
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club