Sam Bartel US1011 pushes off at the start of the Gold Qualifier. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 DN World Championship Report Day 1, February 2, 2025
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
The Grinders of the Day award goes to Sam Bartel US1011, Guy Lovejoy US4638, and Rick Lemberg Jr. US4755 for their climb from the Bronze Fleet all the way to the Gold Fleet. Battling through two rounds of qualifiers is no easy task, but their determination earned them a spot in the top fleet.
The Gold Fleet Race 1 was a test of patience and finesse, as competitors had to rely on all their light-air sailing skills to navigate the course. Swedish sailor Oskar Svensson S714 proved to be the ultimate light-air assassin, taking first place in the only Gold Fleet race of the day.
Chris Teal US5285 claimed victory in the Bronze Fleet, and in Silver, Jeff Roseberry US5687 received top honors.
After the first Gold Fleet race, we waited for the wind to fill back in, allowing the Bronze Fleet to complete a second race. The wily veteran Chris Clark US4789 showed his experience and skill, winning Bronze Race 2.
The light air came out of the south/southwest today, creating a hazy and overcast day on Lake Winnebago. Looking ahead, tomorrow’s forecast predicts winds from the north at 5-15 mph, setting the stage for another intense day of competition.
Gold fleet race one was protested and after review, the protest committee ruled that the race stands.
The championship continues—stay tuned for more action from Lake Winnebago!
Photo Gallery Anna Suslova. See Anna’s Photo Gallery here (password is sail):world
The conductor starts the show.
Dideric Van Riemsdijk S867
Keith Schwark US5183 and Sam Bartel US1011
KA2 taking a break.
Oskar Svensson
Jacek Marzenski
PRO Pat Heppert starts a race.
Dogs like ice boating!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
The 2025 DN World Championship is officially underway on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin! Registration is complete, and sailors from around the world gathered for the opening ceremony and rules review. The rules review, led by PRO Pat Heppert and Bob Foeller, was well attended, providing valuable insights for competitors. The opening ceremony was a highlight, as all countries sang their national anthems.
With racing to begin tomorrow, most sailors took advantage of today’s conditions to train on Lake Winnebago, testing their setups and getting a feel for the ice. Expect a highly competitive start as everyone looks to dial in their speed.
How the Qualifiers Work
Racing begins tomorrow, February 2, with the qualifiers, where competitors will compete in the top fleets. Here’s how it works:
The Bronze Fleet starts first, with the top 12 finishers advancing to the Silver Fleet.
The top 12 in Silver will then move up to the Gold Fleet.
The competitor who finishes 13th in Bronze or Silver actually wins that fleet, while the top 12 move on.
A special thanks to the Friendship Fishing Club for their hard work maintaining the bridges ensuring access to the racecourse.
2024 DN World Championship on the Baltic Sea in Parnu, Estonia. Photo: Gilles Morelle
Since 1973, the DN World Championship has alternated between Europe and North America, bringing together the fastest ice sailors in the world. This year, the championship returns to North America, hosted by the Central Region under the direction of Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson of Michigan.
The location has been confirmed: the 2025 DN World Championship will be held on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Racing begins Sunday, February 2nd, and runs through Saturday, February 8th.
The Biggest Ice Sailing Regatta of the Season
With over 100 competitors registered, the 2025 DN World Championship is officially the largest ice sailing regatta of the season—unsurprising, given that the DN is the most popular iceboat in the world. This year’s fleet is stacked with talent from across the globe, including sailors from Canada, Sweden, Germany, and Estonia, alongside the powerhouse fleets from the U.S. and Poland.
The Great Eight: A Combined 29 World Titles
UPDATE: The competition at the 2025 DN World Championship just got even tougher—Jeff Kent (USA), a former DN World Champion, has officially registered, bringing the total number of past champions in the fleet to eight.
Kent, a well-respected veteran of the sport, adds even more depth to an already stacked lineup.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s event will feature the Magnificent 7—seven former DN World Champions who have collectively won 28 DN World Championship titles. This elite group includes two American champions from Michigan and San Diego and five from Poland, including the reigning World Champion, Michał Burczyński.
The Champions’ Roll Call (29 Titles Total):
Karol Jabłoński (POL) – 12-time World Champion
Ron Sherry (USA) – 5-time World Champion
Matt Struble (USA) – 4-time World Champion
Michał Burczyński (POL) – 3-time World Champion (and reigning champion)
Tomasz Zakrzewski (POL) – 2-time World Champion
Łukasz Zakrzewski (POL) – 1-time World Champion
Robert Graczyk (POL) – 1-time World Champion
Jeff Kent (USA) – 1-time World Champion
27 of the World’s Top 10 Ranked Sailors
The 2025 DN World Championship will showcase intense competition, featuring 27 sailors who have ranked in the top 10 internationally. These rankings reflect years of elite racing experience, and with so many top contenders in the mix, the battle for the title is guaranteed to be fierce. Beyond the veterans, ranked third in the world, Estonian sailor Joonas Kiisler (EST) is a rising star in the DN class. Kiisler secured a third-place finish at last year’s DN Worlds in Estonia. As he continues to climb the ranks, he will challenge the champions and fight for a spot on the podium once again—this time on North American ice.
Three Fleets, One Ultimate Prize
The DN World Championship is divided into three fleets—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—ensuring competitive racing at every level. Silver and Bronze fleet sailors will have their own exciting races, but as a bonus, they’ll get to witness the intense competition in Gold Fleet, where the top-ranked sailors will go head-to-head in pursuit of the championship title.
Wisconsin’s Ice is Ready for the Challenge
The venue has been determined, and Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is set to host the biggest showdown of the season. Ice checkers have confirmed miles of race-ready ice, and the lake has already hosted three major regattas this season.
With over 100 competitors, seven world champions, 28 combined world titles, and 27 top-ranked international sailors, the 2025 DN World Championship is shaping up to be one for the history books.
The countdown is on—see you on the ice!
How to Follow the 2025 DN World Championship
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
Via IDNIYRA Central Region Commodore Pete Johanson
Attention competitors! The 2025 DN World Championships site will be on Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, WI. The backup site is Lake Monona, Madison, WI. Launch is: Public launch off Cemetery Rd and Highway 45, north of Fond Du Lac.
NOTE: We will be driving and parking on the ice. Boats will be set up in front of our vehicles—diagrams to come.
Stand by for hotel information.
The event kicks off Saturday, February 1: Packet picks up 3-5, followed by opening ceremonies and a rules seminar.
Travel safe!
Sincerely,
Pete Johanson US 5633
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 IDNIYRA World and North American Championship Dates: Racing on February 2 – 8
Saturday, February 1, 2025, Gold Cup World Championship – mandatory Check-In for competitors 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm local time. Late registration is on-line only and will close at 5:00 pm local time. No in-person registration is permitted at check-in. Opening ceremony at 5:30 with Racing Rules Review to follow. Location: Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Launch: Foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac.
LAUNCH INFO: All competitors should note the following important details for launching at Cemetery Road:
No street parking is allowed on Cemetery Road. All vehicles must be parked on the ice.
Access the launch site by proceeding to the green metal bridge to safely cross the heave.
After crossing, drive south (right) parallel to the heave to reach the designated parking area.
Be mindful of spacing when parking. Do not park cars too close together—maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
Set up your DN directly in front of your car to keep the launch area organized and accessible for everyone.
Helpful diagram to come.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and efficient launch for all competitors. LODGING:
Regatta Headquarters: Radisson Fond du Lac $95 Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19206384175 Booking Link There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
Holiday Inn Express Fond Du Lac Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
55 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19203220460 Booking Link There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
Comfort Inn and Suites $82 Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
77 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19209331159 Booking Link There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:| Saturday, February 1 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Check-In at Radisson Fond Du Lac (Lobby)
Pick up your regatta packets, stickers, and shirts. 5:00 PM: Opening Ceremony (Pool Area) Rules Review: Immediately following the ceremony (Pool Area)
Sunday, February 2 9:00 AM: Skippers Meeting 10:00 AM: First Race
Tuesday, February 4 7:00 PM: Banquet – Order off Menu and pay individually.
Location: Sunset On the Water
N7364 Winnebago Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Greetings DN racers,
Welcome to the 2025 World and North American Championships hosted by the Central Region. Only 6 days to the start of racing, and the regatta crew and scouts have been hard at work finding a suitable location for the event. We know everyone is anxious to start making travel plans so I wanted to update everyone on current thoughts.
At this time, we are focusing on ice in Wisconsin, specifically Lakes Winnebago and Monona. We are fortunate to have many options and are watching back up locations in Minnesota, Indiana and Detroit. Scouts and Volunteers have already spent hours of time and miles of driving scouting ice in Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire… So please!- when you run across someone who scouted ice for us, give them a big thank you!
Stay tuned. The next update will be Wednesday night, January 29, with the final confirmation for the location.
Drive safe and sail fast!
Sincerely,
Pete Johanson US5633
Central Region Commodore
US Sailing – Event Recap: 2025 DN Eastern Regional Championship Posted on January 22, 2025 at 11:19 AM by Abigail Shanahan Results
The 2025 DN Eastern Regional Championship, held this past weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, New Hampshire, was an exhilarating event showcasing the rapid growth and excitement surrounding ice sailing. The inaugural championship for the DN class, the most popular iceboat in the world, drew the ice-sailing community from across New England to compete for the title of Eastern Regional Champion. Continue reading.
The DN is most popular iceboat in the world. Whether you are a racer or cruiser, your $25 membership in the IDNIYRA helps to promote the art and skill of DN ice yacht construction and the sport of ice yachting on all the hard waters of the world.
