LATEST NEWS
2023 Central Region Championship Update #3
Via IDNIYRA Central Lakes Commodore Pete Johanson
Centrals Update:
Hi all here is the latest update for the last chance at 2023 Central Region Championship.
-Ice has been found and sailed by ranked sailors last week, Lake Manistee in Kalkaska, Michigan (FYI-there are 2 Lake Manistees.)
-The lake is small, so to run a regatta we would have 2-3 fleets depending on how many boats show up. I personally believe in smaller fleets for safety, and thereby increasing quality of racing.
-Parking at launch is limited and will require cooperation.
-WEATHER is not cooperating this week, warm weather and rain, may ruin our fun.Stand by, the lake will be checked later this week, and if possible it will be sailed on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Will make regatta call on Thursday night. Next update will be Thursday, December 28, 2023.
Thank you for your patience,
Pete Johanson US5633
The Schmidt Family Ice Optimist Project
Dust collection tech Robin Schmidt readying his Ice Optimist for some clear coat.
Western Region DNer Matt Schmidt US5536 shares some family Ice Optimist news
My youngest Robin (4 1/2) is helping get his Ice Optimist ready for the first freeze! We were given an unfinished hull a few weeks ago and scrambled to build a plank and sort out steering gear. The second clear coat is on tonight. Hoping that he, his brother Caleb (7), and sister Sarah (7) will put it to good use!
Hoping for ice in Pewaukee,
Matt
In case you didn’t know, Ice Optimists were created specifically as a youth trainer, designed to be easy to build using commonly available materials and to keep costs minimal. It uses a standard Optimist dinghy sail plan (hence the name), so youth sailors can use much of the same equipment in summer and winter if they sail/race in both seasons. Learn more about Ice Optimists and the DN Youth program from our North American Junior Sailing Program Director, Sam Bartel.srbartel4@gmail.com
2024 Western Region Championship Notice of Race
Photo: Kevin Barta
2024 WESTERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTICE OF RACE – Click here to download NOR pdf
Dates: January 6 – 7, 2024
Location: The primary site is within the North American Western Region. (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, UP of Michigan, Wisconsin)
Stay tuned to this website for further announcements.
2023 Central Region Regatta Update #2
Photo: Kevin Barta
Via Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson US5633
No sailable ice for centrals, regatta postponed. Last chance for 2023 is 12/30-12/31.
Next update 12/26.
Keep your runners sharp!
Pete
Runner Tracks Newsletter December 2023
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
December 2023
It’s time to reveal the December edition of Runner Tracks and revisit the Western Challenge to discover why this event is one of the best in the world of ice sailing. There’s also a nice surprise photospread at the end from Michigan DNer and photographer Chris Clark US4789.
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.
RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS:
Flipbook Magazine
Download pdf file (best for tablets)
Download single page pdf (best for phones)
IN THIS ISSUE
- The Revival of Junior Iceboating in North America by Sam Bartel
- DN Costing Thoughts by Warren Nethercote and Bob Cummins
- Western Challenge: One of the best by Mike Bloom
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
Relive the 2023 Western Challenge
Relive last weekend’s Western Challenge on Lake Christina, Ashby, MN with an hour-long video from our friend John at Cool Videos and a photo gallery by Kevin Barta.
2024 IDNIYRA Yearbook
The 2024 IDNIYRA Yearbook is now available for purchase in print format. A pdf version without the member lists is posted online. The IDNIYRA Yearbook contains a wealth of information. In its over 300 pages, you can find regatta history, a record of class officers, Official DN Specifications, our governing documents, and much more. Those who have ordered a printed yearbook will receive it in the mail in the next few weeks.
BUY A YEARBOOK
Order an official DN class printed yearbook. Chock full of information including class history, governing, specifications, and more.
Order a Yearbook: $20
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL
ORDER A YEARBOOK: $20
YEARBOOK SPONSORS:
- Composite Concepts
- Red Wolf – DN-Parts.com
- Moore Brother Company/CSI Composite Solutions
- 1D Sails
- Hale Performance Coatings
- RKR Composites
- Toledo Ice Yacht Club
- Ullman Sails Detroit
From the Yearbook:
EARLY HISTORY OF THE IDNIYRAOn February 21 and 22, 1953 the Detroit Ice Yacht Club sponsored a regatta to bring the DN skippers together to help form an association. A meeting of the skippers was held at this regatta and two representatives from each club present were chosen to outline a constitution for the association. North Star Sail Club was represented by John Liston and Fred Kagel; Anchor Bay Ice Yacht Club by Tom King and A. J. Walker; Detroit Ice Yacht Club by William Sarns and Clifford Cartwright. The representatives met at the home of the Cartwrights the following Sunday afternoon and briefly outlined a constitution. William Sarns was elected to serve as temporary secretary and to compose the constitution. The secretary prepared a constitution and sent out copies to the representatives in the following fall. They were returned to the secretary along with desired changes. The changes that the majority wanted were incorporated and 200 copies were printed. A copy was sent out to each individual who attended the first regatta and others who were interested. On January 17, 1954 the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association passed a resolution that they would accept the DN Association’s specifications for their DN races which are now included in their annual regatta.
On January 7, 1954 the North Star Sail Club offered to be host for the annual regatta. There were no other offers so theirs was accepted. Sixty-two programs were sent out on February 1 for the regatta scheduled for February 20 and 21. On February 19 the regatta was transferred to Cass Lake because of poor ice at the North Star Club House on Lake St. Clair. The
first five DN’s in this regatta were: (1) Jack Moran, (2) Skip Boston, (3) Paul Eggert, (4) Bill Sporer, and (5) Bill Sarns.
2023 Central Region Regatta Update
Ice Optimist at the Western Challenge on Lake Christina in MN. Photo: Kevin Barta
Via Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson US5633
There is no sailable ice for the 2023 Central Region Championship. The regatta is postponed. Next update will be on December 12, 2023.
Ice Boats, Ashby MN. December 2 2023
Thanks, John, of Cool Videos for checking out the Western Challenge.
2023 DN Western Challenge Called ON – Primary Site: Lake Christina in MN
Final Confirmation
Western Challenge – A non-sanctioned fun-regatta, no scoring.
Date: December 1 – 3, 2023
Primary Site: Lake Christina, Ashby MN
Via Mike Miller on Minnesota Iceboaters Facebook Page:
Christina comes thru again! Quality ice big enough for a proper course. The Great Western Challenge will be sailed here December 1-3. Our buddy land-owner has again offered his property for the launch site. Please do not park in the coned off space. 2 walkways to carry on the lake are there.LODGING
3 selected lodging options all with an iceboaters deal.
1. Battle Lake Inn $119 double Queen room or Single Queen. If you book online as they prefer, discount will be applied at check in. 20 miles from launch site. 218-862-2500.2. Bonnie Beach Resort 3 BR newer cabins on Clitheral Lake, near Battle Lake. Full kitchen 2 Bath cabins. 18 miles from launch site. $207 1-4 persons $270 5-6 persons . Must bring own bath and kitchen towels. 218-864-5534
3. Ashby Resort & Motel $120 2 beds and kitchenette. $100 1 Bed plus sofa sleeper. 5 miles from launch on Pelican Lake. 218-747-2959.
Numerous other lodging options in Alexandria or Fergus Falls
DN Junior Sailing Director Sam Bartel’s Presentation for Junior Iceboaters
Junior Sailing Page
Our new Director of Junior Sailing, Sam Bartel US1011, has created an engaging and informative slideshow tailored for potential junior ice boaters.
Don’t miss Sam Bartel’s informative presentation, whether you’re a novice, a supportive parent of an iceboater, or a seasoned veteran. Sam has already generated interest among junior sailors who are ready to try iceboating at the Western Challenge.
Current Newsletter
DN VIDEOS
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- main lake sailed Minnetonka December 31, 2024
New England Ice Yacht Association
- Quaboag & Webster Status February 4, 2025