LATEST NEWS
2025 DN North American Championship – Seven for Struble: Another DN NA Victory
Matt Struble US183 – 2025 DN North American Champion
2025 DN NA RESULTS
Day 4 Report– 2025 DN North American Championship
Friday, February 7 – The Last Day of Racing
The final day of the 2025 DN North American Championship dawned cold but clear, with the sun shining and the winds finally calming down after Thursday’s wild storm. With the previous day’s 50 mph gusts still fresh in our minds, no one knew exactly what we would find at the launch. Big winds have a big effect on big ice, but fortunately, PRO Pat Heppert took an early 13-mile Dawn Patrol ride down the lake to ensure no wayward DNs had continued their solo journey overnight.
Back at the launch, local sturgeon fishermen were hauling their ice shacks back onto the lake, giving us confidence that the ice was safe. With temperatures low, it was clear that the final day’s racing would once again be scored from the warmth of cars.
“The wind was confused,” as Regatta Chair Peter Johanson put it, after blowing like crazy the day before. This meant constant adjustments—PRO Pat Heppert and his crew had to reset the starting line and marks after almost every race as the shifting breeze kept everyone on their toes. Fortunately, we were racing in a spot where sturgeon apparently don’t like to hang out, so there were no conflicts with fishing shacks on the course.
We needed six more races to complete the championship, and the fleet delivered with tight, competitive sailing. The racing remained intense, with different winners in almost every race, proving once again just how deep the competition runs in the DN class.
Matt Struble Defends His Title
In the end, Matt Struble successfully defended his championship, claiming victory as the 2025 DN North American Champion just days after winning his fifth World Championship. This marks his seventh North American title, further solidifying his legacy in the class.
Prize Giving & Final Farewells
The prize-giving ceremony took place back at the regatta headquarters, where a big group gathered to celebrate the competitors and wrap up an unforgettable week of racing. Competitors enjoyed pizza along with the trophy ceremony, giving everyone a chance to relax, share stories, and reflect on an incredible championship.
A huge thank you to Regatta Organizer and DN Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson for keeping everything on track, and to PRO Pat Heppert and his team for their tireless work in making this event a success. There are countless people who played a crucial role in making the regatta a success, from race officials and volunteers to ice scouts and supporters. A full thank-you post recognizing everyone’s contributions will be published soon—stay tuned!
To all the competitors who made the effort to attend both the Worlds and North Americans—thank you. We hope you had a great time, and we look forward to seeing you on the ice again soon!
Following the decision of a protest, Race 5 of the Silver Fleet in the 2025 DN North American Championship has been updated to reflect a disqualification (DSQ) for G390. However, this ruling did not affect the overall standings or race results beyond the individual DSQ. The updated results have been recorded accordingly.
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
DN North American Championship Important Update for Friday, Feb 7
Video above shows why we postponed racing today.
Via PRO Pat Heppert
Attention DN Racers!!
Due to today’s high winds, please read ALL of the following announcements:
- Racing on Friday, February 7 will be held as scheduled, with a 9 AM skippers meeting and a 10 AM first race start. The starting order will be Bronze, Silver, Gold.
- Today’s high winds resulted in many trailers and boats blowing around, even some that were tied down and anchored. Several parties have been at the lake to secure the trailers and boats in the launch area. We are confident that anything remaining in the launch area is now secure for the night, and the winds are decreasing. However, at least some boats were blown across the lake and will need to be retrieved tomorrow. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE DOING ANYTHING.
- The ice is assumed to not necessarily be safe, even in the areas we have been sailing. We are now completely starting over on ice scouting. Treat it like it’s a whole new lake that you haven’t been to before.
- Do NOT immediately drive cars across the bridges in the morning. The ice has already shifted, and the pressure ridge is actively changing. The fishing club will inspect bridges in the morning, and we will have no trouble getting off tomorrow afternoon.
- Do NOT go sailing before the skippers meeting. There are absolutely new cracks, holes, and heaves that the race committee will be inspecting at first light.
- The race committee has several 4-wheelers with trailers to help search and retrieve boats and trailers as needed.
- The Western region 4-wheeler will be utilized to set the race course.
- The rest of the race committee 4-wheelers will be used to help search and retrieve boats and trailers as needed.
- Many ice screws and ropes have been used to secure everything today. Please inspect your trailer and boat moorings, and bring all the ice screws and ropes that do not belong to you to the skippers meeting at 9 AM, along with any other lost and found items.
DN parking—high wind edition.
Day 2 Report: NA Regatta Timeout – Strong Winds Force a Postponement
Photo: Anna Suslova
NA PROVISIONAL RESULTS
We all met on the ice this morning, but before anyone started setting up, it was clear that enthusiasm for racing was low. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee gathered and determined that the wind forecast—with gusts up to 50 mph—was too high for racing. The decision was made to postpone racing for the day, and the announcement was met with a round of applause from the competitors. The lack of sails-up underscored that the conditions weren’t suitable for competitive racing.
As I write this, I can see the wind picking up, confirming that the governing board made the right call. PRO Pat Heppert encouraged competitors to take advantage of the lay day and check out another sport known for speed—the famous Oshkosh Experimental Aircraft Museum, just a few minutes up the road.
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, there’s still plenty to keep sailors entertained. Those staying in Fond du Lac’s Radisson Hotel can enjoy its large swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and bar, making for a relaxing break from the ice.
Updated Schedule for Friday, February 7
- 9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
- 10:00 AM – First Race
- Fleet sequence: Bronze → Silver → Gold
- We plan to sail 3 more races in each fleet, aiming for a total of 7 races for each fleet, conditions permitting
- North American Prize Giving will take place on the ice at the conclusion of the regatta
- The 2025 DN North American Championship will conclude tomorrow, as we are in the direct path of an incoming snowstorm forecasted for Saturday.
Taking full advantage of the lay day, Pat Heppert brought out one of his shop-creations—a Mini Skeeter. When I left the ice, sailors were lined up, waiting for their turn to take a ride.
Tomorrow, we get back to racing. Stay tuned for updates!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- 2025 North American Championship Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- 2025 World Championship Results – View here.
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 1 Report – 2025 DN North American Championship
Though it’s officially Day 1 of the North American Championship, it’s Sailing Day 4 for all of us here, and the fleet is showing no signs of slowing down.
The ice has tightened back up with colder temperatures—11°F when we arrived at the lake—providing solid racing conditions. The scoring team had the luxury of scoring from inside cars driven to the starting line, which made a huge difference in staying warm and efficient. Thanks to this setup, we completed four races in each fleet, despite a 160-degree wind shift.
The qualifiers were sailed early, and once things were set, the race committee got into a groove, firing off 12 races under the direction of the maestro of ice, Pat Heppert. Racing was tight across all fleets, with plenty of different winners mixing it up. The Gold Fleet saw four different winners in four races, proving just how deep the competition runs. Silver and Bronze fleets were just as competitive, as the results show.
Looking ahead, the forecast is calling for heavy air tomorrow, with gusts—but we’ll see if the predictions hold.
In the meantime, here are some more photos from event photographer Anna Suslova. Stay tuned for updates as the championship continues!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- 2025 North American Championship Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- 2025 World Championship Results – View here.
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 1 – 2025 DN North American Championship AM Update
Lukasz Zakrzewski P155
The 2025 DN North American Championship kicks off today with a full schedule of racing and events on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
- 9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
- 10:00 AM – First Qualifier
Racing will continue throughout the day as the fleets take shape.
Tonight, join us for the IDNIYRA Annual Meeting at 7:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
Check out the starting lineup for today’s qualifiers here: https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025-North-Americans.htm
Stay tuned for race updates as the championship gets underway!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- 2025 North American Championship Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- 2025 World Championship Results – View here.
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World Championship – Final Day Report – High Five for Struble
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.
- Online registration closes at 5 PM. Click here to register.
- 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.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 3 – Photo Gallery by Anna Suslova – Gallery Link Password: sail
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DN World Championship – Day 2 Report
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
- Online registration closes at 5 PM. Link here
- Packet pick-up goes from 3 – 5 PM at Regatta Headquarters – Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
- North American Championship First day of racing: Wednesday, February 5
More updates are coming soon—stay tuned!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Gretchen Dorian Photo Gallery
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
Day 2 – Photo Gallery by Anna Suslova – Gallery Link Password: sail
DN World Championship: Day 1 PM Update
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
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Competitor Lists & Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World Championship Kicks Off in Fond du Lac
Opening Ceremony. Photo: Anna Suslova
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.
Check out the starting lineups for tomorrow’s qualifiers here: https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025-DN-WORLD-CUP.htm?
Stay tuned for race updates and live coverage from the starting line!
How to Follow the 2025 DN World Championship
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Event Photos: Anna Suslova Gallery. Link Password: sail
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Competitor Lists & Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
The 2025 DN World Championship: A Battle of Legends on Ice
2024 DN World Championship on the Baltic Sea in Parnu, Estonia. Photo: Gilles Morelle
Since 1973, the DN World Championship has alternated between Europe and North America, bringing together the fastest ice sailors in the world. This year, the championship returns to North America, hosted by the Central Region under the direction of Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson of Michigan.
The location has been confirmed: the 2025 DN World Championship will be held on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Racing begins Sunday, February 2nd, and runs through Saturday, February 8th.
The Biggest Ice Sailing Regatta of the Season
With over 100 competitors registered, the 2025 DN World Championship is officially the largest ice sailing regatta of the season—unsurprising, given that the DN is the most popular iceboat in the world. This year’s fleet is stacked with talent from across the globe, including sailors from Canada, Sweden, Germany, and Estonia, alongside the powerhouse fleets from the U.S. and Poland.
The Great Eight: A Combined 29 World Titles
UPDATE: The competition at the 2025 DN World Championship just got even tougher—Jeff Kent (USA), a former DN World Champion, has officially registered, bringing the total number of past champions in the fleet to eight.
Kent, a well-respected veteran of the sport, adds even more depth to an already stacked lineup.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s event will feature the Magnificent 7—seven former DN World Champions who have collectively won 28 DN World Championship titles. This elite group includes two American champions from Michigan and San Diego and five from Poland, including the reigning World Champion, Michał Burczyński.
The Champions’ Roll Call (29 Titles Total):
- Karol Jabłoński (POL) – 12-time World Champion
- Ron Sherry (USA) – 5-time World Champion
- Matt Struble (USA) – 4-time World Champion
- Michał Burczyński (POL) – 3-time World Champion (and reigning champion)
- Tomasz Zakrzewski (POL) – 2-time World Champion
- Łukasz Zakrzewski (POL) – 1-time World Champion
- Robert Graczyk (POL) – 1-time World Champion
- Jeff Kent (USA) – 1-time World Champion
27 of the World’s Top 10 Ranked Sailors
The 2025 DN World Championship will showcase intense competition, featuring 27 sailors who have ranked in the top 10 internationally. These rankings reflect years of elite racing experience, and with so many top contenders in the mix, the battle for the title is guaranteed to be fierce. Beyond the veterans, ranked third in the world, Estonian sailor Joonas Kiisler (EST) is a rising star in the DN class. Kiisler secured a third-place finish at last year’s DN Worlds in Estonia. As he continues to climb the ranks, he will challenge the champions and fight for a spot on the podium once again—this time on North American ice.
Three Fleets, One Ultimate Prize
The DN World Championship is divided into three fleets—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—ensuring competitive racing at every level. Silver and Bronze fleet sailors will have their own exciting races, but as a bonus, they’ll get to witness the intense competition in Gold Fleet, where the top-ranked sailors will go head-to-head in pursuit of the championship title.
Wisconsin’s Ice is Ready for the Challenge
The venue has been determined, and Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is set to host the biggest showdown of the season. Ice checkers have confirmed miles of race-ready ice, and the lake has already hosted three major regattas this season.
With over 100 competitors, seven world champions, 28 combined world titles, and 27 top-ranked international sailors, the 2025 DN World Championship is shaping up to be one for the history books.
The countdown is on—see you on the ice!
How to Follow the 2025 DN World Championship
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
- Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
- Website – Visit the New England Ice Yachting Association for race updates from the New England contingent
- Instagram – Follow @idniyra
- Facebook – IDNIYRA – DN North America for live updates, videos, and community discussions.
- Competitor Lists & Results – View the full competitor list and follow live results
- New to Iceboat Racing? – Learn how it works by watching this short video:- How Ice Boat Racing Works.
- For media inquiries – Please contact secretary.idniyira@gmail.com. Or text 608-347 3513
2025 DN World & North American Championship Called ON for Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, WI
Photo: gretchendorian.com
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
Current Newsletter
DN VIDEOS
iceboat.org
- Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship Postponed to Feb 21 – 23 February 12, 2025
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- main lake sailed Minnetonka December 31, 2024
Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club
- Sailing In The Snow February 11, 2025
New England Ice Yacht Association
- Quaboag & Webster Status February 4, 2025