LATEST NEWS
A Message for European Sailors Traveling to Twenty20 NAs
Photo: Gwidon Libera
Dear European Sailing Friends:
We’d be thrilled to see you at the Twenty20 DN North American Championship. If you’re able to make it, but have not yet registered, please just send us an email letting us know you are coming. debwhitehorse@gmail.com
We’d like to prepare for you a thermal vest customized with event logo and your sail number. The men’s version of the vest is dark gray and the women’s version light gray. Sizing information at this link.If you can’t cross the pond this year, I’ll look forward to seeing you at the Gold Cup in February.
Best,
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore
US 5352
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
A Message for NA Sailors Attending the 2020 Gold Cup Regatta in EU
2019 European Championship Skippers Meeting. Photo: Gwidon Libera
Via IDNIYRA European Commodore Attila Pataki:
We did not provide possibility for online registration for American sailors, but would appreciate if all who intend to came over would drop an email to me with the copy to Niklas and Godie, indicating their name and sail number.
commodore@idniyra.eu
insurancemgr@idniyra.eu
webmaster@idniyra.euIt is necessary to prepare the proper stickers to all. The entry will be done on the site at the check-in for a single entry fee.
2019 DN Central Region Championship: Be Ready!
2014 DN Central Region Championship. Photo: Catherine Firmbach cefirmbach.com
Have your runners sharpened! Central Lakes Rear Commodore Rob Holman has tentatively called on the 2019 Central Region Championships for December 28-29, 2019 for somewhere in the Central Region (likely Michigan). The ice will be scouted this week. Final confirmation with more details will be posted on Thursday, December 26, 2019 by 6 PM ET.
Last Minute Shopping: Register for the 2020 North American Regatta Today!
You’ve worked hard this year, so go ahead and buy yourself that gift you’ve been putting off—that registration for the DN North American Championships. If you get it done before midnight today, the Grinch won’t even slap you with that $50 late registration fee, that we’re not calling a late registration fee. We’re calling it a “convenience fee,” because pre-event research revealed that ice sailors prefer to spin things toward the positive. So, we’re offering you the convenience of registering after midnight tonight for JUST an additional $50 bucks. Yes, you heard that right, JUST $50 bucks. What’s $50 bucks, anyway? Your weekly Starbucks budget? A week’s cable bill? The tip you left for the cocktail waitress at the last regatta? Chump change! So go ahead, put it off as long as you like, we’ll still welcome you at the event like the prodigal son.
Click to Register
Because I Love You
As long as you’re in the giving spirit, how about buying your spouse, your latest Tinder hookup, your kid or a good friend a customized Twenty20 North American Championship thermal vest, customized with their sail number, name or secret message that only the two of you will understand. $45 bucks and an email to Deb Whitehorse with the men’s or women’s size selection and the custom embroidery you want, and your love vest will be delivered to you at the Championships. To get in on this deal, however, you must email Deb by midnight December 31. debwhitehorse@gmail.com
2020 North American Early Registration Deadline Dec 23
2017 DN Western Region Championship on Lake Monona, Madison, WI
Attention…Attention…Attention,” with a tip of the helmet to the ice sailing legend, Bob Pegel. The sign up deadline for the 2020 DN North American Championship is midnight this Monday, December 23, to avoid the $50 late registration convenience fee. This is also the deadline to be assured of receiving your customized thermal vest in your proper size. Hey, if you don’t mind parting with another $50 and wearing a generic vest that’s either too big or too small, we’re not here to judge! Would be really cool if you’d take care of your registration online and upload your proof of insurance at the same time. Here’s the link
RegisterIf you do, Deb Whitehorse will give you a gold star, and she may allow you to view her plastic duck collection.
See you on the ice.
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore and Event Chairman
US 5352
Mark Christensen US4824
Mark “Doctor” Christensen US4824
It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Mark “Doctor” Christensen US4824. Mark sailed home on Saturday, December 14, 2019 which was also the first day of the Great Western Challenge, a regatta he was closely connected with. He was a highly competitive and skilled DN racer and part of a group of Minnesota DNers whose passion has helped to bring new people to the sport. Mark was a key member of ice scouts who were responsible for getting sailors from all over North America, Europe, and Russia to join together in Minnesota for the first fun regatta of the season. He was a top ranked DN racer and relished battling on the ice against his close friends, be it scrub racing or continental regattas. DN sailors from around the world extend our deepest sympathies to Mark’s family, his girlfriend Lisa, and to the Minnesota Ice Sailors.
Mark Christensen Funeral Service
Date: Friday, December 20, 2019
Visitation: 10 AM
Service: 11 AM
Luncheon to follow
St Bartholomew of Wayzata
630 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Link to map
OBITUARY
Mark R. Christensen
Age 59 of Mound, MN. Survived by parents Norma J. (Alan) Greene, Ronald L. (Caroline); loving companion Lisa Lee; siblings Gary (Kizzy) & Kathy (Jeff) Traxler; Nieces and nephews Jesse (Erin), Katy (Brian), Abbigail, Matthew, Erin, Samuel, Megan and Mary and great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, December 20th, 2019 11:00 AM @ St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to mass at church. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
2019 Western Challenge Results
Weather mark rounding: Bob Rast US1313 and Bill Bucholz in one of Daniel Hearn’s boats US5352.
Photo: Puckaway Ice Sailing Squadron
Everything came together at the last minute for another great Great Western Challenge on Lake Puckaway in Wisconsin. There were a total of 8 races in both Gold and Silver fleets over the weekend. Many thanks to all who competed and volunteered to keep the spirit of this fun regatta going.
RESULTS
DN Great Western Challenge is ON for Wisconsin
Photo Kurt Meyer
Via iceboating.net
The DN Great Western Challenge is called “ON” for December 13-15, 2019 on Lake Puckaway Wisconsin.
Lake Puckaway is near Green Lake, Wisconsin. The Skeeter Western Challenge is cancelled for the season.
LAUNCH
Apuckawa Park and Boat Launch
Located at the intersection of Fox Court and Toepper Drive, east of Montello.
Link to map
LODGING
Mecan River Outfitters:
(920) 295-3439
Very limited availability.T’ween the Lake Motel
510 Underwood Ave Hwy 23
Montello, WI 53949
608-297-8715
Website
Acorn Ridge Motel
920-295-6533
http://www.acornridgemotel.com/
Bayview Motel and Marina
(920) 294-6504
439 Lake St, Green Lake, WI 54941
https://www.bayviewgreenlake.com/
Comfort Suites At Royal Ridges
(608) 567-4024
2 Westgate Drive, Ripon, WI, 54971, US
https://www.choicehotels.com/wisconsin/ripon/comfort-suites-hotels/wi133
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels – Ripon
(920) 748-7578
1219 W Fond Du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971
https://www.staycobblestone.com/wi/ripon/
Western Challenge Groove Armada
As we wait for news of the first unofficial regatta of the season, the Western Challenge, it’s a good time to review one of the earliest and best DN videos ever made by Minnetonka’s Peter Crawford of Head Injury Media/Penalty Box Productions. It’s of a Western Challenge at Buffalo Lake in 2005.
Via iceboating.net:
Currently we are checking ice. We have a lake in Albert Lea that looks like it will work. We are checking Buffalo today to see whats left after the snow.
Expect an update on Wednesday December 11.Any help checking Albert lea is appreciated.
DN Regatta Fri,Sat,Sun
Skeeters Sat,Sun
Please report any new freeze. I know Pepin was water on Sunday.
JD
2020 IDNIYRA Yearbook
2019 Gold Cup Champion Michal Burczynski Photo credit: Catherine Firmbach cefirmbach.com
The 2020 International DN Ice Yacht Racing Yearbook is now available for purchase. There have been some significant changes from the 2019 yearbook including the new EPIC and Regatta Management Agreements. IDNIYRA Europe has a new constitution as well.
New this year is the championship history of the DN Junior and Ice Optimist World and European regattas. Very interesting to see some familiar names who continue to have success in DN competition as adults.
If you have already ordered the yearbook, it will be shipped to you within the next 2 weeks.
Get your 2020 IDNIYRA Yearbook soft cover book for $17. 
Back Cover 2020 IDNIYRA Yearbook
Albert Goes West from Jim McDonaugh
More video from Buffalo Lake in Minnesota created by Jim McDonaugh on his iphone! Stay tuned for Western Challenge updates here.
Current Newsletter
DN VIDEOS
iceboat.org
- October 16, 2024: Nite in MN October 16, 2024
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- NW Regatta February 25, 2024
Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club
- BloKart East Coast Championships October 14, 2024