Kent Baker US5219 Photo: Catherine Firmbach
I realize it’s early in the week, but given the current weather patterns and no sailable ice in the central region, we will put the 2024 Central Region Championship under postponement. I will update when we have something to talk about.
Think Ice!
Pete Johanson US 5633
The Summer Palace surrounded by beautiful ice in Beijing, China.
Ice sailing has the power to carry us to the most unexpected corners of the globe. Minnesota DN sailor Mike Bloom US321 finds himself in eastern China for the inaugural international DN regatta hosted by DN China. We’ll share reports as they come in.
I made it to Beijing China. I meet up with Joerg Bohn G737 and Jost Kolb G936 on Thursday. The DN regatta starts on Sunday on Bohai Bay in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Provence. It 2 hours north east of Beijing on the 200km per hour bullet train.
I’m spending today at China’s world renown Summer Palace. It really is spectacular. Only an iceboater would visit a summer palace in the middle of winter. The highlight is the large frozen lake. Not quite big enough to set a course but the hundreds of people out on the ice sure are enjoying themselves. Most are walking but many are driving pedal powered kick sleds.
Until next time.
Think ice
Mike Bloom US321
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who registered and travelled to Phelps, Wisconsin. Please note that your registration for the 2024 Western Region Championship still stands, regardless of where it is eventually located. It looks like the Western Region will be experiencing heavy snowfall this week, followed by a drop in temperature. The arctic cold temperatures expected next weekend should provide more opportunities for big ice. Next update is Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Chris Berger US5166 Western Region Commodore
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship has been postponed.
Several boats tried to sail but there wasn’t enough wind to power through the 3″ of powdery snow. With Sunday’s light wind forecast the Race Committee decided that it would be better to postpone and wait for more favorable conditions. Next update Sunday, January 7.
The class appreciated the welcome from the Phelps and Eagle River area residents. We hope to return someday. The Senior Shuffle has also been postponed.
2024 Centrals scheduled for 1/13-1/14. A potential site is being sailed this weekend, but snow event forecasted for later this week. Next update Tuesday 1/9 by 8pm.
Think Ice!
Pete Johanson US 5633
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