by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 30, 2025 | 2025, 2025 DN GOLD CUP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, Home Page
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:
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 29, 2025 | 2025, 2025 DN GOLD CUP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, Home Page
Photo: gretchendorian.com
REGISTER
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
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 27, 2025 | 2025, 2025 DN GOLD CUP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, Home Page
Spot the DNs! Northwest Regatta on Lake Winnebago, January 25, 205. Photo Jim Stevenson
2025 World Championship & North American Regatta Home Page
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
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 23, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
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.
See more photos and videos here.
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 22, 2025 | 2025, 2025 DN GOLD CUP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, Home Page
2025 WORLDS HOME PAGE
We’re gearing up for an exciting DN World Championship! Here’s what you need to know about registration, check-in, the opening ceremony, and the racing rules review:
Registration
- Registration is ONLINE ONLY and must be completed by the deadline of 5 PM local time, February 1, 2025.
- Late registration will also be online and closes at 5 PM local time.
- No in-person registration is permitted at check-in.
- Not registered yet? Register here.
Mandatory Check-In
- Gold Cup World Championship mandatory check-in for competitors will take place on February 1, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time.
- The location for check-in will be listed on the IDNIYRA website.
- During check-in, all registered competitors will pick up their packets, including their stickers.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will follow check-in, officially kicking off the championship and welcoming all participants.
Racing Rules Review
After the ceremony, a Racing Rules Review seminar will be held. Attendance is voluntary, but we encourage all sailors to join and brush up on the rules.
Note: The location for registration, the opening ceremonies, and the rules review will be announced closer to the event date, based on where we will be sailing.
We look forward to seeing everyone there—let’s make it a great championship!
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 17, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
gretchendorian.com
RESULTS
For the latest updates on the Eastern Region Championship, please follow NEIYA.org.
Via Eastern Region Commodore James T Thieler US5224
Hey Folks!
We are gonna give it a shot this weekend; DN Eastern Champs are ON!
Sailing out of Ellacoya State Park in Gilford NH.
Details to follow but arrive early, unload and keep your car away from the ramp.
All DNs welcome; an award will be given for the best finish in the least up to date boat so don’t shy away if your gear has a few years on it….
Only requirements are a legal DN, a THOROUGH knowledge of the racing rules, and proof of $300K liability insurance. No exceptions!
Skippers meeting at 9:30AM at the launch area.
Stay tuned to the New England Ice Yachting Association and the IDNIYRA sites for details.
See y’all tomorrow!
T
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 DN Eastern Region Championship
Date: January 18 – 19
Location: Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire
Launch:
Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Dr, Gilford, NH 03249
Map
Lodging:
Fireside Inn & Suites
17 Harris Shore Road RT 11 & RT, B Lake Shore Rd #11,
Gilford, NH 03249
+16032937526
