Discover how the innovative new A-Class catamaran mast design was heavily influenced by the DN iceboat rig. (With a shout-out to Robert Gracyk P31.) For more insights, don’t miss the Runner Tracks article detailing the history and evolution of the DN mast. Link here.
Photo left from Dutch A Division Catamaran Facebook page. Photo right from 2021 DN Nationals by Gretchen Dorian. Chris Berger US5166
As we approach the upcoming ice sailing season, there’s plenty to share about what’s been happening in the DN class over the summer. From cutting-edge developments in other sailing classes inspired by DN rigging to exciting news from the America’s Cup and the growth of our youth programs, this summer has been anything but quiet.
DN Influence on A Class Catamaran Masts
The A Class catamaran community is embracing innovation inspired by iceboating, as seen in the recent Dutch Nationals. Photos from the event, shared on the Dutch A Division Catamaran Association Facebook page, highlight the “DN-mast” fitted on the DNA F1X catamarans of Mischa Heemskerk and Pieterjan Dwarshuis. Pieterjan commented on this groundbreaking rig:
“Without any doubt the future for the foiling A’s. More automatic, easier to handle, more stable to foil, and faster—just like the DN rig. The tuning process is still a challenge, but this innovation will make foilers easier, safer, and more fun.”
This DN-inspired mast design, which ditches traditional diamonds and spreaders for lowers, is being hailed as the future of foiling A Cats. As the tuning evolves, we may soon see these rigs making waves in the A Class World Championships which take place September 7 – 14 in Punta Ala, Italy.
DN Class Ties to the America’s Cup
The America’s Cup is in full swing, and we have a special connection to the action this year. Maxime Bachelin, helming for the Swiss team Alinghi Red Bull Racing, has deep roots in the DN class. His father, Pierre Bachelin Z25, has been an active DN sailor for many years, competing in North America multiple times. Meanwhile, in the Youth America’s Cup, Fontana, WI sailors Harry Melges IV, Kyle Navin, and Finn Rowe—who all have DN seat time and sail Nites—also represent the USA. Ice sailing has helped shape these sailors into the top competitors they are today.
Junior Sailing: Building the Future of Ice Sailing
Our North American Junior Sailing Director, Sam Bartel US1011, has been busy fostering the next generation of DN sailors this summer in Minnesota. Sam shared some great photos of junior sailors hard at work making their runner planks and learning valuable skills that will serve them well in the future.
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
IDNIYRA Governing Committee Comments on the 2021 Technical Ballot
There are three questions on the Autumn 2021 IDNIYRA Technical Ballot. The two continental Governing Committees have views on the three proposals being presented to the members.
The first question seeks approval for a 25% increase in the maximum size of windows in the DN sail. It permits, but does not require larger windows. The potential safety benefits of larger windows are obvious and both the IDNIYRA Governing Committee and the European National Secretaries support the proposal and recommend its approval.
The second question introduces a requirement for a break away feature in the steering post head as a safety feature. The proposal includes neither a grandfathering clause nor a phase in schedule so if the proposal is approved, all DNs will require a steering post with break away capability for the 2023 season. The European National Secretaries support the proposal. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee is concerned about the lack of commercial availability of a break away steering post head, notes that modifying the ubiquitous Sarns steering post head to that end may not be feasible, and cannot recommend approval at this time.
The third question proposes making DN hull numbers optional rather than obligatory. The European National Secretaries, who originally proposed obligatory numbers, oppose the change. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee supports the proposal because the numbers do not appear to have contributed to safety or race management as originally intended.
Jody Kjoller IDNIYRA Commodore
How To Build a DN Composite Mast
For all you DN home-builders out there, Bob Rast of RKR Composites has uploaded an instructional manual “How to Build a DN Composite Mast” in a Google Doc. Click here to access the document. Bob and Mark Isabell show you how it’s done in a YouTube video posted a few years back.
iceboat.org Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club New England Ice Yacht Association