by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 22, 2026 | 2026, 2026 North American, Home Page
The flag is up! The 2026 DN North American and US Nationals have been called ON for Syracuse, Indiana. Lake Wawasee froze over last Saturday. Sailing began Tuesday on approximately 4 inches of ice. The lake has been surveyed by ranked sailors and ice thickness has continued to build.
There is one small goose hole, located outside the race area. It will be clearly marked.
Access to the racecourse from Oakwood involves crossing a pressure ridge. There is also one on the south side of the lake. Both will be identified and marked as needed. Ranked scouts report that a light snowfall moved through yesterday, but the lake has been scoured clean. By the end of the day, the surface was approximately 80% clean. The ice surface itself is rated a solid “8.”
UPDATE: Launch information has been posted on the information page.
Lodging information is now live, including room block details, nightly rates, and booking instructions. A list of alternative hotels is also posted for those who prefer additional options.
WHAT TO KNOW
2026 DN North American Championship & Nationals
Date: January 24 – 31 (First day of racing is January 25)
Host: Western Region
Location: Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, Indiana
Information: https://www.idniyra.org/2026-north-american-championship/
Wawasee Web Cam LINK
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 21, 2026 | 2026 North American, Home Page
Photo: Anna Suslova
The 2026 DN North American Championship and 2026 U.S. Nationals have been called on for the Western Region. Regatta check-in and racing will proceed as scheduled.
East Coast skippers who plan to attend may begin travel.
We are finalizing remaining details. The final lake location will be announced by Thursday, January 22 at 12:00 noon CDT.
Lodging information and launching sites will be provided at that time.
Tim Mower US5871
Western Region Commodore
WHAT TO KNOW
2026 DN North American Championship & Nationals
Date: January 24 – 31
Host: Western Region
Location: Western Region
Regatta Information Page: https://www.idniyra.org/2026-north-american-championship
NOTICE OF RACE
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
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 15, 2026 | Home Page
Photo: Gretchen Dorian
The 2026 Western Region Championships postponed.
Unfortunately regatta quality ice is in short supply currently.
Several lakes are close to being sailable for a regatta but recent freezing rain followed by snow this week has put the regatta on hold again.
Will continue to post updates as the ice checkers are constantly providing information.
Tim Mower US5871
Western Region Commodore
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 12, 2026 | Home Page, Western Region Championship
Cold steel. Photo: Anna Suslova
2026 Western Region Championship Update
Last week’s warm temperatures have reduce the snow followed by cooler temperatures over the weekend have made some of the lakes sailable now.
Actively scouting lakes in the Western Region and hoping to pull off a regatta for the weekend of January 17-18.
Will provide an update as soon as the ice scouters finish their scouting missions.
Think Black Ice!
Tim Mower US5871
Western Region Commodore
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.
