by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 11, 2023 | 2023, 2024, Home Page
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
December 2023

It’s time to reveal the December edition of Runner Tracks and revisit the Western Challenge to discover why this event is one of the best in the world of ice sailing. There’s also a nice surprise photospread at the end from Michigan DNer and photographer Chris Clark US4789.
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
- The Revival of Junior Iceboating in North America by Sam Bartel
- DN Costing Thoughts by Warren Nethercote and Bob Cummins
- Western Challenge: One of the best by Mike Bloom
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 29, 2023 | 2023, 2024

Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Skeeter Sailor and Past Champions Iceboat Shop Trailer-Repair-Specialist, Ken Whitehorse
Junior Program Trailer Locked and Loaded
Submitted by Daniel Hearn
It’s an exciting day for ice sailing in the US of A! Thanks to 4LIYC’s Ken Whitehorse, with an assist from Paul Krueger, the chariot that will carry the next generation of American ice sailors into the future is ready to roll.
Can’t think of a better trailer for the job, as this one was formerly owned by the legendary, Jane Pegel, who always carried the torch for everything youth sailing. Now, the original aluminum frame, with high capacity rack system and dock box, is equipped with a new axle, bearings and leaf springs; new LED lights, a shiny new safety, new radial tires on new rims, and a new spare bias ply tire on a new rim.
Our new enthusiastic and visionary Junior Program leader, Sam Bartel, is now well equipped. He has gathered up an arsenal of DNs and Ice Optis which will ride on this trailer. And he’s got a back of newbie ice sailing kids lined up to give it a go at the Great Western Challenge. Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
Many thanks to Donny Anderson for the trailer donation for this cause. And to Dave Elsmo for the dock box donation. Think Ice! And let’s all help Sam refill the pipeline!

PK at the bench clamp
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 27, 2023 | 2023, 2024, Home Page
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.
by Deb Whitehorse | Sep 14, 2022 | 2022, Home Page

Here’s Samuel Bartel, fresh out of the starting-blocks as he pushes off for a race at the 2022 U.S. Nationals on Lake Senachwine in Illinois.
Photo: Sean R. Heavy
Get Started Sailing a DN
If you are here because of the Harken Blockheads YouTube videos, check us out. If you have questions on how to get started DN sailing, please contact us! secretary.idniyra@gmail.com Ice sailors are standing by, ready to help you get on the ice.
Via the Harken Blockheads website:
Ice waits for no one. Harken Marketing Intern Samuel Bartel is obsessed with ice sailing. To him, hard water yachting is the pinnacle of fun. Candidly, he’s more than a little bit obsessed. There’s one thing he really regrets: not getting into it sooner!
Why make the same tragic mistake Samuel did? Don’t let another winter go by sitting on the couch. Get involved in this outrageously fun sport now! If you wait any longer, you might miss out on the best experience of your life—or at least the best used equipment of the year. The time to start is NOW, while you’re sweating.
Watch this video series to learn how to get into it THIS YEAR:
See all four videos on the Harken Blockheads website.
Or view them on YouTube
Preparing for Iceboating
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 12, 2021 | 2021, Home Page
Samuel Bartel is a college student on the University of Wisconsin-Madison sailing team. Sam has discovered that DN racing is flat out fun and helps his soft-water reflexes. The fine crew with Harken Blockheads filmed Samuel right before the U.S. Nationals. (You will note that Sam accomplished his goal of a top-ten finish in the Silver fleet by placing 4th at the Nationals.)