Runner Tracks Newsletter March 2024

Runner Tracks Newsletter March 2024

Runner Tracks

The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association

March 2024

The March issue of the DN class newsletter, Runner Tracks, is now available online. Dive into the latest edition featuring minutes from the Annual General Meeting and a fascinating article by Bob Cummins detailing his travels to Parnu, Estonia, for the 2024 World and European Championship. Check it out today!

Whether you are an experienced ice boater or a newcomer, Runner Tracks is the ultimate resource for everything related to ice boating. Check out the complete online library here.

RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS:
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IN THIS ISSUE

  • Minutes from the 2024 Annual General Meeting
  • Observations from the 2024 World & European Championship in Estonia by Robert Cummins

Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.

Eight Bells: Mark Kiefer US4695


Via Mike Miller US5369

Mark Kiefer, aka “The Ice Maker,” passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 71, after a short illness.

Mark was a passionate sailor and a long-time iceboater. He sailed out of the Wayzata Yacht Club and, in his younger days, raced a DN. Mark will always be known in the DN iceboat community as co-founder of the Great Western Challenge and the short-lived World Ice Racing Circuit. Mark served two terms as Commodore of the IDNIYRA from 2000 – 2001.

 

Mark grew up in Moorhead, MN, but spent many early winter days on the lakes of west-central MN, including Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Mile Marker 8, along Christina’s northern shore, became the famous launch site of the Great Western Challenge.

 

Iceboaters have always considered plowing a track to race when snow prevented sailing. The Icemaker took that vision to the next level and founded the World Ice Racing Circuit. He enlisted a few sponsors and got enough funds to plow two tracks on Lake Phalen in St Paul, MN. Mark envisioned four abreast NASCAR-style racing with TV coverage. He even convinced the Paul Winter Carnival to make it an official carnival event with boats in the parade and a sideshow of a petting zoo!

 

Mark mentored many newbies into the DN sport. He freely shared his knowledge and often let newcomers take their first rides in his boat. His later years were spent without a suitable boat but he always championed his Great Western Challenge.

 

On a more personal note, I have fond memories of scouting ice with Mark. He taught me how to assess ice and introduced me to the numerous northern lakes suitable for racing. I think of Mark often as I have taken over his scouting duties.

 

We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends during this difficult time. A private funeral is being planned.

World Ice Racing Circuit

2024 DN North American Wrap Up

Junior sailor Maggie McGary. Photo: Julie Jankowski

RESULTS

Congratulations to all the competitors who participated in the 2024 DN North American Championship on Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN, from February 26 to March 1. Matt Struble US183 successfully defended his title while Bill Cutting US5430 won the Silver Fleet.
Senior Trophy US 183 MATT STRUBLE
Masters Trophy US 44 RON SHERRY
Grand Masters Trophy US 3 JIM GROGAN
Elliot Sharp Trophy, Highest Ranking Junior US 5777 MILO FLEMING
B Fleet Trophy US 5430 BILL CUTTING
HIGHEST SCORING FEMALE US 5630 KAREN BINDER

A few highlights:

  • The Brian and Bruce Jones family epitomized the true spirit of the DN class, carrying on the legacy instilled by their parents. While some families plan their vacations around skiing or beach time, this remarkable bunch schedules theirs around the North Americans.
  • The hard work of the Canadian fleet paid off handsomely in this regatta with 4 top-10 positions. Robin Lagraviere kicked things off with a bang, competing in the Northwest regatta just days before the North Americans and securing victory in the DN class. He also clinched the top Canadian finish in the North Americans, landing in fourth place overall.
  • We welcomed three first-time racers, including Ben Garber, Peter Nordquist, and Noah Jones. Ben Garber particularly shone as the top placing Novice, with several top-ten finishes in the Silver fleet and an impressive 16th place overall.
  • It was a special treat to have one of IDNIYRA Junior Sailing Director Sam Bartel’s students, Maggie McGary, join us as a junior competitor. A sincere thank you to Maggie’s mother for her unwavering support to her throughout the week. New England Ice Yacht Club’s Milo Fleming, who drove from Maine with mom and RC member Nina Fleming and RC member Henry Copotosto, emerged as the victor in the junior fleet. Unfortunately, fellow junior Sam Bartel encountered boat damage in Race 4 and could not compete beyond that point.
  • Minnesota’s Peter Norton KA2, whose day job is president of the award-winning Rum Jungle Media, had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to unleash his team of professional video production crew at a DN regatta. We are all eagerly anticipating the final product.

Despite the challenging conditions posed by bumpy ice, the daily winds did not disappoint, providing a refreshing change and ensuring exciting racing throughout the event.

A huge thank you is owed to Regatta Chair James “T” Thieler for his tireless efforts in ice scouting and organizing meetings and trophy ceremonies. The dedication of the race committee was genuinely remarkable, and we hope to keep this talented group together for the 2025 World Championship. The race committee was composed of members from various regions who worked cohesively to guarantee the success of the event. Special appreciation also goes to PRO Pat Heppert for his strong decision-making and for ensuring ample sailing opportunities for all participants. The class is fortunate to have such an experienced ice sailor at the helm of these regattas.

Here’s a shoutout to the rest of the RC team:

  • Mercedes Auger, North Carolina Ice Yachting Association, Cary, NC: Scoring
  • Beth Corley, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Scoring
  • Henry Copotosto, New England Ice Yacht Club, Maine: Starting Line, Staging
  • Nina Fleming, New England Ice Yacht Club, Maine: Scoring
  • Ann Foeller, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Registration & Scoring
  • Bob Foeller, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Registration, ATV, Starting Line, Staging, Recovery
  • Paul Hickman, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Measuring, Starting Line
  • Julie Jankowski, Green Lake Ice Yacht Club: Weather Mark, Social Media
  • Dave Ryan, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: Measuring
  • Erica Stange, Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Toledo, OH: ATV and Safety
  • Fred Stritt, Delavan Ice Yacht Club: ATV and Weather Mark

Ways to Follow
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