by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 8, 2025 | 2026, 2026 North American, Home Page
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.
Register here
Read the Notice of Race here
Visit the regatta information page
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 3, 2025 | 2026, Home Page
The 2026 IDNIYRA Yearbook is now published and live. If you placed an order, your copy should arrive soon through the printer’s fulfillment system. You can view it online and order it here.
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 1, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
The Western Challenge is ON for Dec 5-6-7, 2025
Come join us on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN for a weekend of informal racing. As Mark “the Icemaker” Kiefer would say: Friday is always the best day…and it’s going to be epic!
New this year is Ron Sherry’s iceboat clinic, scheduled for Friday at 10am. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the sport, or a ranked sailor, all are welcome to attend.
As of today, the lake is completely frozen but still on the thin side. Fortunately, the colder temperatures should make plenty of ice by Friday. The forecast has great daytime and nighttime temps for making ice. We do have a back-up site, if needed.
Anyone venturing out on the ice before Friday should use caution. Scout the area you intend to sail. Never venture out on the ice by yourself. Use the buddy system, bring proper equipment and wear a life jacket.
LAUNCH
Launch area at Starbuck next to Water’s Edge Bar and at Starbuck City Park / beach
521 S Main Street Starbuck, MN 56381
Water’s Edge Bar and Restaurant is right next to the park
LODGING
Lakes Area Inn Starbuck, MN
604 N Main St, Starbuck, MN 56381
(320) 239-4300
Super 8 by Wyndham Glenwood, MN
340 County Rd 21 S, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-2254
Baymont by Wyndham Glenwood, MN
100 15th St SE, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-6017
GrandStay Hotel & Suites Glenwood, MN
114 Minnesota Ave E, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-3700
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 23, 2025 | 2025, 2026
Paul Chamberland KC5700 opened the North American ice sailing season today on Owlseye Lake, only a few miles from where he grew up near St. Paul, Alberta. He has been visiting family and watching the weather with the patience of someone who knows ice. Today it paid off.
His mother, brother, and the rest of the crew spent the entire day enjoying the lake, taking turns in the two DNs Paul hauled north.
Now we wait to see if Paul carries some of that cold south to northwest Minnesota for the Western Challenge, the unofficial start to the season on the fastest ice in the state.
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 20, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
Ron Sherry Iceboat Clinic at the 2025 Western Challenge
The Western Challenge is the first unofficial gathering of the season, held on the best ice Minnesota has to offer. It is always a fluid event, with the final location determined by where the ice comes in best. For updates, follow the Minnesota Iceboaters Facebook group.
Ron Sherry will hold a racing clinic on Friday morning during the Western Challenge. The session is open to all sailors and focuses on the core skills that make a difference on the ice.
Topics include:
- Preparing physically
- Racing clothes
- Pit courtesy
- Checking ice
- Checking the course
- Starting
- Weather-mark rounding
- Leeward-mark rounding
- Laylines
- Finishing
- Wind shifts
- Basic rules
This is a chance to learn from one of the most experienced sailors in the class. New sailors and seasoned racers are welcome. Bring questions and be ready to take what you learn onto the course.
