LATEST NEWS
Notice of Race: 2025 DN Central Region Championship Tentatively Called ON
NOTICE OF RACE Revised January 3, 2025
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Via Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson
The 2025 DN Central Region Championship has been tentatively called ON for Houghton Lake in Michigan January 4 – 5. Melting snow combined with colder temperatures forecasted for Tuesday night onward may create sailable ice. Houghton Lake will be scouted on Wednesday and sailed on Thursday to confirm conditions.
Final confirmation will be posted on idniyra.org Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Note: If the 2025 Central Region Championship is called ON, the 2025 Western Region Championship will be postponed.
Update on January 4–5 Western & Central Region Regattas
2013 Central Region Championship. Photo: Catherine E. Firmbach
The IDNIYRA Western and Central Regions are closely coordinating efforts to plan their respective 2025 championships. Both regions are currently evaluating ice conditions following a stretch of warm weather and are targeting the same weekend, January 4–5, for their events.
THE CURRENT SITUATION
- Western Region: Several lakes may have promising ice conditions, but scouting cannot begin until colder temperatures return midweek.
- Central Region: The Central Region is focusing on Houghton Lake in Michigan as their primary venue.
Snowfall followed by recent warm weather has affected ice quality across both regions. Fortunately, melting snow combined with colder temperatures forecasted for Tuesday night onward may create sailable ice. Both regions will conduct detailed scouting and testing on Wednesday and Thursday to confirm conditions.
COORDINATED PLANNING FOR JANUARY 4-5
In the spirit of collaboration and ensuring the best turnout for sailors, the Western and Central Region Commodores and IDNIYRA Commodore David Frost have agreed to prioritize a single regional regatta for that weekend. The rationale is simple:
- Holding separate regattas dilutes attendance and reduces competition quality.
- A single regatta provides an excellent training opportunity for the upcoming World Championship.
- The Central Region has not held a championship in several years, and this offers an opportunity to strengthen regional sailing.
- Sailors have the opportunity to participate in 2 regional regattas.
The Central Region has been given the “first right of refusal” to host their championship on January 4–5. Final confirmation will depend on ice scouting results:
- Wednesday, January 1: Ice scouting begins in both regions.
- Thursday, January 2: Ice will be sailed, and the Central Region’s final decision will be made. If Houghton Lake is deemed unsailable, the Western Region will evaluate its sites and may call on its championship for the same weekend.
NEXT STEPS FOR SAILORS
- Watch for updates on Thursday, January 2, regarding the confirmed location of the regatta.
- Be prepared for online registration to open shortly after confirmation.
- Stay flexible and ready to travel to the selected venue for what promises to be an exciting weekend of DN racing!
Let’s work together to make this a fantastic event for all sailors.
IDNIYRA Commodore David Frost
Western Region Commodore Chris Berger
Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson
Tick Tock! Discounted Registration Ends Soon!
2023 DN World Championship. Photo: Hannah Lee Noll/Harken
REGISTER
Attention DN sailors! The clock is ticking, and just over 24 hours are left to take advantage of the discounted registration rate for the 2025 World and North American Championships. After the deadline, registration fees increase—don’t miss out!
Important Note for European Sailors: You are exempt from this registration discount deadline, but we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to help with event planning.
Get your spot locked in now and save! Visit the registration page today—time is running out!
2025 DN Western Region Championship Update
Via Western Region Commodore Chris Berger
The DN Western Region Championship is tentatively scheduled for January 4-5, 2025. As of now, we are actively searching for suitable ice in the Western Region. If you know of any promising ice conditions, please let us know as soon as possible.
When the regatta is officially called on, online registration will open immediately. The next update on the status of the Western Region Championship will be posted on Monday, December 30, 2024. Please check back then for the latest news.
Additionally, the first-ever Senior Shuffle will take place in the days following the Western Region Championship, running from January 6-8, 2025.
2025 WESTERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTICE OF RACE – Click here to download NOR in pdf
Dates: January 4 – 5, 2025
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.
DN SENIOR SHUFFLE
Following the 2025 Western Region Championship, the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club is excited to try the Senior Shuffle once again! This fun, age-friendly regatta will take place three days after the Westerns, offering an additional opportunity to enjoy the ice.
Dates: January 6 – 8, 2025
Eligibility:
• 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 possibly with a separate start.
For more information and to register, visit iceboat.org.
Watch the Racing Rules of Iceboating Playlist on YouTube
Link to videos.
Check out this excellent video playlist discussing the Racing Rules of Iceboating, now available on YouTube. These videos captures an informative discussion of rules hosted by the Skeeter Iceboat Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It’s an excellent resource for DN sailors of all experience levels.
The discussion covers:
- Key Right of Way Rules: Understand who has the right of way in everyday racecourse situations.
- Real-Life Examples: Insights into how the rules are applied during competitive ice sailing.
- Safety and Best Practices: Tips to keep the racing fun and safe for everyone.
Whether you’re preparing for the DN World Championship or want to deepen your understanding of the rules, these videos are a crucial review of the rules of iceboat racing. The playlist will be posted permanently on the Racing Rules & Safety page of this website.
Register Now: DN World & NA Championship Early Discount Ends Soon!
The registration deadline for the discount is only days away! Registration fees increase on January 1, so register as soon as possible to take advantage of the lower fee. Register here.
Attention European DN World & North American Championship Competitors,
We’re excited to welcome you to the upcoming DN World and North American Championships! To ensure the best experience for everyone, we’d like to share some important details about how we handle registration. While our approach might differ slightly from IDNIYRA Europe, it’s designed to save you time and make your participation as smooth as possible.
Streamlined Registration Process
1. Online Registration:
- All competitors must register online. During this process, you’ll also sign the required release form and provide your shirt size for the regatta giveaway.
2. Payment Options:
- We prefer that you pay via credit card when registering online. If paying by credit card is not possible for you, please contact Deb (secretary.idniyra@gmail.com) for alternative payment arrangements. Even if you can’t pay online, it is crucial to complete the registration form to ensure we have your signed release, shirt size, and to include your name on the official entry list.
3. Check-In:
- On-site check-in will be quick and hassle-free. Your packet, complete with stickers and your regatta shirt, will be ready for you. There’s no need to stand in long lines waiting to register in person. Just pick up your packet and you’re all set!
By streamlining the registration process, we aim to save you time and reduce stress so you can focus on enjoying the competition. If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!
We look forward to seeing you on the ice.
The Final Runner Tracks Issue of the Year
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
Current Issue: December 2024
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
- By-Law and Regatta Management Agreement Proposals
- Western Challenge and Western Region Championship Reports
- Reflections on Mike Madge by David Frost
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
2024 DN Western Region Recap
Tom Meyer US602 and Bill Cutting US5430 with an A Skeeter on the ISA course in the background. Photo: Gretchen Dorian
2024 DN WESTERN REGION RESULTS
The DN Western Region Championship concluded successfully alongside the ISA Regatta despite challenging conditions. The final day brought damp, foggy weather with limited visibility that slowly improved as the morning progressed. Racing was delayed, and Steve Orlebeke US4926 volunteered as the “test dummy” to evaluate safety. He reported that the snow drifts were wet and slushy, and snow flew into his goggles, limiting visibility. Based on his recommendation, the regatta was called complete.
Saturday, however, provided a full day of racing with steady winds that made it possible to complete an impressive 10 races. The DN fleet took advantage of the conditions and wrapped up racing early in the afternoon, returning to the Water’s Edge Restaurant by 2:30 PM. The competition was fierce, with Chris Berger US5166 and Steve Orlebeke battling for the top spot in the Gold fleet throughout the day. The Silver fleet saw equally impressive performances, setting the stage for Sunday’s final results.
Still, the sailors from Lake Minnetonka embraced Sunday’s challenging conditions, heading out for hot laps to enjoy a final sail of the day. Their energy mirrored their impressive results throughout the weekend, nearly sweeping the top five in the Silver fleet. Dale Gordon of the 4LIYC in Madison, WI, claimed the top spot after a tiebreak with Minnesota’s Alexander Leach. Maggie McGary delivered a remarkable performance, securing 5th place, while Ben Garber, competing in only his second regatta, earned an impressive 3rd-place finish.
(On a personal note, as a scorer and race starter, I’ve been impressed with the Silver fleet both at the Western Challenge and the Western Region Championship—their discipline, readiness to race, and sailing skills have stood out as they consistently navigate all three laps of the course. -Deb)
Thank you to Western Region Commodore Chris Berger for helping make the regatta a reality. Chris also worked with artist Mary Derusha (daughter of Renegade sailor the late Roger Derusha) to create unique trophies for the event. Departing from the usual plaques, Chris chose one of Mary’s photos of ice as the trophy design, making these awards especially memorable.
Special recognition goes to Pat Heppert, who somehow juggled multiple roles during the event. While Pat is usually the DN PRO, this weekend, he not only set both the DN and ISA courses but also kept everything running smoothly—and still found time to race his C Skeeter on the ISA course!
Many thanks to Ann Foeller in Toledo, Ohio, for tabulating scores remotely and Julie Jankowski and Fred Stritt for monitoring the weather mark on both courses.
Finally, we want to thank the people of Starbuck, Minnesota, for their always warm welcome and the Water’s Edge Restaurant for graciously putting up with us throughout the weekend.
Gretchen Dorian’s photography once again captured the spirit of the regatta. She will be posting more from the event in the coming days. See them here.
And finally, have you registered for the 2025 World and North American Championship? The early entry discount expires on December 31, 2024. Register today here!
Proposals for By-Law Amendments to be Voted on at the Annual Governing Meeting
In accordance with the IDNIYRA Constitution, the following proposals for by-law amendments will be presented at the Annual Governing Meeting, held during the 2025 North American Championship.
Proposal 1: IDNIYRA Bylaws – Change the format of the North American Championship in the years it is not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup World Championship and create a second National Regatta(US/Canadian) depending on the location of the regatta.
Submitted by Commodore David Frost US5358 and Past Commodore Robert Cummins US3433
Summary:
The current fourteen race format for the North American Champions when not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup received mixed reviews at the 2024 North American Championship. It was felt that fourteen races changed very little that had not been determined by the end of seven race. Furthermore the current format causes a fiscal drain on the class which is hosting a week of racing with about half the income. The following proposal from the Governing Committee establishes the format for a second regatta during the week of the NA Championship and removes the current fourteen race format from our By-laws.
New Wording in Red
Proposed Change:
Change By-laws:
C) WORLD DN CHAMPIONSHIP (GOLD CUP) AND NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA
To:
C) WORLD DN CHAMPIONSHIP (GOLD CUP), NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA, AND NATIONAL REGATTA (US/CANADIAN)
Change By-laws C 2b):
2 b) When not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup, The North American Championship regatta is held during a specific week, with registration on Sunday and racing beginning on Monday and ending on Friday with Saturday as a reserve day. If 3 races in all fleets have not been completed by sundown on Friday, racing shall be continued until sundown on Saturday. The specific week shall be selected by the host Rear Commodore with the approval of the Governing Committee and shall conform to Section 8c of the RMA.
To:
2 b) When not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup, the North American Championship regatta is held during a specific week, with registration on Sunday and racing beginning on Monday and ending on Friday with Saturday as a reserve day. If 3 races in all fleets have not been completed by sundown on Friday, racing shall be continued until sundown on Saturday. In the days remaining after the completion of the North American Championship there shall be held a US National or Canadian National regatta depending on the location of the regatta. If the minimum number of races has not been completed by sunset on Saturday, or in view of the weather and/or ice conditions, the regatta is abandoned by the Race Committee, the regatta is canceled. On the final day every effort should be made to complete all originally scheduled races. The specific week shall be selected by the host Rear Commodore with the approval of the Governing Committee and shall conform to Section 8c of the RMA.
Change:
6). DN Race System, North American Championship
To:
6). DN Race System, North American Championship and US/Canadian National Regatta
Change 6 b):
b) There shall be seven races scheduled for each fleet when the North Americans are held in conjunction with the Gold Cup. When not held in conjunction with the gold Cup there shall be fourteen races scheduled. Cancellation of races in one fleet shall not affect the races in another fleet.
To:
b) There shall be seven races scheduled for each fleet when the North Americans are held in conjunction with the Gold Cup. When not held in conjunction with the gold Cup and held in conjunction with either the US National or Canadian National regatta, there shall be seven races scheduled for each regatta. Cancellation of races in one fleet shall not affect the races in another fleet.
Add 6 d):
d) The National Regatta will follow the same format as the North American Championship regatta when the North American Championship is held in conjunction with the Gold Cup.
Proposal 2 : Regatta Management Agreement (RMA) – Formalizing Wind Limit Rules
Submitted by Andre Baby KC4360
Summary: The amount of collisions, destruction of hulls, masts, planks, etc.. during the regatta is testimony to the difficult, sometimes dangerous conditions due to high winds we experienced during the regatta. We were lucky no one was hurt. The class in North America had a tradition, non binding, of not starting in winds above 20 knots, but unfortunately this tradition has been lost over time. It is time to formalize this tradition into a rule, for the safety of all, and to help the Race Committee in making a decision without the pressure of participants who “push the envelope.” BTW, the Europeans do not start a race in wind over 10 meters per second, = 20 knots.
Add: Regatta Management Agreement. IV Racing Rules 18:
l) No race shall be started if the wind velocity measured at the starting line 3 minutes before the start for a period of 15 seconds exceeds 20 knots. If during a race, the wind shall exceed 25 knots for a period of 15 seconds or more, that race shall be cancelled.
2024 Western Region Championship Called ON for Dec 14 – 15 @ Lake Minnewaska
Registration, Launch, & Lodging Info
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship is ON!
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship has been called ON for December 14-15 at Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, Minnesota!
This year, we’ll be sharing the launch and potentially the race course with the International Skeeter Association (ISA) Regatta and the Renegade Championship. The ISA is a three-day event starting December 13. The Race Committee will determine on the ice whether the DN fleet will share a course or have a separate one, depending on conditions.
Important Notes:
REGISTRATION
- Online registration is mandatory and must be completed no later than 5:00 PM CT on Friday, December 13.
- No in-person registration will be accepted.
- If you registered and paid back in January 2024, you are all set. Just make sure to send your recent proof of insurance to secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
- If you registered and paid back in January 2024, please let us know if you are able to attend. Email secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
PROOF OF INSURANCE
- All DN participants must submit proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000. This is mandatory to compete. Please email your proof of insurance to secretary.idniyra@gmail.org as soon as possible.
We look forward to an incredible weekend of ice sailing—see you at Lake Minnewaska!
WHAT TO KNOW
2024 DN Western Region Championship
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ICE! Back your trailers on the ice.
Registration, launch, and lodging information is posted on the 2024 Western Region Championship page.
2024 Central Region Regatta Update
Via Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson
Centrals are still on hold, we have 3 chances at 2024, so have your stuff ready to go!
- 12/14-12/15 the weather is not cold until the end of the week, but we are watching.
- 12/20-12/21 and 12/27-12/28 remain possibilities.
Please reach out to me with a text if you know of ice in Michigan/Ohio. Pete (248)762-5030.
Also we are still on the lookout for volunteers for the World and North American Championship coming up February 2-8, 2025.
Think Ice!
Pete J. US 5633
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