Update on January 4–5 Western & Central Region Regattas

by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 30, 2024 | 2025, Home Page

2013 Central Region Championship. Photo: Catherine E. Firmbach

The IDNIYRA Western and Central Regions are closely coordinating efforts to plan their respective 2025 championships. Both regions are currently evaluating ice conditions following a stretch of warm weather and are targeting the same weekend, January 4–5, for their events.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

• Western Region: Several lakes may have promising ice conditions, but scouting cannot begin until colder temperatures return midweek.
• Central Region: The Central Region is focusing on Houghton Lake in Michigan as their primary venue.

Snowfall followed by recent warm weather has affected ice quality across both regions. Fortunately, melting snow combined with colder temperatures forecasted for Tuesday night onward may create sailable ice. Both regions will conduct detailed scouting and testing on Wednesday and Thursday to confirm conditions.

COORDINATED PLANNING FOR JANUARY 4-5 

In the spirit of collaboration and ensuring the best turnout for sailors, the Western and Central Region Commodores and IDNIYRA Commodore David Frost have agreed to prioritize a single regional regatta for that weekend. The rationale is simple:

• Holding separate regattas dilutes attendance and reduces competition quality.
• A single regatta provides an excellent training opportunity for the upcoming World Championship.
• The Central Region has not held a championship in several years, and this offers an opportunity to strengthen regional sailing.
• Sailors have the opportunity to participate in 2 regional regattas.

The Central Region has been given the “first right of refusal” to host their championship on January 4–5. Final confirmation will depend on ice scouting results:

• Wednesday, January 1: Ice scouting begins in both regions.
• Thursday, January 2: Ice will be sailed, and the Central Region’s final decision will be made. If Houghton Lake is deemed unsailable, the Western Region will evaluate its sites and may call on its championship for the same weekend.

NEXT STEPS FOR SAILORS

• Watch for updates on Thursday, January 2, regarding the confirmed location of the regatta.
• Be prepared for online registration to open shortly after confirmation.
• Stay flexible and ready to travel to the selected venue for what promises to be an exciting weekend of DN racing!

Let’s work together to make this a fantastic event for all sailors.

IDNIYRA Commodore David Frost
Western Region Commodore Chris Berger
Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson