by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 20, 2026 | 2026 North American, Home Page
Photo: Anna Suslova
We have been monitoring ice conditions around the Western Region and beyond. Here is an update on the status of the 2026 DN North American and US Nationals regattas.
A location decision will be made by Thursday morning, January 22.
In the last few days several lakes have frozen over, or started to freeze due to the frigid temperatures.
Potential sites being evaluated are as follows (no order):
Lake Wawasee, IN
Senachwine Lake, IL
Indian Lake, OH
Watertown, SD
Green Lake, WI
Fort Myers, FL 🙂
Tim Mower US5871
Western Region Commodore
Rules Review on Saturday
As we prepare for continental racing in less than a week, sailors are encouraged to attend a rules review on Saturday, following registration, at the registration location.
Organized by PRO Pat Heppert, this informal session is intended for both newer sailors and veterans. For less experienced competitors, it’s a chance to clarify rules and expectations before racing begins. For seasoned sailors, it’s an opportunity to get your head back in the game, share practical knowledge, and help ensure we’re all aligned before the first start.
The time and location of the rules review will be confirmed via the event text updates used to keep sailors informed during the regatta.
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 15, 2026 | 2026 North American, Home Page
Photo: Anna Suslova
We want to share a quick update on planning for the 2026 DN North Americans and Nationals, scheduled to begin with check-in on January 24 and racing on January 25.
We have ice scouts actively monitoring multiple options and we are closely watching several large Western Region lakes as colder temperatures move in and freeze patterns begin to take shape.
Some lakes have opened back up following recent wind events, others are in the early stages of refreezing, and a few are showing promising temperature trends for ice making.
We’ll continue to share updates as conditions evolve and hope to have the site location decided and posted on the website by Wednesday evening, January 21.
Tim Mower US5871
Western Region Commodore
WHAT TO KNOW
2026 DN North American Championship & Nationals
Date: January 24 – 31
Host: Western Region
Location: TBD
Information: https://www.idniyra.org/2026-north-american-championship/
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 6, 2026 | 2026, Home Page
2013 Central Region Championship. Photo: Catherine E. Firmbach
The Central Region is getting warm weather and rain, no regatta ice. The Central Region Championships are under postponement, I will update when we have something.
Peter Johanson US5633
Central Region Commodore
The DN Central Region Championship is a low-pressure way to get into iceboat racing. It is a non-ranking regatta, which makes it a good place to learn, tune your boat, and get comfortable on the line.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and experienced sailors are generally happy to help newcomers. If you have been thinking about racing but have not jumped in yet, this is often the best place to start.
The Central Region is the birthplace of the DN class and includes Michigan and Ohio. Like all ice sailing, the event is completely condition-dependent and will be postponed week by week until suitable ice is available.
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 3, 2026 | 2026, Home Page
LINK TO VIDEO
DN sailors Eben Whitcomb US4775, Jeff Roseberry US5687, and Paul Chamberland KC5700 scouted Lake Champlain this week and found 4+ inches of impressive-looking ice. Sailors from Canada, Michigan, and the east coast are converging for a weekend of sailing.
Here’s a link to the report on the New England Ice Yacht Association website with details and contact info. LINK
Sailors are staying at the Hampton in Colchester, VT.
If you’ve been itching to get back on good ice in a big setting, this one may be worth loading the trailer.
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 2, 2026 | 2026, Home Page
The DN community extends its sympathies to the Sherry family on the passing of their sister, Jane. Jane played a key role in the IDNIYRA, serving as a race committee member and scorer, and as IDNIYRA Secretary from 1996 to 2000.
Via Ron Sherry and Loretta Rehe “It is with a heavy heart that Loretta, Kevin, and I announce the sudden passing of our amazing sister, Jane Sherry. She passed peacefully in her own bed on Christmas Day while getting ready to join us for Christmas dinner. The family is planning a private interment at Resurrection Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life at Crescent Sail Yacht Club on March 28 between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.” Link to obituary.
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 31, 2025 | 2026, 2026 North American, Home Page
2025 DN World Championship. Photo: Anna Suslova
Early registration ends today. 2026 NA & USN entry fees increase January 1. Register here.
As we prepare for continental racing in less than a week, sailors are encouraged to attend a rules review on Saturday, following registration, at the registration location.
The DN community extends its sympathies to the Sherry family on the passing of their sister, Jane. Jane played a key role in the IDNIYRA, serving as a race committee member and scorer, and as IDNIYRA Secretary from 1996 to 2000.
