Published in the Hastings Star Gazette:
The International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association held its Western Regional Championships on Lake Pepin on Jan. 5-6 with 46 boats competing in two divisions.
“They set tentative dates, and we check on Thursday nights to see if the event will take place or not,” said Rhea Nicholas from Detroit. Continue reading.
The Lake City, MN folks took advantage of the opportunity to photograph the coolest sailing around at the 2019 Western Region championship on Lake Pepin. Above is a slide show from Tom Chamberlain.
Take a look below for more beautiful shots and video from Manda Baldwin.
Western Region Championship DN Sailors
The Western Region regatta was concluded on Sunday in much colder and faster conditions compared to Saturday’s Miami-beach like weather. Ron Sherry (Michigan) and John Dennis (Minnesota) each scored 13 points in the Gold fleet. The tiebreak went to Ron Sherry. Matt Schmidt (Wisconsin) won the Silver fleet. Grand Master winner was Bruce Williams(Michigan), Master was Jim Grogan (Michigan), and University of Wisconsin sailing team member Soren Hughes won the junior division. Congratulations to all who competed in this event and to Western Region Commodore Daniel Hearn for his efforts to make this regatta happen.
Final results are here.
A quick update from today. If conditions were like this every day, iceboating would be the most popular sport in the world. The weather and setting could not have been more beautiful. The bright sun kept us warm as we waited for the wind to make an appearance. The predicted westerly filled in and the flag dropped for the first race at 1;16 PM.
The Silver fleet will start Sunday’s rotation. The flag drops at 10 AM for the final day of the 2019 Western Region Championship. Results here
DN Sailors:
It’s On!
The Western Regional Championships are confirmed for this weekend, Jan. 5-6 on Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota.
Provisional Results SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Conditions
The ice surface is smooth to pebbly, rated a 7+ from two ranked/experienced DN racers who sailed it today. (See attached photos). Ice thickness is reported to be 8”. Weather forecast is calling for above freezing temperatures—sunny and high of 46 degrees on Saturday; cloudy with high of 39 degrees Sunday. Wind forecast for Saturday is 8 mph until 1:00 p.m., then starting to diminish. Sunday winds 8-10 mph throughout the racing day.
Let’s Get Our Money’s Worth
Note that we have a 9-race format scheduled and we will be working hard to be as efficient as possible in order to make that happen. We have the option to start a race as late as 3:00 p.m., but we would prefer to avoid that in consideration of our longer distance travelers. Please be ready to help out the Race Committee if assistance is requested. If rules allow, I would like to move the start time Saturday up ½-hour to 10:00 a.m. Please plan accordingly.
Accommodations
AMERICINN: Group rate at AmericInn. Reference “Western Region” to get $79.99/night group rate for double queen with breakfast. Amenities include pool and hot tub. 651-345-5611.
Note: The special rate is ONLY available if you call the hotel in Lake City directly!!!!
AmericInn by Wyndham Lake City
Website
1615 N Lakeshore Drive Lake City, Minnesota 55041-9023
+1-651-314-5611
Map
THE WILLOWS:
Willows on the River Condominium Resort
100 Central Point Road
Lake City, MN 55041
1-651-345-9900
THE SUNSET:
Sunset Motel & Resort
1515 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake City, MN 55041•(651) 345-5331
Registration
At AmericInn Friday evening and on ice Saturday morning, if necessary. Please click here to pre-register or you can email Deb Whitehorse secretary.idniyra@gmail.com to confirm your attendance and to provide your fleet preference—Gold or Silver. (Depending on numbers, there may be one or two fleets, though prizes will be awarded for two fleets).Launch
Roschen Park. Drive on if you so choose, but be aware this is a frozen section of a river.
Many thanks to Mike Miller and Tommy Meyer for scouting this sheet today. And to all others who provided information on other potential venues.
See you there!
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore
US 5352
iceboat.org Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club New England Ice Yacht Association