The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
May 2024
Get ready for the latest edition of Runner Tracks, which marks the end of another season. Featuring an incredible cover shot captured by Swiss photographer Gilles Morelle during the 2024 Worlds in Parnu, Estonia. Whether you are an experienced ice boater or a newcomer, Runner Tracks is the ultimate resource for everything related to ice boating. Check out the complete online library here.
LINK TO VIDEO
Roll along with the Gold Fleet in last Wednesday’s (February 28, 2024) first Gold fleet race of the day at the 2024 DN North American Championship on Lake Waconia, MN. Jeff Kent’s 360-degree camera captures every bump, tack, jibe and pass, giving you a front-row seat to the action.
Check out the intense action captured by Jeff Kent’s drone at the 2024 North American Championship. Witness Nicolas Mabboux KC5508, Jim Grogan US3, Ron Sherry US44, and Matt Struble US183 battling it out at the weather mark.
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
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
It seems it has been a while since the North American DN class had a consistent week of winds, allowing for racing opportunities each day. Yesterday was no exception, with both fleets completing four races amidst sunny skies which brought back balmy (by iceboating standards) temperatures, a welcome change after Wednesday’s brutal cold.
The frigid 10°F temperature during the morning kept the ice bumpy, leading to some equipment failures. It was a challenging day for the racing marks, as both leeward and windward marks were damaged when hit during racing.
On Day 5, Matt Struble leads the Gold fleet while Bill Cutting holds a strong lead in the Silver fleet as we prepare to head to the lake.
DAY 5, FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2024 UPDATE FROM THE RACE COMMITTEE Please plan on 9 AM skippers meeting and 10 am first race start. The Race Committee will asses the race-ability of the predicted high winds in the morning.
Guy Lovejoy US4638 & Brian Jones US1576. Photo – Kim Hormell Jones
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
After a brief two-hour postponement, competitors and the Race Committee faced the sub-zero temperatures and adapted to the ever-changing weather conditions. The shifty winds added an extra element of excitement to the day’s racing, especially when PRO Pat Heppert shortened the course from 1.2 to 1 mile after the fourth Silver race. With lead changes and tight roundings keeping the scoring team on their toes, the competition was as intense as ever.
Jody Kjoller emerged as the dominant force in the Silver fleet, securing victory in all four races. Meanwhile, Matt Struble won the first three races of the day in the Gold fleet, while Ron Sherry won the final race.
Looking ahead to today, the forecast promises more spring-like temperatures accompanied by a 10-15 mph south wind, setting the stage for another day of racing.
DAY 4, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024 UPDATE FROM THE RACE COMMITTEE 9 AM skippers meeting with 10 AM first race. Silver fleet races first. The wind will be form the south, so the starting line will be two miles from the launch. Please plan accordingly.
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