LATEST NEWS
Ice Boats, Ashby MN. December 2 2023
Thanks, John, of Cool Videos for checking out the Western Challenge.
2023 DN Western Challenge Called ON – Primary Site: Lake Christina in MN
Final Confirmation
Western Challenge – A non-sanctioned fun-regatta, no scoring.
Date: December 1 – 3, 2023
Primary Site: Lake Christina, Ashby MN
Via Mike Miller on Minnesota Iceboaters Facebook Page:
Christina comes thru again! Quality ice big enough for a proper course. The Great Western Challenge will be sailed here December 1-3. Our buddy land-owner has again offered his property for the launch site. Please do not park in the coned off space. 2 walkways to carry on the lake are there.LODGING
3 selected lodging options all with an iceboaters deal.
1. Battle Lake Inn $119 double Queen room or Single Queen. If you book online as they prefer, discount will be applied at check in. 20 miles from launch site. 218-862-2500.2. Bonnie Beach Resort 3 BR newer cabins on Clitheral Lake, near Battle Lake. Full kitchen 2 Bath cabins. 18 miles from launch site. $207 1-4 persons $270 5-6 persons . Must bring own bath and kitchen towels. 218-864-5534
3. Ashby Resort & Motel $120 2 beds and kitchenette. $100 1 Bed plus sofa sleeper. 5 miles from launch on Pelican Lake. 218-747-2959.
Numerous other lodging options in Alexandria or Fergus Falls
DN Junior Sailing Director Sam Bartel’s Presentation for Junior Iceboaters
Junior Sailing Page
Our new Director of Junior Sailing, Sam Bartel US1011, has created an engaging and informative slideshow tailored for potential junior ice boaters.
Don’t miss Sam Bartel’s informative presentation, whether you’re a novice, a supportive parent of an iceboater, or a seasoned veteran. Sam has already generated interest among junior sailors who are ready to try iceboating at the Western Challenge.
2023 DN Western Challenge Called ON for Dec 1 – 3 in MN
The DN Western Challenge has been tentatively called ON for December 1 – 3, 2023. Primary site is Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Final site confirmation and call will be posted on this website on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by noon CT. The Western Challenge is a non-sanctioned fun regatta with informal racing with no scoring.
Next update will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by noon CT.
Paul Chamberland Opens NA DN Season in Alberta, Canada
Paul Chamberland KC5700 kickstarted the North American ice sailing season on November 21, 2023, near his hometown on Owlseye Lake, Alberta, Canada. Getting his DNs onto the ice required some elbow grease, but the effort was undoubtedly worthwhile. On his way back to the east coast, Paul is planning on attending the first fun-regatta of the season, the Western Challenge, in Minnesota, December 1 – 3, 2023. Keep an eye on the Minnesota Ice Sailing Facebook page for the latest information.
It took all morning to carry both boats from the road to the lake through the woods. Got a couple of hours of sailing in. The wind was very light at that point which was good as I was exhausted from getting the boats to the lake. Amazingly only 12 minutes from where I grew up! Because there is no access I had never been to it before this week. It’s mostly 3.5’ deep and 5.5’ at the deepest
Paul Chamberland KC5700
Week 46 Regatta Kicks Off the DN Season in Finland
The much-anticipated Week 46 Johnny Kohler Regatta in Vaala, Finland, is not only a local affair but has drawn ice sailors from around the globe. Participants from Poland, Germany, Sweden, and North America add an international flavor to this first DN regatta of the season. Among the participants is Chris Berger, US5166. For those who want to track the progress, here’s the link to the results. Stay tuned to DN Finland’s website and their Facebook page for updates.
Limited-Time Offer on 2023 World Championship Apparel
If you missed your chance last season or you’re looking for the perfect gift for an iceboater, you can now purchase 2023 World Championship branded apparel at a discounted rate until December 14th. The Coral Reef online store is now open, offering our members a limited opportunity to snag these special items. Be sure to use the codes below to claim your discount.
DISCOUNT CODES – OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 14, 2023
Buy 1 item, get 10% off (use code Holiday10)
Buy 2 items, get 20% off (use code Holiday20)
Buy 3 items, or more, get 30% off (use code Holiday30)
The Flag is UP Early in Sweden
Stefan Bokfors S107 on Lake Ansjön in Sweden.
While we here in North America are stowing away sailboats for the season, in Sweden, the DNs are hitting the ice. October 30, 2023, kicked off the 2023-2024 season for class members Dideric Van Riemsdijk (S867) and Stefan Bokfors (S107). They found ice at Ansjön, a spectacular location situated 6 hours north of Stockholm. This year, October 30 marked the earliest start for Dideric and Stefan, giving them ample time on the ice for training before the Week 46 Regatta in Finland, which takes place November 17 – 19, 2023.
Important nutrition at the training table.
Bob Dill US3904: Eight Bells
The DN Community mourns with the family and friends of Bob Dill US3904, who passed away on October 28, 2023.
Bob served as IDNIYRA Class Secretary from 1988-1991 and Class Treasurer from 1988-1989. He has been nominated to the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame.
Via Bob Schumacher, Bob’s DN road-warrior and land-yacht-speed-record colleague:
With much sadness I have to report that Bob Dill passed last night after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I am at a loss for words but Don Brush said it well.
‘A sad struggle for a unique person. He is, I am sure, in a better place now. He would not have wanted to be the person he had become. We all were better for knowing Bob. I don’t think I ever met a more inquisitive person with a passion for details. His passion for documentation assures his legacy will live on! It was an honor to know and have him as a friend.’ Don Brush
Bob Schumacher
Bob used his sharp engineering mind to quantify wind, ice, land, and speed in several articles. One of his most famous projects was designing and building the land sailing yacht IRON DUCK with his friend, Bob Schumacher. Together, they set a land-speed record.
Bob Dill has left a legacy of articles that have left a last impact on ice and land sailing. Below are some links to a selection of them and other articles about Bob.
Article’s About Bob Dill
National Sailing Hall of Fame Nominee
Bob Dill the Ice Man
Video: Iron Duck
Recognizing Bob Dill and the Iron Duck – Sailing Scuttlebutt
Bob Dill’s Articles
Iceboat Sailing Performance
Sailing Yacht Design for Maximum Speed
Lake Ice – Bob’s website with everything you need to know about ice.
List of Bob Dill Articles on IDNIYRA archived website
Bob Dill – From Vermont Sports
Gearing Up for the Season
Newspaper article c. 1938, source: Don Dallar Scrapbook
A package of Don Dallar’s US46 scrapbook copies arrived at my doorstep, courtesy of Robert Cummins US3433. In 1937, Don was one of the original volunteers who responded to the Detroit News’ call to help build a new type of iceboat called the DN 60, “a one-person boat with 60 square feet of sail.” You can read his article on the history of the DN here.
The DN iceboat, like many successful sailing classes, has modernized over the past 86 years, incorporating new materials for improved boat handling and competition while still maintaining the ability to be built at home.
One thing that has remained constant is getting your DN to the lake is still easy. Eighty-six years ago, just placing your DN on the roof of your car must have felt incredibly freeing (though we recommend detaching the plank from the hull), especially considering the large Stern-Steerers that demanded a group effort and planning for their trip to the lake.
We are 33 days away from the unofficial opening of the season, the Western Challenge in Minnesota. Whether you cartop or trailer your DN, we hope to see you there.
Car-topping and some mast-leaning in Sweden at the 2023 Grand Masters.
Mastering Deflection
As we approach Minnesota’s Western Challenge in 37 days, here’s a practical article on DN iceboat plank deflection recently forwarded to a new DN builder and sailor by Warren Nethercote KC3786.
John Jambock’s article was published in the 1991 DN Newsletter. Deflection is a critical factor in improving the performance of an iceboat, and it determines how well the boat handles on the frozen surface. John Jombock’s article provides valuable insights into the optimal thickness and materials for planks that can achieve the required stiffness.
DESIGNING DN RUNNER PLANKS FOR STIFFNESS by John Jombock US1513
If you’re interested in exploring more articles with technical and sailing tips, check out our archive from the original DN class website originally created by Paul Goodwin. There’s a wealth of knowledge waiting for you there. IDNIYRA Website Articles Archive
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- Instruction 101 November 25, 2024