LATEST NEWS
Election Results & Toledo Ice Yacht Club Members Win Mills
Toledo Ice Yacht Club members pressed the fun and speed pedal, winning the 100th Mills Trophy Race, winning 1st in class and 1st overall.
Thank you to all who participated in voting and helped shape the leadership of our class.
Your officers are committed to serving the DN community and ensuring a successful season ahead.
Link to results
Election Results for 2024 IDNIYRA Spring Ballot
Commodore David Frost US5358
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Option Votes Percentage
Yes – I approve the candidate 80 100.00%
No – I reject the candidate 0 0%
Votes tallied: 80
Abstentions: 1
Vice Commodore Rob Holman US3705
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Option Votes Percentage
Yes – I approve the candidate 79 100.00%
No – I reject the candidate 0 0%Votes tallied: 79
Abstentions: 2
Secretary Deb Whitehorse US2366
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Option Votes Percentage
Yes – I approve the candidate 79 97.53%
No – I reject the candidate 2 2.47%
Votes tallied: 81
Abstentions: 0
Treasurer Deb Whitehorse US2366
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Option Votes Percentage
Yes – I approve the candidate 79 97.53%
No – I reject the candidate 2 2.47%
Votes tallied: 81
Abstentions: 0
Past Commodore Robert Cummins US3433
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Candidate Votes Percentage
Yes, I approve the candidate 76 96.20%
No, I reject the candidate 0 0%
Warren Nethercote 1 1.27%
John Harper 2 2.53%
Votes tallied: 79
Abstentions: 2
The Ice Men Winneth
Toledo Ice Yacht Club Sailors Win Historic Mills Trophy Race
In addition to our election news, we are excited to share an accomplishment by a team of sailors from the Toledo Ice Yacht Club. They have made history by winning the 100th anniversary of the prestigious Mills Trophy Race aboard a Hobie33 catamaran.
DN Class Updates: Specifications Rewrite, Elections, and 2025 Regatta Planning
We have several important updates to share with you regarding recent developments and upcoming events.
Specifications Rewrite
In the fall of 2023, our class voted and approved a comprehensive rewrite of the Specifications, specifically focusing on sections A (Fuselage) and B (Runner Plank). The proposal from the Technical Committee is effective on May 31, 2024.
The main goals of the rewrite were to:
1. Incorporate the Interpretations into Official Specifications.
2. Rewrite for more user-friendly wording.
3. Enrich each section with a measurement guide and measurement drawings.
4. Consolidate fragmented sections.
5. Eliminate loopholes and grey areas by providing more precise definitions.
6. Maintain the existing specifications.
(See Runner Tracks September 2022 for more information.)
The online yearbooks on idniyra.org and dniceboat.org have been updated to reflect these changes. Additionally, the specifications pages on the DN world portal (dniceboat.org) have been updated. The new drawings look fantastic online and serve as a valuable resource for our members.
Links:
2024 IDNIYRA Yearbook Second Edition
DN World Portal Specifications A. Fuselage:
DN World Portal: Specifications B. Runner Plank
North American Officer Election
Please remember to participate in the North American Officer election. The election closes on June 9, so be sure to cast your vote before the deadline.
More information here.
2025 Regatta Planning
We are already looking ahead to the regattas in 2025. The North American Central Region, under the leadership of Rear Commodore Peter Johanson US5633, will be hosting the IDNIYRA World Championship from February 2 to 8. Additionally, the IDNIYRA European Championship is scheduled for February 22 to March 1 and will be hosted by DN Finland.
New European Commodore
Congratulations to John Winquist L601 on his recent election as the new IDNIYRA European Commodore at the European Secretaries Meeting. We look forward to his leadership and contributions to the DN community. Many thanks to outgoing Commodore Mihkel Kosk C45 for his service to the class.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our class. Let’s look forward to an exciting season ahead!
Notice of Electronic Ballot
All members in good standing should have received an email invitation from Election Buddy today to vote for our next Executive Committee. If you have not received the email invitation, please check your spam folder. Contact secretary.idniyra@gmail.com if you have not received your ballot. Please participate and vote.
You are voting for one-year terms for the Commodore, Vice Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past Commodore. Terms of office run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
BALLOT
Commodore: David Frost US5358
Vice Commodore: Rob Holman US3705
Secretary/Treasurer: Deb Whitehorse US2366
Past Commodore: Robert Cummins
Runner Tracks Newsletter May 2024
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
May 2024
Get ready for the latest edition of Runner Tracks, which marks the end of another season. Featuring an incredible cover shot captured by Swiss photographer Gilles Morelle during the 2024 Worlds in Parnu, Estonia. 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
- Thoughts on Measurement & Building Tolerances by Warren Nethercote
- 2024 North American Championship Recap by Mike Bloom and Karen Binder
- Adventures in Iceboating – 2024 North Americans by Ron Sherry
- Regatta Results
We’d Like to Thank Our Sponsors
“Canadians Best Ever at DN NAs” – Sailing in Canada
John Curtis KC5514 and Jacek Marzenski KC5247 at the 2024 DN World Championship, Parnu, Estonia.
Great write up about the North Americans from John Curtis and André Baby.
By John Curtis
Earlier this month, Canadian DN Sailors journeyed to Wisconsin and made a very strong showing at the DN North Americans finishing four boats in the top ten.
Over the past 4-5 years a keen group of sailors from Montreal and Kingston have been quietly honing their skills at the oldest form of competitive sailing – Iceboat racing. Continue reading.
In Soundings: Glued Together – Jan and Meade Gougeon
Meade Gougeon in 1982 at Wittensee, Germany. Photo: Henry Bossett
Gougeon Archives
The Gougeon brothers’ pioneering work with epoxy construction revolutionized not only DN iceboat building but left a mark on sailing as a whole. Their significant contribution to DN sailing continues to inspire and drive excellence in the iceboating community.
Glued Together
The Gougeon brothers didn’t invent epoxy, but they were innovative boatbuilders who created the West System of epoxy products and revolutionized coldmolded boatbuilding.
PIM VAN HEMMEN
In Meade’s eyes, the DNs were a great test bed for epoxy construction. They would also become the Gougeons’ first commercial enterprise. They would eventually build 200 DNs and they knew how to race them. From 1971 until 2000 Jan dominated DN iceboating, winning four world championships and 11 national championships. Meade would also win national championships in 1981 and 1997. Continue reading.
Runner Tracks Newsletter March 2024
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
March 2024
The March issue of the DN class newsletter, Runner Tracks, is now available online. Dive into the latest edition featuring minutes from the Annual General Meeting and a fascinating article by Bob Cummins detailing his travels to Parnu, Estonia, for the 2024 World and European Championship. Check it out today!
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
- Minutes from the 2024 Annual General Meeting
- Observations from the 2024 World & European Championship in Estonia by Robert Cummins
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
Eight Bells: Mark Kiefer US4695
Via Mike Miller US5369
Mark Kiefer, aka “The Ice Maker,” passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 71, after a short illness.
Mark was a passionate sailor and a long-time iceboater. He sailed out of the Wayzata Yacht Club and, in his younger days, raced a DN. Mark will always be known in the DN iceboat community as co-founder of the Great Western Challenge and the short-lived World Ice Racing Circuit. Mark served two terms as Commodore of the IDNIYRA from 2000 – 2001.
Mark grew up in Moorhead, MN, but spent many early winter days on the lakes of west-central MN, including Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Mile Marker 8, along Christina’s northern shore, became the famous launch site of the Great Western Challenge.
Iceboaters have always considered plowing a track to race when snow prevented sailing. The Icemaker took that vision to the next level and founded the World Ice Racing Circuit. He enlisted a few sponsors and got enough funds to plow two tracks on Lake Phalen in St Paul, MN. Mark envisioned four abreast NASCAR-style racing with TV coverage. He even convinced the Paul Winter Carnival to make it an official carnival event with boats in the parade and a sideshow of a petting zoo!
Mark mentored many newbies into the DN sport. He freely shared his knowledge and often let newcomers take their first rides in his boat. His later years were spent without a suitable boat but he always championed his Great Western Challenge.
On a more personal note, I have fond memories of scouting ice with Mark. He taught me how to assess ice and introduced me to the numerous northern lakes suitable for racing. I think of Mark often as I have taken over his scouting duties.
We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends during this difficult time. A private funeral is being planned.
World Ice Racing Circuit
Gold 360 – On-Board Video from Jeff Kent US3535
LINK TO VIDEO
Roll along with the Gold Fleet in last Wednesday’s (February 28, 2024) first Gold fleet race of the day at the 2024 DN North American Championship on Lake Waconia, MN. Jeff Kent’s 360-degree camera captures every bump, tack, jibe and pass, giving you a front-row seat to the action.
Close Quarters – Picture of the Day
Check out the intense action captured by Jeff Kent’s drone at the 2024 North American Championship. Witness Nicolas Mabboux KC5508, Jim Grogan US3, Ron Sherry US44, and Matt Struble US183 battling it out at the weather mark.
2024 DN North American Wrap Up
Junior sailor Maggie McGary. Photo: Julie Jankowski
Congratulations to all the competitors who participated in the 2024 DN North American Championship on Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN, from February 26 to March 1. Matt Struble US183 successfully defended his title while Bill Cutting US5430 won the Silver Fleet.
Senior Trophy US 183 MATT STRUBLE
Masters Trophy US 44 RON SHERRY
Grand Masters Trophy US 3 JIM GROGAN
Elliot Sharp Trophy, Highest Ranking Junior US 5777 MILO FLEMING
B Fleet Trophy US 5430 BILL CUTTING
HIGHEST SCORING FEMALE US 5630 KAREN BINDER
A few highlights:
- The Brian and Bruce Jones family epitomized the true spirit of the DN class, carrying on the legacy instilled by their parents. While some families plan their vacations around skiing or beach time, this remarkable bunch schedules theirs around the North Americans.
- The hard work of the Canadian fleet paid off handsomely in this regatta with 4 top-10 positions. Robin Lagraviere kicked things off with a bang, competing in the Northwest regatta just days before the North Americans and securing victory in the DN class. He also clinched the top Canadian finish in the North Americans, landing in fourth place overall.
- We welcomed three first-time racers, including Ben Garber, Peter Nordquist, and Noah Jones. Ben Garber particularly shone as the top placing Novice, with several top-ten finishes in the Silver fleet and an impressive 16th place overall.
- It was a special treat to have one of IDNIYRA Junior Sailing Director Sam Bartel’s students, Maggie McGary, join us as a junior competitor. A sincere thank you to Maggie’s mother for her unwavering support to her throughout the week. New England Ice Yacht Club’s Milo Fleming, who drove from Maine with mom and RC member Nina Fleming and RC member Henry Copotosto, emerged as the victor in the junior fleet. Unfortunately, fellow junior Sam Bartel encountered boat damage in Race 4 and could not compete beyond that point.
- Minnesota’s Peter Norton KA2, whose day job is president of the award-winning Rum Jungle Media, had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to unleash his team of professional video production crew at a DN regatta. We are all eagerly anticipating the final product.
Despite the challenging conditions posed by bumpy ice, the daily winds did not disappoint, providing a refreshing change and ensuring exciting racing throughout the event.
A huge thank you is owed to Regatta Chair James “T” Thieler for his tireless efforts in ice scouting and organizing meetings and trophy ceremonies. The dedication of the race committee was genuinely remarkable, and we hope to keep this talented group together for the 2025 World Championship. The race committee was composed of members from various regions who worked cohesively to guarantee the success of the event. Special appreciation also goes to PRO Pat Heppert for his strong decision-making and for ensuring ample sailing opportunities for all participants. The class is fortunate to have such an experienced ice sailor at the helm of these regattas.
Here’s a shoutout to the rest of the RC team:
- Mercedes Auger, North Carolina Ice Yachting Association, Cary, NC: Scoring
- Beth Corley, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Scoring
- Henry Copotosto, New England Ice Yacht Club, Maine: Starting Line, Staging
- Nina Fleming, New England Ice Yacht Club, Maine: Scoring
- Ann Foeller, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Registration & Scoring
- Bob Foeller, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Registration, ATV, Starting Line, Staging, Recovery
- Paul Hickman, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Measuring, Starting Line
- Julie Jankowski, Green Lake Ice Yacht Club: Weather Mark, Social Media
- Dave Ryan, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Measuring
- Erica Stange, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: ATV and Safety
- Fred Stritt, Delavan Ice Yacht Club: ATV and Weather Mark
Ways to Follow
DN Facebook
New England Ice Yachting Association
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