by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 4, 2024 | 2024, Home Page
Aerial shot of Lake Minnewaska from Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from a local pilot.
Via Tim Oelschlager US5050:
Great Western Challenge Called ON
December 6, 7 and 8th Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck MN
We have ICE !!!!!
Attention all DN sailors: The Great Western Challenge is called on
It’s time to get the whole gang back together, everyone is welcome. The Western Challenge is an informal, fun regatta for DNs. Sailors of all abilities are encouraged to attend. Come learn about DN sailing, test your gear, meet up with friends, and do some scrub racing.
The Fun starts on Friday, always the best day. We will keep posting any updates here as they are available.
Think Ice.
LAUNCH
Launch area at Starbuck City park / beach
521 S Main Street Starbuck MN 56381
Waters Edge bar and Restaurant is right next to the launch site.
Map
LODGING
Lakes area Inn Starbuck MN
604 N Main St, Starbuck, MN 56381
(320) 239-4300
Super 8 by Wyndham Glenwood
340 County Rd 21 S, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-2254
Baymont by Wyndham Glenwood
100 15th St SE, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-6017
GrandStay Hotel & Suites Glenwood
114 Minnesota Ave E, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-3700
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 2, 2024 | 2024, Home Page
Minnesota Ice Sailing Website
The 2024 Western Challenge, an informal ice sailing gathering, is tentatively scheduled for December 6–8 at Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, Minnesota. Over the past two days, several Minnesota DNers and a few lucky guests from the east and west coasts have been enjoying some early-season sailing on Minnewaska.
But wait – that’s not all. An inch of fluffy snow fell last night, covering the already hoar-frosted ice. The forecast for Wednesday predicts winds of 20–30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, raising concerns that the snow might form drifts. The ice will be inspected late Wednesday, with a final confirmation posted on the evening of December 4.
What to know:
2024 Western Challenge
Dates: December 6 – 8
Location: Tentatively Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, MN
Next Update: Wednesday evening, December 4
by Deb Whitehorse | Mar 17, 2024 | 2024, Home Page
Via Mike Miller US5369
Mark Kiefer, aka “The Ice Maker,” passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 71, after a short illness.
Mark was a passionate sailor and a long-time iceboater. He sailed out of the Wayzata Yacht Club and, in his younger days, raced a DN. Mark will always be known in the DN iceboat community as co-founder of the Great Western Challenge and the short-lived World Ice Racing Circuit. Mark served two terms as Commodore of the IDNIYRA from 2000 – 2001.
Mark grew up in Moorhead, MN, but spent many early winter days on the lakes of west-central MN, including Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Mile Marker 8, along Christina’s northern shore, became the famous launch site of the Great Western Challenge.
Iceboaters have always considered plowing a track to race when snow prevented sailing. The Icemaker took that vision to the next level and founded the World Ice Racing Circuit. He enlisted a few sponsors and got enough funds to plow two tracks on Lake Phalen in St Paul, MN. Mark envisioned four abreast NASCAR-style racing with TV coverage. He even convinced the Paul Winter Carnival to make it an official carnival event with boats in the parade and a sideshow of a petting zoo!
Mark mentored many newbies into the DN sport. He freely shared his knowledge and often let newcomers take their first rides in his boat. His later years were spent without a suitable boat but he always championed his Great Western Challenge.
On a more personal note, I have fond memories of scouting ice with Mark. He taught me how to assess ice and introduced me to the numerous northern lakes suitable for racing. I think of Mark often as I have taken over his scouting duties.
We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends during this difficult time. A private funeral is being planned.
World Ice Racing Circuit
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 | Dec 9, 2023 | 2023, Home Page, Western Region Championship
Relive last weekend’s Western Challenge on Lake Christina, Ashby, MN with an hour-long video from our friend John at Cool Videos and a photo gallery by Kevin Barta.
