Home Page
2025 DN Gold Cup World & North American Championship
Hosted by the Central Lakes Region, USA
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
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
2025 World & North Americans Update: Primary Focus is Wisconsin

Spot the DNs! Northwest Regatta on Lake Winnebago, January 25, 205. Photo Jim Stevenson
2025 World Championship & North American Regatta Home Page
Greetings DN racers,
Welcome to the 2025 World and North American Championships hosted by the Central Region. Only 6 days to the start of racing, and the regatta crew and scouts have been hard at work finding a suitable location for the event. We know everyone is anxious to start making travel plans so I wanted to update everyone on current thoughts.At this time, we are focusing on ice in Wisconsin, specifically Lakes Winnebago and Monona. We are fortunate to have many options and are watching back up locations in Minnesota, Indiana and Detroit. Scouts and Volunteers have already spent hours of time and miles of driving scouting ice in Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire… So please!- when you run across someone who scouted ice for us, give them a big thank you!
Stay tuned. The next update will be Wednesday night, January 29, with the final confirmation for the location.
Drive safe and sail fast!
Sincerely,
Pete Johanson US5633
Central Region Commodore
Iceboat Racing Rules Review at the 2025 DN World Championship
We’re gearing up for an exciting DN World Championship! Here’s what you need to know about registration, check-in, the opening ceremony, and the racing rules review:
Registration
- Registration is ONLINE ONLY and must be completed by the deadline of 5 PM local time, February 1, 2025.
- Late registration will also be online and closes at 5 PM local time.
- No in-person registration is permitted at check-in.
- Not registered yet? Register here.
Mandatory Check-In
- Gold Cup World Championship mandatory check-in for competitors will take place on February 1, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time.
- The location for check-in will be listed on the IDNIYRA website.
- During check-in, all registered competitors will pick up their packets, including their stickers.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will follow check-in, officially kicking off the championship and welcoming all participants.
Racing Rules Review
After the ceremony, a Racing Rules Review seminar will be held. Attendance is voluntary, but we encourage all sailors to join and brush up on the rules.
Note: The location for registration, the opening ceremonies, and the rules review will be announced closer to the event date, based on where we will be sailing.
We look forward to seeing everyone there—let’s make it a great championship!
Tick Tock! Discounted Registration Ends Soon!

2023 DN World Championship. Photo: Hannah Lee Noll/Harken
REGISTER
Attention DN sailors! The clock is ticking, and just over 24 hours are left to take advantage of the discounted registration rate for the 2025 World and North American Championships. After the deadline, registration fees increase—don’t miss out!
Important Note for European Sailors: You are exempt from this registration discount deadline, but we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to help with event planning.
Get your spot locked in now and save! Visit the registration page today—time is running out!
Register Now: DN World & NA Championship Early Discount Ends Soon!
The registration deadline for the discount is only days away! Registration fees increase on January 1, so register as soon as possible to take advantage of the lower fee. Register here.
Attention European DN World & North American Championship Competitors,
We’re excited to welcome you to the upcoming DN World and North American Championships! To ensure the best experience for everyone, we’d like to share some important details about how we handle registration. While our approach might differ slightly from IDNIYRA Europe, it’s designed to save you time and make your participation as smooth as possible.
Streamlined Registration Process
1. Online Registration:
- All competitors must register online. During this process, you’ll also sign the required release form and provide your shirt size for the regatta giveaway.
2. Payment Options:
- We prefer that you pay via credit card when registering online. If paying by credit card is not possible for you, please contact Deb (secretary.idniyra@gmail.com) for alternative payment arrangements. Even if you can’t pay online, it is crucial to complete the registration form to ensure we have your signed release, shirt size, and to include your name on the official entry list.
3. Check-In:
- On-site check-in will be quick and hassle-free. Your packet, complete with stickers and your regatta shirt, will be ready for you. There’s no need to stand in long lines waiting to register in person. Just pick up your packet and you’re all set!
By streamlining the registration process, we aim to save you time and reduce stress so you can focus on enjoying the competition. If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!
We look forward to seeing you on the ice.
2025 Gold Cup World & NA Championship Notice of Race & Registration Open
2025 Worlds & NA Home Page
Registration for the 2025 DN Gold Cup World & North American Championship, hosted by Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson, is officially open, along with the release of the Notice of Race. This is your opportunity to secure your spot in one of the most exciting events on the DN calendar.
This year, we’ve made some updates to streamline procedures and make the event run as smoothly as possible. Here’s what you need to know about registration deadlines for inclusion in the starting position draw:
- Key Date: To be included in the random draw for starting positions, competitors must register and submit proof of $300,000 liability insurance by January 30, 2025. Submit your insurance early by emailing to secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
- If you register or submit proof of insurance after this date, don’t worry—you’re still welcome to compete, but starting positions will be assigned instead of being part of the random draw.
European and Junior Skippers:
- European and Junior skippers are not subject to a late fee penalty.
- European competitors are not subject to registration deadlines but must attend Check-In at the regatta site.
- European competitors are requested to notify the Class Secretary at secretary.idniyra@gmail.com that they will be attending.
We hope these updates will make planning easier for competitors and ensure a smooth kickoff to the event.
Friendly reminder: Don’t wait until the last minute—get registered early and take care of your insurance requirements so you can focus on what really matters: getting on the ice!
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event.
Register here: Link
See you on the ice!