2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships Registration is open.
Make sure insurance is submitted by January 22.
Go to the Regatta Information Page.
LATEST NEWS
Lake Champlain Looks Worth the Trip
LINK TO VIDEO
DN sailors Eben Whitcomb US4775, Jeff Roseberry US5687, and Paul Chamberland KC5700 scouted Lake Champlain this week and found 4+ inches of impressive-looking ice. Sailors from Canada, Michigan, and the east coast are converging for a weekend of sailing.
Here’s a link to the report on the New England Ice Yacht Association website with details and contact info. LINK
Sailors are staying at the Hampton in Colchester, VT.
If you’ve been itching to get back on good ice in a big setting, this one may be worth loading the trailer.
Eight Bells: Jane Sherry
The DN community extends its sympathies to the Sherry family on the passing of their sister, Jane. Jane played a key role in the IDNIYRA, serving as a race committee member and scorer, and as IDNIYRA Secretary from 1996 to 2000.
Via Ron Sherry and Loretta Rehe “It is with a heavy heart that Loretta, Kevin, and I announce the sudden passing of our amazing sister, Jane Sherry. She passed peacefully in her own bed on Christmas Day while getting ready to join us for Christmas dinner. The family is planning a private interment at Resurrection Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life at Crescent Sail Yacht Club on March 28 between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.” Link to obituary.
2026 Western Region Championship Postponed
2025 Western Region Championship Photo: Gretchen Dorian
Via Western Region Commodore Tim Mower:
Unfortunately the DN Western Region Championship originally scheduled for January 3-4 will need to be postponed due to present lack of sailable ice.
The ice checkers have been quickly responding with detailed reports on ice conditions all over, unfortunately their reports are stating the available ice is not up to regatta conditions at this time.
Some of the lakes have not frozen over yet but should be soon with cold temps forecasted.
Will continue obtaining reports and hope to reschedule soon.
Have a Happy New Years!
Tim Mower US5871
DN Western Region Commodore
Register Today and Save $50
2025 DN World Championship. Photo: Anna Suslova
Early registration ends today. 2026 NA & USN entry fees increase January 1. Register here.
DN Western Region Championship Update
Photo: Gretchen Dorian
Western Region Championship
January 3 – 4, 2026
NOTICE OF RACE
Via Western Region Commodore Tim Mower:
Ice checks are underway in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the southern UP of Michigan, and surrounding areas. After the snow event that hit Minnesota and Wisconsin yesterday and moved east today, many locations received too much snow to be viable.
At this point, the Madison, WI lakes, Lake Kegonsa and Lake Monona, are looking the most promising for the Western Region Championships.
A final decision will be made Wednesday or no later than Thursday.
The next update will be posted by Thursday, January 1.
Get your runners sharpened. Or at least knock the rust off.
Tim Mower US5871
Wester Region Commodore
North American Regatta Rates Increase January 1 — Register by December 31
DN North American & Nationals regatta entry fees increase January 1. Registering by December 31 secures the early entry rate and assists with regatta planning. Entry links are available below.
Register
2026 North American & Nationals Home Page
Regatta Gear from Coral Reef
Official 2026 DN North Americans Apparel Store Is Open
A small sampling of the official 2026 DN North Americans apparel. Many more styles and options are available in the online store.
Official 2026 DN North Americans Apparel Store Is Open
The 2026 DN North American Championship apparel store is now live.
We are using Coral Reef again for on demand gear. This means no inventory limits, a wide range of sizes and cuts, and the ability to order what you want when you want it. Items are produced on demand and ship directly to you.
Official apparel store:
https://stores.crsapparel.com/DNapparel2026/shop/home
What you will find in the store
- Short sleeve and long sleeve tees
- Men’s and women’s cuts
- Tech fabrics and blends suited for racing, rigging, and travel
- Official event graphics consistent with the 2026 North Americans branding
Registration reminder
The early registration deadline is approaching. Registering before the deadline saves money and helps the organizing team plan more accurately.
If you know you are coming, now is the time to act. Oder apparel early and register before fees increase.
2026 DN Central Region Championship Notice of Race Posted
The Notice of Race for the 2026 DN Central Region Championship is now posted. See it here
The Central Region includes Michigan and Ohio.
This is a non-ranking regatta and a solid way to get ready for the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships.
If you look up at the sky, you might imagine a very large Zamboni rumbling its way across the Midwest, which should be good news for lakes in Michigan.
Official regatta information, site updates, and registration details will be posted at idniyra.org.
Reminder: the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championship early registration deadline to save $50 is fast approaching. Register here.
2026 DN Western Region Championship Notice of Race Posted
2025 Western Challenge on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN. Photo: Kevin Barta
The Notice of Race for the 2026 DN Western Region Championship is now posted in pdf. See it here.
The Western Region includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.
This is a non-ranking regatta and an excellent opportunity to get ready for the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships.
Regatta dates: January 3–4, 2026
Official regatta information, site updates, and registration details will be posted at idniyra.org.
Also, a reminder that the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championship early registration deadline to save $50 is fast approaching. If you plan to attend, register now.
The Final Runner Tracks Issue of 2025 Is Out
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
Current Issue: December 2025
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
- WESTERN CHALLENGE – BACK TO MINNEWASKA
- THREE PROPOSALS FROM THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: GENERAL, C. MAST, AND D. BOOM
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
The final issue of Runner Tracks for 2025 is now published.
This issue includes coverage of the Western Challenge, youth sailing at Minnewaska, and three proposals from the Technical Committee, along with regular class updates.
If you’re not already receiving Runner Tracks, subscriptions are available. A subscription is the best way to stay current on DN sailing, class business, and the people behind the boats.
Did you know you can also view the Runner Tracks library? The online archive includes more than ten years of past issues and is a great resource for class history, technical discussion, and race coverage.
RUNNER TRACKS LIBRARY
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of Runner Tracks and the DN class:
2026 DN North American and Nationals NOR Posted & Registration Now Open
2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships Notice of Race Posted and Registration Now Open
2026 North American & Nationals Home Page
The Notice of Race is live and registration is open for the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships. You will find everything on the regatta page, including the Notice of Race and the link to register. Sailing Instructions will follow.
The regatta is hosted by the Western Region. Tim Mower, Western Region Commodore, is the Regatta Chair. The regatta site will be selected based on the best ice available. If the Western Region has no suitable ice, the search will expand to the other regions to find the best possible racing conditions.
Racing is scheduled for January 25 through January 31, 2026.
We are also working on regatta merchandise that you will be able to order and have shipped to your home. More information will follow.
Save money. Regatta fees increase on January 1, 2026. Register now and keep a few dollars in your pocket. Rookies and juniors do not incur late fees.
A critical reminder on liability insurance. Every sailor must have current home or renter insurance that covers them during the regatta period. Proof of insurance must be submitted by January 22, 2026 to be included in the random draw for starting positions. Only sailors who complete registration and submit insurance by that date will be placed in the initial draw. You can upload your insurance during registration or email it afterward.
This is the first year for the new format. The class voted to change the North Americans to a seven race series. After the North Americans, we will run the U.S. Nationals, another seven race regatta. The U.S. Nationals is non ranking. If you are new to racing or want experience without the pressure of championship scoring, the U.S. Nationals may be the right place to start.
Please review the details for mandatory check in in the Notice of Race before you travel.
The Western Challenge on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN gave us a strong start to the season with good ice, good wind, and a fleet that showed up ready to sail. If that weekend lit a fire under you, carry it forward. Register today.
New this year. If you want to give the regatta a little extra help, we now offer optional donation levels during registration. These gifts go directly to race operations and volunteer support.
A reminder for newcomers. If you are a new sailor or you have not been a class member in the last five years, you can race both regattas with a two year membership for $54.
Current Newsletter
DN VIDEOS
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- western region jan 2 December 29, 2025
Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club
- Massebesic Lake January 3, 2026
New England Ice Yacht Association
- RACING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY January 2, 2026