What media do you pull up on your mobile device when the subject of DN sailing comes up with someone who wants to know more about our sport? Now you can start with the landing page of dniceboat.org for the most exciting videos, best photography, and radical DN mast bend photos to convert the curious into DN sailors.
The DN Class comprises two continental organizations: the IDNIYRA (North America) and IDNIYRA Europe. Both organizations have developed a new world portal website, dniceboat.org, to showcase our sport’s best videos, and photos that are easily accessible on the front page. Our photographers and videographers best tell the story of DN sailing, and we are indebted to them for sharing their work with us.
International class members and those interested in DN sailing will find common governing documents, contact information, regatta information, results, and more on the portal.
The menu is simple, with four links, to Class Information, the continental websites, and contact information. DN CLASS INFORMATION DN EUROPE DN NORTH AMERICA CONTACT
We will update Specifications and Interpretations changes on the world portal as soon as they come into effect, more efficient than waiting for the class Yearbook to be published months after the change. In addition, we’ve combined the Specifications and Interpretations so that they are on the same page.
dniceboat.org is a portal to idniyra.org and idniyra.eu, which will continue to keep members informed of their specific continental affairs.
IDNIYRA Governing Committee Comments on the 2021 Technical Ballot
There are three questions on the Autumn 2021 IDNIYRA Technical Ballot. The two continental Governing Committees have views on the three proposals being presented to the members.
The first question seeks approval for a 25% increase in the maximum size of windows in the DN sail. It permits, but does not require larger windows. The potential safety benefits of larger windows are obvious and both the IDNIYRA Governing Committee and the European National Secretaries support the proposal and recommend its approval.
The second question introduces a requirement for a break away feature in the steering post head as a safety feature. The proposal includes neither a grandfathering clause nor a phase in schedule so if the proposal is approved, all DNs will require a steering post with break away capability for the 2023 season. The European National Secretaries support the proposal. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee is concerned about the lack of commercial availability of a break away steering post head, notes that modifying the ubiquitous Sarns steering post head to that end may not be feasible, and cannot recommend approval at this time.
The third question proposes making DN hull numbers optional rather than obligatory. The European National Secretaries, who originally proposed obligatory numbers, oppose the change. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee supports the proposal because the numbers do not appear to have contributed to safety or race management as originally intended.
John Atkins sets the starting line. Photo: Catherine Firmbach
This is the announcement of a combined ballot for members of IDNIYRA and IDNIYRA EU, although North American and European results will be available separately.
North American IDNIYRA members were sent a test email this morning (4 October) to check email addresses. If you did not receive the test email, please check your spam folder. If you didn’t receive the test email, please contact secretary.idniyra@gmail.com.
At their Spring 2020 meeting, the IDNIYRA EU National Secretaries supported sending six measures to a ballot of the members. [See September 2020 Runner Tracks.] Three of the six were voted upon in November 2020. Further work was required on the other proposed changes to the Official Specifications, and two of them have been reviewed by the Technical Committee and submitted for the fall 2021 ballot. The third proposal was submitted by Chad Atkins US4487. [See December 2020 Runner Tracks.]
The three proposals to change the Specifications are:
1. Changing G.14 Sail Window size. Current: G14. A window in the sail is required. The window may be any shape and placed in several sections. English Metric Area (sq. in. and sq. cm.) Max Min Max Min 1000 100 6452 645 Change to: G14. A window in the sail is required. The window may be any shape and placed in several sections. English Metric Area (sq. in. and sq. cm.) Max Min Max Min 1250 100 8064.5 645 Reasoning: “A 25% increase in maximum window size would give the opportunity to greatly reduce blind-spots between the mast and in front of the sail window without sacrificing the running window. With increased forward visibility when the rig is bent out and the sail is set low on the mast, our sport would be significantly safer.”
2. Adding I. Fittings Steering-Post Head Break-Away Requirement Current: None Add: I. Fittings: The steering post head shall incorporate a safety feature to release the tiller forward upon impact to the skipper’s body. Reasoning: “One of the most dangerous situations in case of an accident is when the skipper falls on the tiller. Even with helmets it can poke or puncture many parts of the head or upper body during a crash or a sudden stop. Unfortunately, there have been accidents in the last few seasons in which the lack of this feature proved to cause several horrific injuries that could have been easily avoided. The forward-open steering post-head is a widely used solution in the DN class but currently only on a voluntary basis. A “safety slot” or other mandatory solution that would allow the tiller to fall out on a harder strike or impact has proven to save skippers from these kinds of injuries and would make our sport significantly safer.”
3. Changing A30 National Letter and Sail Number Current: A30. National letter and sail number shall be affixed to each side of the fuselage below the mast stepping point. Color shall contrast with the fuselage and each letter and number shall be a minimum of 5.5 inches (140 mm) high and 0.7874 inches (20 mm) wide Change to: A30. National letter and sail number is optional and may be affixed to each side of the fuselage below the mast stepping point. If a national sail letter and sail number are affixed to the fuselage, the color shall contrast with the fuselage and the recommended size of each letter and number is 5.5 inches (140 mm) high and 0.79 inches (20 mm) wide. National letters and sail numbers affixed to the fuselage should match those on the sails, except for boats loaned or chartered for a regatta. Reasoning: “Scorers and Race Committee personnel do not use these hull identification graphics very often for lap management, scoring or collision assessment as originally intended. Also as we saw at the 2019 G C Rule A30 currently makes lending equipment to sailors more difficult with possible SI amendments needed from the OA. The proposed number sizing is ‘recommended’ so that variances in size of optional numbers would not be subject to protest.”
Members of IDNIYRA and IDNIYRA EU who were in good standing as of 1 September 2021 are eligible to vote and can expect to receive an electronic ballot invitation at their email address on file with IDNIYRA or IDNIYRA EU. The ballot will be open from 1200 Central time, 7 October 2021 to 1200 Central time, 21 October 2021. To pass, a proposal must receive at least 2/3rds yes votes. Any measures passed will come into effect on 31 May 2022.
Iceboat swap meets are a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the sport, buy your first DN, or upgrade your equipment. From Minnesota to Connecticut, there’s a swap meet near you.
NEW ENGLAND: Thompson, CT, Saturday, October 23, 2021 10 AM
Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277 MAP
Go fast ice time is coming and our annual meeting and banquette is on for Saturday October 23rd. What more fitting place for speed seekers than a race track? The NEIYA is made up of the people and the history we share, camaraderie, fellowship, spirited competition, and sailing together. Come out and welcome in the upcoming 2022 Season. The NEIYA annual meeting has been going on for four decades. It is a gather of new and experienced ice boaters, a great place to buy or sell equipment and catch up with old friends and make new one. MORE INFORMATION
WISCONSIN: Madison, Sunday, October 31, 2021 9 AM – Noon MAP The 4LIYC is sponsoring the southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet this year at Daniel Hearn’s office on October 31 from 9:00 – noon. Company name is Stephan & Brady Strategic Marketing; address is 1352 E. Wilson St., Madison. Hoping for nice weather, so we can open up the overhead doors. Food and beverages will be served. There is no charge for participating. This is the day to swap, buy, or sell new and used iceboats and misc. equipment. Boat builders & hardware manufacturers will display new products. For more info, email debwhitehorse@iceboat.org
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club
36th Annual Southern Wisconsin Swap Meet (founded by the Skeeter Iceboat Club of Lake Geneva, WI)
Date: Sunday, October 31, 2021
Time 9:00 to Noon
Location: 1352 E. Wilson St. Madison, WI MORE INFORMATION
MICHIGAN: Muskegon Yacht Club, Saturday, November 6, 2021 9 AM – 2 PM 3198 Edgewater St, Muskegon, MI 49441 MAP
ANNUAL COMBINED SWAP MEET
West Michigan Ice Yacht Club
Gull Lake Ice Yacht Club
Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club
This year its at the Muskegon Yacht Club, Muskegon, Michigan.
Every year since 1975, winter sailors from throughout the Midwest converge on November’s first Saturday to kick off the new season.
Complete Iceboats on exhibit…. see some current day and historical iceboats. Lunch is available for a small fee with tickets for the raffle of iceboat needed parts and useful seasonal items for the sport. The lunch buffet is provided by the main kitchen of the Muskegon Yacht Club Buy, sell, or trade complete iceboats, parts, or upgrade your current rig. Enjoy the start of a new season, learn about iceboating.
MINNESOTA: St. Louis Park, Saturday, November 6, 2021 9 AM – 1 PM MAP
Tim Carlson at Sailcrafters ((952)540-7474) is hosting his annual Iceboat Swap meet on Nov 6, 2021. You can expect to see all types of iceboats and all types used gear. If you are new to iceboating, this is the perfect place to meet local sailors and check out used equipment. Sailcrafters is located in St Louis Park at 7450 Oxford Street. Doors open from 9 am to 1 pm. If you are looking for new gear, Tim caters to the local iceboat community and can provide new sails, stays, line and everything in-between.
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
September 2021
The 21-22 season is starting to rev up. This month’s newsletter will inspire you to get those runner sharpened for December’s first ice. IDNIYRA and IDNIYRA Europe have combined forces with a new website, dniceboat.org, a portal that will host information common to both continents. The website is also designed to attract new DN sailors and sponsors with the best video and photos that tell the DN story. Thanks to our sponsors for supporting the class and making Runner Tracks possible.
DN class members have been doing a lot of ice thinking this summer. Brian and brother Bruce Jones are making dust, mixing glue, and giving their clamps a work-out while building 2 DN hulls in steamy Florida. The IDNIYRA Facebook community has been following along, asking questions, and giving suggestions.
DNer Mike Miller has been dreaming of Minnesota’s Lake Christina, site of many Western Challenges, the first unofficial DN gathering of the season. Mike posted a short video from Lake Christina on the IDNIYRA Facebook page, reminding us what’s “coming soon.” I can’t embed it, so here’s one from Jim McDonagh US5213.
This website has a new page, the Runner Tracks Library, where you can see all the covers of our class newsletter since it went electronic in 2013. Runner Tracks Library
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.
