by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 17, 2025 | 2026, Home Page
2025 Western Challenge on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN. Photo: Kevin Barta
The Notice of Race for the 2026 DN Western Region Championship is now posted in pdf. See it here.
The Western Region includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.
This is a non-ranking regatta and an excellent opportunity to get ready for the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships.
Regatta dates: January 3–4, 2026
Official regatta information, site updates, and registration details will be posted at idniyra.org.
Also, a reminder that the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championship early registration deadline to save $50 is fast approaching. If you plan to attend, register now.
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 14, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
Current Issue: December 2025
RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS:
Flipbook Magazine
Download pdf file (best for tablets)
Download single page pdf (best for phones)
IN THIS ISSUE
- WESTERN CHALLENGE – BACK TO MINNEWASKA
- THREE PROPOSALS FROM THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: GENERAL, C. MAST, AND D. BOOM
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
The final issue of Runner Tracks for 2025 is now published.
This issue includes coverage of the Western Challenge, youth sailing at Minnewaska, and three proposals from the Technical Committee, along with regular class updates.
If you’re not already receiving Runner Tracks, subscriptions are available. A subscription is the best way to stay current on DN sailing, class business, and the people behind the boats.
Did you know you can also view the Runner Tracks library? The online archive includes more than ten years of past issues and is a great resource for class history, technical discussion, and race coverage.
RUNNER TRACKS LIBRARY
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of Runner Tracks and the DN class:
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
