2023 DN Western Challenge Called ON – Primary Site: Lake Christina in MN


Final Confirmation
Western Challenge –
A non-sanctioned fun-regatta, no scoring.
Date: December 1 – 3, 2023
Primary Site: Lake Christina, Ashby MN

Via Mike Miller on Minnesota Iceboaters Facebook Page:
Christina comes thru again! Quality ice big enough for a proper course. The Great Western Challenge will be sailed here December 1-3. Our buddy land-owner has again offered his property for the launch site. Please do not park in the coned off space. 2 walkways to carry on the lake are there.

LODGING
3 selected lodging options all with an iceboaters deal.
1. Battle Lake Inn $119 double Queen room or Single Queen. If you book online as they prefer, discount will be applied at check in. 20 miles from launch site. 218-862-2500.

2. Bonnie Beach Resort 3 BR newer cabins on Clitheral Lake, near Battle Lake. Full kitchen 2 Bath cabins. 18 miles from launch site. $207 1-4 persons $270 5-6 persons . Must bring own bath and kitchen towels. 218-864-5534

3. Ashby Resort & Motel $120 2 beds and kitchenette. $100 1 Bed plus sofa sleeper. 5 miles from launch on Pelican Lake. 218-747-2959.
Numerous other lodging options in Alexandria or Fergus Falls

 

2023 DN Western Challenge Called ON for Dec 1 – 3 in MN


The DN Western Challenge has been tentatively called ON for December 1 – 3, 2023. Primary site is Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Final site confirmation and call will be posted on this website on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by noon CT.  The Western Challenge is a non-sanctioned fun regatta with informal racing with no scoring.
Next update will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023 by noon CT. 

Great Western Challenge Recap: Pictures Say It All

Great Western Challenge Recap: Pictures Say It All

The ice was exceptional, and it just doesn’t get any better than what we had at Lake Minnewaska in Minnesota. There was plenty of it, no real hazards, hard and smooth. The welcome we received from the people of Starbuck and Glenwood was well worth the trip alone. Thanks to the Minnesota ice sailors whose efforts and determination found this incredible playground for the Great Western Challenge.
Link to Youtube video.

 

Wanted: 4 DNs for Charter @ Grand Masters Regatta in Sweden Feb 2023

DNs waiting for the wind on Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, MN.

Good morning from Starbuck, Minnesota, Lake Minnewaska, site of the Western Challenge. I’ve run out of adjectives to describe this beautiful ice. About 40 DNs from North America, Sweden, and Germany waited for the breeze to fill in and take advantage of the window of opportunity before the wind became too strong. Sailors set up some marks and took a few laps on the fast ice.

Some of the talk at dinner last night was about the 2023 Grand Masters Cup (GMC), organized by DN Sweden for February 7-9. The GMC is for DN sailors 60 years and older. Kickstarts are the rule, and no running starts are allowed. With a three-race per-day limit, there’s an emphasis on fun and friendship. The Dutch Swedish DNer, Dideric Van Reimsdijk, is one of the GMC Race Committee members here at the Western Challenge.

At the end of dinner, four American Grand Masters asked him to find boats for them to charter to attend the regatta. Dideric and Richard Gustring, the event organizer, ask for help finding four charter boats for American sailors. Please get in touch with Richard if you have a DN for charter. Grand Masters Cup information.

Meanwhile, we are soon heading to the launch. Stay tuned to IDNIYRA’s Facebook page for live updates and photos.