Racing Rules of the National Iceboat Authority

DN North America races under the IDNIYRA By Laws and the National Iceboat Authority Racing Rules

National Iceboat Authority Webpage 

• IDNIYRA Constitution & By Laws in pdf in the Yearbook

Iceboating Right of Way Rules Graphic

Iceboating Right of Way Rules Graphic

Racing Rules of iceboating Videos

This playlist is dedicated to helping iceboating enthusiasts master the racing rules of our sport.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the ice, these videos will clarify the rules, improve your understanding, and make your time on the ice safer and more enjoyable.

Learn the rules. Race with confidence. Enjoy the sport.

The Skeeter Ice Boat Club (SIBC) of Lake Geneva, WI, has shared a new resource for the ice sailing community: a YouTube playlist breaking down the National Iceboat Authority’s Racing Rules of Iceboating into easy-to-digest sections.

Edited by SIBC member Dave Navin, these videos provide a guide to understanding and applying the racing rules, helping sailors of all experience levels navigate the course safely and confidently. Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge or learn the rules for the first time, this playlist is a valuable tool for anyone passionate about iceboating.

Rules Interpretations of the National Iceboat Authority

December 1, 1973

1. The Sailing Rules and Race Management Rules are designed to provide
   a safe and fair race. The rules should not be used with tactical
   advantage a prime concern, but rather should be used to avoid collisions.
2. Sailors should realize that iceboat racing rules differ from sailboat racing
   rules in a number of fundamental ways, most prominent of which are:
   starboard tack does not always have right-of-way; windward yacht has
   right-of-way off the wind; there is NO two length rule at an iceboat course
   mark.
3. The rules do not allow boats to collide at the start or shortly thereafter
   and all sailing rules apply here as they do elsewhere on the course.
4. Right-of-way rule #8 giving each yacht room to finish is for the ends of
   the line and is designed to keep the race committee from getting killed
   and to avoid general havoc in the finishing area. Port tack yachts shall
   keep clear of starboard tack yachts except at the committee end of the
   line where port tack must be given room to finish. And at the ends of the
   line a windward yacht must allow a leeward yacht room to finish.
5. Once the forward most part of the yacht catching up from behind has
   come past the after most part of the yacht ahead, one yacht is windward,
   the other leeward. The yachts must then be governed by their
   responsibilities as windward and leeward yachts.

National Iceboat Authority Iceboat Racing Courses

Sailing Safe

Common sense tips to help keep you safe on the ice.
1. Know the sailing and Right-of-Way rules. Pay your dues, join a club, get your copy of the By-Laws and Racing Rules. Study the racing rules until you really know them.
2. Sail with a club or a friend. The IDNIYRA does not advise sailing alone.
3. Scout the lake. Never assume the entire lake is safe. Find out where the problem areas are before setting out.
4. Wear a proper helmet and protect your eyes
5. Wear ice safety picks for self rescue
6. Dress for warmth in layers.
7. Wear shoes with spikes to prevent falling on the ice.
8. Check and recheck your boat during the day to make sure all bolts and pins are in working order.
9. Keep your boat well maintained.
10. Use common sense and good judgement. Avoid collisions at all costs!

Read more about iceboating safety
Connecticut Ice Yacht Club
Iceboating Safety from the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club
Ice Safety from the Toledo Ice Yacht Club
“Think Ice Safely and Rules of the Road” by Lloyd Roberts
Lake Ice from a Recreational Perspective: Basic ways to minimize the chances of the worst happening.

Every iceboater should have at least one copy of “THINK ICE!”

This book by Lloyd Roberts and Warner St. Clair is THE definitive book on DN building, tuning, racing and sailing.
Mainly about DN iceboats but relevant to all iceboaters because it covers safety, clothing, how to load the car- it’s all in here! Updated with instructive commentary by many top-flight iceboat sailors.
Order “THINK ICE”: $15.