LATEST NEWS

Support Your Local Iceboat Swap Meet


In the world of ice sailing, Swap Meets are a cherished tradition. These gatherings offer more than just buying and selling; they’re a place to connect with other sailors. Find your first iceboat or that missing part for your project. Beyond the gear, swap meets are where the ice sailing community bonds. Meet fellow sailors, share stories, and form lasting connections. Here’s the list, starting from west to east.

MINNESOTA
Minnesota Iceboat Swap Meet
Hosted by: Tim Carlson and Sailcrafters Loft and Rigging
Date: Saturday, November 4
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: 7450 Oxford Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426
The annual iceboat swap meet is a great opportunity to buy and sell used iceboat gear. Or, maybe, just spend time meeting local iceboaters and asking questions about our sport. Anyone interested in iceboating is encouraged to attend. Thank you Sailcrafters ( https://sailcrafters.com/) for supporting the local iceboat community. Sailcrafters is an official UK Sails dealer, bringing world-class designs and manufacturing to the Midwest. It is a full-service loft known for its complete rigging services and for making and repairing mooring, traveling and/or storage covers. Tim Carlson can be reached at (952) 540-7474.

WISCONSIN
Menekaunee Iceboat Picnic & Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time:
Location: Menekaunee Harbor Park,  Ogden St, Marinette, WI 54143
Weather Permitting, complete Iceboats on exhibit. No charge to display or sell.
Buy, sell, upgrade or trade complete iceboats, parts. Upgrade your current rig. Enjoy the start of a new season, learn about iceboating. Everyone is welcome to attend. Commodore Jason Fifarek will be BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs. Food is free but this is a BYOB event, some water will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own.

Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet – Hosted by the Green Lake Ice Yacht Club, Green Lake, WI
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: Town Square Community Center, 492 Hill St., Green Lake, WI
The Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet is the perfect place to check out iceboats and components for sale. The Iceboat Swap Meet is a chance to meet and learn from experienced iceboaters who are more than willing to share their insights into the sport.
More information

Delavan Yacht Club Swap Meet – Hosted by the Delavan Yacht Club
Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Time: 10 – 2
Location:1501 Cedar Point Dr, Delavan, WI 53115

MICHIGAN
Western Michigan Ice Yacht Club Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Time: 9 – 1
Location: Richland Pub, 8253 N 32nd St, Richland, MI 49083

NEW ENGLAND
New England Ice Yachting Association Swap Meet & Lunch
Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023
Time: 10 AM
Location : Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
More information.

CANADA
Canadian Ice Force Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time: Noon – 4
Location: 470 Bay St. North, Hamilton, ON.
Buy, sell. Fast ice discussions. Burgers and beer. Bring your runners for sharpening. Let us know you are coming so that we have enough food. Reply to the Canadian Ice Force Facebook page or by email to Les at dldruiven@gmail.com. Park at the Leander Boat Club and walk up the path (about 50 meters).

Notice of Electronic Ballot for Specification Changes & EPIC Agreement Amendment

This is the announcement of a combined electronic ballot for members of IDNIYRA and IDNIYRA EU, although North American and European results will be available separately. There are two proposals on the ballot. Both proposals were approved for vote at the 2023 IDNIYRA Annual Governing Meeting. If you didn’t receive an electronic ballot, please check your spam folder first, and then contact secretary.idniyra@gmail.com


The election runs from October 3 – October 17, 2023.

1. PROPOSAL TO REVISE SPECIFICATIONS, SECTION A: FUSELAGE; SECTION B: RUNNER PLANK

Over the summer of 2022, the IDNIYRA Technical Committee held six online meetings to revise the wording of the Official IDNIYRA Specifications, specifically Section A (fuselage) and Section B (runner plank).

Class members in good standing are voting on the proposed changes that were published in the September 2022 Runner Tracks.
See the proposed changes here.

Their main goals were to
• Incorporate the Interpretations into Official Specifications.
• Rewrite for more user-friendly wording.
• Enrich each section with a measurement guide and measurement drawings.
• Consolidate fragmented sections.
• Eliminate loopholes and grey areas by giving more precise definitions.
• Maintain specifications.
IDNIYRA class members voted to bring the proposed changed to a class vote at the 2023 Annual Governing Meeting, held during the January 2023 World & North American Championship.

2. PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE EPIC AGREEMENT ARTICLE XI, ENFORCEMENT OF THE SPECIFICATIONS.

Amend EPIC Article XI 3. to read:
3. By an official ruling of the technical committee. Such official rulings shall prevail as supplements to the OFFICIAL SPECIFICATIONS unless and until voided by a simple majority of the membership. Proposals for such a vote will be initiated in the same way a Specification Change Proposal is made, except that a ruling that is voided will be voided immediately after a vote that overturns it.

Background: This proposal was approved for ballot at the 2023 IDNIYRA Annual Governing Meeting. Refer to the 2023 AGM minutes in February 2023 Runner Tracks for more information.

New Central Region Commodore & Regatta Schedule

Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson US5633 on Fort Peck Reservoir, Fort Peck, Montana, March 2020 PHOTO: gretchendorian.com

Join us in welcoming Peter Johanson US5633, as the new Central Region Commodore. (See a list of all Regional Commodores here.) Peter is the go-to contact for iceboating in Michigan or Ohio. He’s set the dates for the 2023 and 2024 Central Region regattas. In addition, the schedule for the North American and European DN regatta season is set, so it’s time to mark your calendar. You can always find the schedule on the Regatta Information page of this website. As always, except for the World, North American, and European Championships, regatta dates are dependent upon conditions and may change.

 

2023-2024 DN REGATTA SCHEDULE

  • 2023 WESTERN CHALLENGE – A non-ranking, unsanctioned, no-scoring fun regatta
    Dates: December 1 – 3, 2023
    Location:  Best ice in Minnesota
    Information: This website or iceboating.net
  • 2023 CENTRAL REGION CHAMPIONSHIP
    Date:
    December 2023, first available ice following the Western Challenge.
    Location: Michigan or Ohio
    Information: This website
  • 2024 WESTERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
    Dates: January 6-7, 2024
    Location:  MN, WI, IA, IL, UP of MI, or IN
    Information: This website
  • 2024 SENIOR SHUFFLE – A non-ranking, unsanctioned, fun regatta in the manner of the EU Grand Master Regatta. More information.
    Dates: January 8 – 10, three days after Western Region Championship
    Location: Same location as Western Region Championship
    Information: This website,  iceboat.org
  • 2024 CENTRAL REGION CHAMPIONSHIP
    Date: January 13 – 14, 2024
    Location: Best ice in Michigan or Ohio, TBA
    Information: This website
  • 2024 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & 2024 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
    Continental Ranking Regattas
    Date:
    February 3 – 10, 2024
    Host: Lithuania
    Location: Best ice in Europe
    Information: idniyra.eu
  • 2024 DN & ICE OPTIMIST JUNIOR WORLD & EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 
    Date: February 3 – 10, 2024 – In conjunction with the World & European Championship
    Host: Lithuania
    Location: Best ice in Europe
    Information: idniyra.eu
  • 2024 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
    A Continental Ranking Regatta
    Date: February 25 –  March 2, 2024
    Host: Eastern Lakes Region
    Information: This website
    Contact information: Deb Whitehorse
  • GRAND MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP
    Date: February 27 – February 29, 2024
    Host: Finland
    Location: Best ice in Finland or Sweden
    Information: DN Finland
  • EASTERN LAKES CHAMPIONSHIP
    Date: TBA
    Location: Best ice in the Eastern Region (see Regions map, it’s a big area)
    Information: This website, the NEIYA
  • CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
    Date: TBA
    Location: Best ice in Canada
    Information: This website
  • NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
    Date: TBA
    Location: Best ice in New England
    Information: NEIYA

Runner Tracks Newsletter September 2023

This issue offers insights from Robert Cummins US3433 on efficiently organizing and trailering your DN. 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.

IN THIS ISSUE

  • The Perfect DN Trailer by Robert Cummins
  • DN Quick Build by Deb Whitehorse with Commentary by Warren Nethercote
  • Traveling Trophy by Julie Jankowski

Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.

Expressing Gratitude

After the 2023 IDNIYRA World Championship, a group of participants took up a collection to recognize PRO Pat Heppert’s exceptional dedication. Daniel Hearn selected action shots of Pat, captured by Cathy Firmbach, and commissioned a company to create an awe-inspiring 3D photo montage.

Yesterday, Pat was presented with his gift at Daniel’s shop, where he joined a gathering of fellow ice sailors busy preparing Nite masts. During his visit, he also took the chance to organize the DN Western Region equipment, a significant portion of which had been generously contributed by retired PRO Dan Heaney. Pat will join us again for the North American Championship on February 25 – March 2, 2024.

2023 Minnesota Swap Meet: Nov 4 @ Sailcrafters

Getting the plank aligned.

A sure sign of ice, another Swap Meet is scheduled! Meet local DNers and find your next ride in the Minneapolis area.
MINNESOTA SWAP MEET
Hosted by Tim Carlson at Sailcrafters Loft and Rigging.
Date: Saturday, November 4.
Time: 9 AM – Noon CT
Location: 7450 Oxford Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55426

2023 Wisconsin Swap Meet Oct 22 @ Green Lake

2022 Swap Meet at Delavan Yacht Club

A swap meet is a great place to shop for DN iceboats and connect with the ice sailing community. The Green Lake Ice Yacht Club will host the annual Wisconsin Swap Meet on Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 9 AM to noon at the Town Square. More details will be forthcoming.

Stay tuned for swap meet dates from the Gull Lake Ice Yacht Club in Michigan, the New England Ice Yachting Association, and Sailcrafters in Minnesota.

Announcing the DN Senior Shuffle Regatta!

Announcing the DN Senior Shuffle Regatta!

It’s the first, maybe annual, no-running regatta for the “more seasoned” DN sailors. It will take place the three days following the Western Regional Championships, hopefully on the same ice.

TENTATIVE DATES

  • January 8 – 10, 2024, the three days after the DN Western Region Championship, which is scheduled for January 6 – 7.

WHO’S INVITED?

  • Open to Seniors (50-59), Masters (60-69) and Grand Masters (70+) who will race under Shuffle Rules with one start.
  • Open to “aspiring” Seniors (49 or younger) who will also race under Shuffle Rules with a separate start.

WHAT ARE THE SHUFFLE RULES?

  • No running. Not at the start. Not during a race. No track stars allowed in a Shuffle race!
  • Starting positions will be determined, in advance, by random draw for every race. No one is advantaged or disadvantaged with a starting position based on their previous race performance. It’s all luck of the draw.
  • Racers must start with one foot on their plank, and are limited to five kicks.
  • Racers must stay in their boats unless they come to a complete stop during a race. In that event, a racer will have one additional 5-kick opportunity to complete a race. A second stop is an automatic DNF.
  • No more than 4 races which count on any one day. Scrub racing may continue after official races for any who are interested.
    Maybe we’ll award prizes…maybe we won’t. But what we do know, is that this is all about fun and camaraderie.
  • Oh, yeah. And that means no protests. We’re going to race like a Wisconsin intersection. “You go. No, you go. Ohhhh, please, I insist der my friend. Oh, cripes, tanks, der good buddy!”

OTHER DETAILS

  • $50 registration fee to cover prizes and extras
  • All registration will be online. If you’re tech-challenged, ask a youngster for help.
  • Because we’re so green, race documents will only be published online.

EVENT CONTACTS

2024 Western Region Championship: January 6 – 7

Photo: Joe Berger

Mark your calendars for the 2024 DN Western Region Championship, a two day regatta sailed on the best ice in either Minnesota, Wisconsin, the UP of Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, or Indiana.
2024 DN Western Region Championship
Dates: January 6 – 7, 2024
Location: Best ice in the Western Region
Information: This website –  idniyra.org

 

2024 International Ranking List Published

2023 World Championship. Photo: Hannah Noll / Harken

2024IDNIYRA RANK LIST

Time to start Thinking Ice, the 2024 International Ranking list has been calculated and published. See it here. The rank list is used to seed regatta fleets at continental events. Thanks to Ann Foeller for her assistance.

From the IDNIYRA Regatta Management Agreement (RMA)
14. DN Split Fleet Ranking

The Continental Secretaries shall maintain a fleet ranking. This ranking shall be updated yearly and shall be published by October 15 using regatta results from the previous two GCs (Gold Cup), NACs (North American Championships), and ECs (European Championships). This ranking shall be the lessor of the following:

• Best finish in the Gold fleet in the previous two World Championships, North American Championships, and European Championships.
• 22 plus your best finish in the Silver fleet in the previous two WCs, NACs, and ECs.
• 40 plus your best finish in the Bronze fleet in the previous two WCs, NACs, and ECs.
• 58 plus your best finish in the Aluminum fleet in the previous two WCs, NACs, and ECs. In the event of equal ranking for more than one sailor, the ranking which is based on the most recent race result will be considered higher.

CURRENT CONTINENTAL RANKING REGATTAS
2020 North American Championship
2022 World Championship
2022 European Championship
2023 World Championship
2023 North American Championship
2023 European Championship

All corrections must be submitted to the respective Continental Secretary by November 15. The list will be final on December 1.

Questions about your rank? Please email secretary.idniyra@gmail.com

IDNIYRA 2023 Spring Ballot Results


Thank you to all who voted in the election. Here is a link to the results. 
See Runner Tracks February 2023 for proposals put forward at the Annual Governing Meeting. 

Election Results for 2023 IDNIYRA Spring Ballot

Started at: May 19, 2023 at 4:00pm
Finished at: June 2, 2023 at 4:00pm
Time zone: Central Time (US & Canada)

85 of 202 ballots cast.

1. Candidate: Commodore David Frost US5358
Yes – I approve the candidate: 84 votes 100.00%
No – I reject the candidate: 0 votes 0%

Yes – I approve the candidate wins with 100.00% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 84
Abstentions: 1

2. Candidate: Vice Commodore Rob Holman US3705
Yes – I approve the candidate: 83 votes 97.65%
No – I reject the candidate: 2 votes 2.35%

Yes – I approve the candidate wins with 97.65% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 85
Abstentions: 0

3. Candidate: Secretary Deb Whitehorse US2366
Yes – I approve the candidate: 84 votes 98.82%
No – I reject the candidate: 1 vote 1.18%

Yes – I approve the candidate wins with 98.82% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 85
Abstentions: 0

4. Candidate: Treasurer Deb Whitehorse US2366
Yes – I approve the candidate: 84 votes 98.82%
No – I reject the candidate: 1 vote 1.18%

Yes – I approve the candidate wins with 98.82% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 85
Abstentions: 0

5. Candidate: Past Commodore Robert Cummins US3433

Yes, I approve the candidate: 80 votes 97.56%
No, I reject the candidate: 0 votes 0%
Kent Baker: 1 vote 1.22%
Eric Anderson: 1 vote 1.22%

Yes, I approve the candidate wins with 97.56% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 82
Abstentions: 3

6. PROPOSAL TO CHANGE IDNIYRA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE VI AND ARTICLE XII – ELECTION & DUTIES OF OFFICERS & TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Yes: 72 votes 94.74%
No: 4 votes 5.26%

Yes wins with 94.74% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 76
Abstentions: 9

7.  PROPOSAL TO CHANGE IDNIYRA BY-LAWS GENERAL 1 – MEMBERSHIP DUES
Yes: 32 votes 46.38%
No: 37 votes 53.62%

No wins with 53.62% of the vote.
Votes tallied: 69
Abstentions: 16

THE DN ICE YACHT

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.

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