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DN World Championship – Day 2 Report
Day 2 of the DN World Championship. Photo: Anna Suslova
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
Racing began right on time at 10 AM, with the fleet launching into a full day of competition. Fifteen races later, the day finished on the Bronze Fleets final race, leaving just two more races on Tuesday to determine the Silver and Gold Fleet champions.
Today brought a new set of conditions—colder than yesterday, still overcast, but this time with steady wind. That’s the mark of a well-rounded regatta: different challenges each day. As forecasted, the north wind held at 12-15 mph, providing consistent racing. A few course adjustments were needed, but they were made quickly to keep the races running smoothly. We sailed until the last possible moment to make the most of the day.
The ice was harder than yesterday and not as wet but still soft, with better grip than one week ago at the Northwest Regatta. Sailors adjusted well, leading to tight, competitive racing.
Standout Performances of the Day
- Dideric van Riemsdijk S867 dominated the Bronze Fleet, taking bullets in every race.
- Daniel Hearn US5352 was untouchable in the Silver Fleet, winning each race.
- The Gold Fleet delivered intense battles, with Matt Struble US183 and Lukasz Zakrzewski P155 going head-to-head in every race, pushing each other to the limit.
With one more Gold Fleet race left on Tuesday, it all comes down to the final showdown. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
DN World Championship Day 3 – Tuesday, February 4 – Schedule
- 9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
- 10:00 AM – First Race Silver Fleet 7, followed by Gold Fleet 7
- 7:00 PM – World Championship Banquet, awards, and raffle at Sunset on the Water
(Dinner is ordered off the menu, and each guest will pay individually.)
The final races will decide the Silver and Gold Fleet champions—stay tuned for the action!
DN North American Championship: What to Know for Tuesday, February 4
- Online registration closes at 5 PM. Link here
- Packet pick-up goes from 3 – 5 PM at Regatta Headquarters – Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
- North American Championship First day of racing: Wednesday, February 5
More updates are coming soon—stay tuned!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 2 – Photo Gallery by Anna Suslova – Gallery Link Password: sail
DN World Championship: Day 1 PM Update
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
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Competitor Lists & Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World Championship Kicks Off in Fond du Lac
Opening Ceremony. Photo: Anna Suslova
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.
Check out the starting lineups for tomorrow’s qualifiers here: https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025-DN-WORLD-CUP.htm?
Stay tuned for race updates and live coverage from the starting line!
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.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Competitor Lists & Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
The 2025 DN World Championship: A Battle of Legends on Ice
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.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Competitor Lists & Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World & North American Championship Called ON for Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, WI
Photo: gretchendorian.com
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
2025 World & North Americans Update: Primary Focus is Wisconsin
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
Event Recap: 2025 DN Eastern Regional Championship
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.
Iceboat Racing Rules Review at the 2025 DN World Championship
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!
2025 Eastern Region Championship ON for Lake Winnipesaukee in NH Jan 18 – 19
gretchendorian.com
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
2025 Canadian Championship Recap & Results
Yvan Desy, Les Druiven, John Curtis, Robin Lagraviere, Peter Van Rossem Sr., Jacek Marzenski
Via Mike Druiven
The 2025 DN Canadian Championship regatta this past weekend on Hay Bay, Napanee, Ontario started Saturday without enough wind to sail until 1pm. In very light winds the field managed 3 races before a wind shift shut down racing for the day. On Sunday we waited for wind until noon with no breeze transpiring and no wind in the forecast. The regatta was concluded with the minimum 3 races achieved. Congratulations to Robin Lagraviere 5629 for taking home the Canadian trophy. The results page is here: https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025-DN-Canadian-Championship.htm
Thanks to Peter Van Rossem Sr. 2766, John Curtis 5514 and Jim Foster 5515 for scouting the region during the prior week, setting the course and Jacek Marzenski 5247 helping with marking hazards. The regatta races were managed by Mike Druiven 5992. Peter Van Rossem Sr. 2766 and John Curtis 5514 managed safety. Thank you to our volunteer scorers/starters Sue Fraser, Roger Bowes, Ali Meller and Jim Foster. Thank you to Lana Butler and Kathleen Curtis for handling registration and Deb Whitehorse for posting our results.
2025 DN Western Region Recap
RESULTS
DN sailors gathered on the big ice of Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, for the two-day Western Region Championship. Sailors from Lake Minnetonka, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania joined the action.
This year’s regatta highlighted family connections, with father-son teams David and Matthew Kickhafer and David and Cooper Frost, as well as father-daughter duo John and Maggie McGary, all competing together.
Lake Winnebago is famous for being home to the majestic stern steerers, and it was a real treat to see the ROSEMARY and FLYING DUTCHMEN sailing around during the regatta.
The launch site was ideal, conveniently located next to Sunset on the Water, a bar and restaurant—similar to Minnesota’s 2024 Western Region Championship. Coming off the ice for a hot lunch and a beverage made the weekend even better.
On Saturday, the weather tested both sailors and the race committee. The forecast predicted light winds, and while conditions were tricky, PRO Pat Heppert set up a race course about two miles from the launch. With the help of Dan from the Fond du Lac Yacht Club and Greg Mulliet from Michigan, the race committee ran an efficient and well-organized event. Special thanks to Fred Stritt, who monitored the weather mark and ensured the racing went smoothly—we all greatly appreciated it!
The light breeze on Saturday allowed for two Silver Fleet races and one Gold Fleet race before the wind completely died. The scene at the launch that day was busy, with motorcycles and quads tearing around a track nearby, adding an unusual backdrop to the regatta. There were also powered paragliders flying overhead, adding to the spectacle.
A large group gathered for dinner at The Sunset to catch up on the day’s sailing. The evening was made even more special by the surprise appearance of Anja Fiedler and Holger Petzke, who traveled from Germany and are here for the 2025 World Championship.
Sunday brought a dramatic change in weather, with enough breeze to keep everyone moving. However, freezing rain presented a new challenge, making visibility difficult. The decision was made to complete two more Gold Fleet races and one Silver Fleet race to wrap up the regatta.
Many thanks to Ann Foeller who tabulated scores from our satellite office in Toledo, Ohio.
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