Five-Time Champion! Matt Struble celebrates moments after securing his fifth DN World Championship victory. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 DN World Championship – Day 3 Report
RESULTS
The 2025 DN World Championship wrapped up today on Lake Winnebago, and we extend a huge congratulations to five-time champion Matt Struble US183. Having already claimed his fifth World Championship title, Matt continues to cement his legacy in DN racing.
Matt grew up in Bay City, Michigan, where Jan and Mead Gougeon, legends in the DN class, mentored him. Now living in San Diego, California, he balances his career as a Nissan engineer, Moth sailing, competitive ice sailing, and time with his family. A gracious and humble competitor, Matt once again proved why he is one of the best in the sport.
A Bright, Cold Final Day
Today’s conditions were much colder than the previous two days, but a beautiful sunrise over Lake Winnebago greeted us for the first time since we arrived. After days of cloudy, gloomy weather, the bright sunshine was a welcome change—even if it made writing down scores challenging for the scoring team’s frozen fingers.
Winds were 20 mph from the north when PRO Pat Heppert arrived early for his daily dawn patrol, inspecting the course by ATV to ensure a safe and fair race surface. Pat and the protest committee were busy last night, hearing seven protests, with the final one wrapping up around 10 PM. Yesterday was also a massive scoring day, with 15 races completed across all fleets.
The Final Showdown
Racing began right on time at 10 AM with the Silver Fleet. Silver Fleet Champion Daniel Hearn had already secured his victory with enough bullets in the bank to sit out the race, but he still came out to help manage the starting line and watch the Gold fleet race.
With Silver wrapped up, all eyes turned to the Gold Fleet showdown between Matt Struble US183 and Lukasz Zakrzewski P155, who was trailing by just three points. The flag dropped, and the final battle was on. Matt found another gear, pulling ahead of the fleet, chased by a pack of Poles, an Estonian, and Swedes.
Three laps later, it was over. The top five competitors headed straight to the measuring corral and were in high spirits, congratulating Matt and each other in the bright sunshine. Everyone left the ice smiling—partly from the excitement and partly because we were all ready for a well-earned break from the cold.
Looking Ahead: The North American Championship Begins
Today is check-in day for the 2025 DN North American Championship, which officially begins tomorrow. Here’s what competitors need to know:
Check-in is from 3 – 5 PM at Regatta Headquarters, Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
The prize-giving, banquet, and raffle—managed by Junior Sailing Manager Sam Bartel US1011—will take place tonight at 7 PM at Sunset on the Water, N7364 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac, WI 5493
(Dinner is ordered off the menu, and guests will pay individually.)
A Strong Showing from the Junior Fleet
One of the biggest positives of this regatta has been the presence of seven junior sailors, demonstrating the bright future of DN racing.
From Sweden, Oskar Svensson S714 and Gustav Linden S887 both closed out their junior years in spectacular fashion. Oskar, who won the first race of the Worlds and finished 6th overall in Gold, and Gustav, who placed 8th in Gold, have firmly established themselves as solid Gold Fleet competitors. Both sailors have been coached by Tomas Lindgren S81, and it has been a pleasure to watch them grow into top-tier racers over the years.
Our North American juniors also delivered outstanding performances, most in their first major regatta:
Sam Bartel US1011 had a remarkable journey, qualifying from Bronze to Silver to Gold on the first day, ultimately finishing 31st in Gold Fleet.
Jack Brellinthin US130 placed 18th in Bronze, gaining valuable international experience.
Maggie McGary US2453 finished 15th in Silver Fleet, having qualified up from Bronze. Notably, she has competed in every regatta in the Western Region this season, showing incredible dedication to the sport.
Andrew Roeder US5706 placed 3rd in the second Bronze Fleet race and finished 21st overall in Bronze.
Sebastian Sorenson US5479 placed 32nd in Bronze, gaining valuable experience at the international level.
It’s impressive to see these young sailors step up in such a competitive event, and their performances are a testament to the effort being put into junior development. With a mix of experience and determination, this next generation of DN racers is proving they belong at the highest level.
There are countless people to thank for making this regatta possible—but we’ll save that for the conclusion of the North Americans.
Stay tuned for more updates as we shift into the next championship!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
Day 2 of the DN World Championship. Photo: Anna Suslova
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
Racing began right on time at 10 AM, with the fleet launching into a full day of competition. Fifteen races later, the day finished on the Bronze Fleets final race, leaving just two more races on Tuesday to determine the Silver and Gold Fleet champions.
Today brought a new set of conditions—colder than yesterday, still overcast, but this time with steady wind. That’s the mark of a well-rounded regatta: different challenges each day. As forecasted, the north wind held at 12-15 mph, providing consistent racing. A few course adjustments were needed, but they were made quickly to keep the races running smoothly. We sailed until the last possible moment to make the most of the day.
The ice was harder than yesterday and not as wet but still soft, with better grip than one week ago at the Northwest Regatta. Sailors adjusted well, leading to tight, competitive racing.
Standout Performances of the Day
Dideric van Riemsdijk S867 dominated the Bronze Fleet, taking bullets in every race.
Daniel Hearn US5352 was untouchable in the Silver Fleet, winning each race.
The Gold Fleet delivered intense battles, with Matt Struble US183 and Lukasz Zakrzewski P155 going head-to-head in every race, pushing each other to the limit.
With one more Gold Fleet race left on Tuesday, it all comes down to the final showdown. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
DN World Championship Day 3 – Tuesday, February 4 – Schedule
9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
10:00 AM – First Race Silver Fleet 7, followed by Gold Fleet 7
7:00 PM – World Championship Banquet, awards, and raffle at Sunset on the Water
(Dinner is ordered off the menu, and each guest will pay individually.)
The final races will decide the Silver and Gold Fleet champions—stay tuned for the action!
DN North American Championship: What to Know for Tuesday, February 4
Sam Bartel US1011 pushes off at the start of the Gold Qualifier. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 DN World Championship Report Day 1, February 2, 2025
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
The Grinders of the Day award goes to Sam Bartel US1011, Guy Lovejoy US4638, and Rick Lemberg Jr. US4755 for their climb from the Bronze Fleet all the way to the Gold Fleet. Battling through two rounds of qualifiers is no easy task, but their determination earned them a spot in the top fleet.
The Gold Fleet Race 1 was a test of patience and finesse, as competitors had to rely on all their light-air sailing skills to navigate the course. Swedish sailor Oskar Svensson S714 proved to be the ultimate light-air assassin, taking first place in the only Gold Fleet race of the day.
Chris Teal US5285 claimed victory in the Bronze Fleet, and in Silver, Jeff Roseberry US5687 received top honors.
After the first Gold Fleet race, we waited for the wind to fill back in, allowing the Bronze Fleet to complete a second race. The wily veteran Chris Clark US4789 showed his experience and skill, winning Bronze Race 2.
The light air came out of the south/southwest today, creating a hazy and overcast day on Lake Winnebago. Looking ahead, tomorrow’s forecast predicts winds from the north at 5-15 mph, setting the stage for another intense day of competition.
Gold fleet race one was protested and after review, the protest committee ruled that the race stands.
The championship continues—stay tuned for more action from Lake Winnebago!
Photo Gallery Anna Suslova. See Anna’s Photo Gallery here (password is sail):world
The conductor starts the show.
Dideric Van Riemsdijk S867
Keith Schwark US5183 and Sam Bartel US1011
KA2 taking a break.
Oskar Svensson
Jacek Marzenski
PRO Pat Heppert starts a race.
Dogs like ice boating!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
The 2025 DN World Championship is officially underway on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin! Registration is complete, and sailors from around the world gathered for the opening ceremony and rules review. The rules review, led by PRO Pat Heppert and Bob Foeller, was well attended, providing valuable insights for competitors. The opening ceremony was a highlight, as all countries sang their national anthems.
With racing to begin tomorrow, most sailors took advantage of today’s conditions to train on Lake Winnebago, testing their setups and getting a feel for the ice. Expect a highly competitive start as everyone looks to dial in their speed.
How the Qualifiers Work
Racing begins tomorrow, February 2, with the qualifiers, where competitors will compete in the top fleets. Here’s how it works:
The Bronze Fleet starts first, with the top 12 finishers advancing to the Silver Fleet.
The top 12 in Silver will then move up to the Gold Fleet.
The competitor who finishes 13th in Bronze or Silver actually wins that fleet, while the top 12 move on.
A special thanks to the Friendship Fishing Club for their hard work maintaining the bridges ensuring access to the racecourse.
Via IDNIYRA Central Region Commodore Pete Johanson
Attention competitors! The 2025 DN World Championships site will be on Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, WI. The backup site is Lake Monona, Madison, WI. Launch is: Public launch off Cemetery Rd and Highway 45, north of Fond Du Lac.
NOTE: We will be driving and parking on the ice. Boats will be set up in front of our vehicles—diagrams to come.
Stand by for hotel information.
The event kicks off Saturday, February 1: Packet picks up 3-5, followed by opening ceremonies and a rules seminar.
Travel safe!
Sincerely,
Pete Johanson US 5633
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 IDNIYRA World and North American Championship Dates: Racing on February 2 – 8
Saturday, February 1, 2025, Gold Cup World Championship – mandatory Check-In for competitors 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm local time. Late registration is on-line only and will close at 5:00 pm local time. No in-person registration is permitted at check-in. Opening ceremony at 5:30 with Racing Rules Review to follow. Location: Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Launch: Foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac.
LAUNCH INFO: All competitors should note the following important details for launching at Cemetery Road:
No street parking is allowed on Cemetery Road. All vehicles must be parked on the ice.
Access the launch site by proceeding to the green metal bridge to safely cross the heave.
After crossing, drive south (right) parallel to the heave to reach the designated parking area.
Be mindful of spacing when parking. Do not park cars too close together—maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
Set up your DN directly in front of your car to keep the launch area organized and accessible for everyone.
Helpful diagram to come.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and efficient launch for all competitors. LODGING:
Regatta Headquarters: Radisson Fond du Lac $95 Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19206384175 Booking Link There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
Holiday Inn Express Fond Du Lac Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
55 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19203220460 Booking Link There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
Comfort Inn and Suites $82 Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
77 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19209331159 Booking Link There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:| Saturday, February 1 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Check-In at Radisson Fond Du Lac (Lobby)
Pick up your regatta packets, stickers, and shirts. 5:00 PM: Opening Ceremony (Pool Area) Rules Review: Immediately following the ceremony (Pool Area)
Sunday, February 2 9:00 AM: Skippers Meeting 10:00 AM: First Race
Tuesday, February 4 7:00 PM: Banquet – Order off Menu and pay individually.
Location: Sunset On the Water
N7364 Winnebago Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
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