RESULTS
DN sailors gathered on the big ice of Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, for the two-day Western Region Championship. Sailors from Lake Minnetonka, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania joined the action.
This year’s regatta highlighted family connections, with father-son teams David and Matthew Kickhafer and David and Cooper Frost, as well as father-daughter duo John and Maggie McGary, all competing together.
Lake Winnebago is famous for being home to the majestic stern steerers, and it was a real treat to see the ROSEMARY and FLYING DUTCHMEN sailing around during the regatta.
The launch site was ideal, conveniently located next to Sunset on the Water, a bar and restaurant—similar to Minnesota’s 2024 Western Region Championship. Coming off the ice for a hot lunch and a beverage made the weekend even better.
On Saturday, the weather tested both sailors and the race committee. The forecast predicted light winds, and while conditions were tricky, PRO Pat Heppert set up a race course about two miles from the launch. With the help of Dan from the Fond du Lac Yacht Club and Greg Mulliet from Michigan, the race committee ran an efficient and well-organized event. Special thanks to Fred Stritt, who monitored the weather mark and ensured the racing went smoothly—we all greatly appreciated it!
The light breeze on Saturday allowed for two Silver Fleet races and one Gold Fleet race before the wind completely died. The scene at the launch that day was busy, with motorcycles and quads tearing around a track nearby, adding an unusual backdrop to the regatta. There were also powered paragliders flying overhead, adding to the spectacle.
A large group gathered for dinner at The Sunset to catch up on the day’s sailing. The evening was made even more special by the surprise appearance of Anja Fiedler and Holger Petzke, who traveled from Germany and are here for the 2025 World Championship.
Sunday brought a dramatic change in weather, with enough breeze to keep everyone moving. However, freezing rain presented a new challenge, making visibility difficult. The decision was made to complete two more Gold Fleet races and one Silver Fleet race to wrap up the regatta.
Many thanks to Ann Foeller who tabulated scores from our satellite office in Toledo, Ohio.
2025 DN Western Region Championship Gold Fleet Top 5. From left: Dave Glick 5th, Mike Bloom 4th, Ben Witman 3rd, Daniel Hearn 2nd, Chris Berger 1st.
2025 DN Western Region Championship Silver Top 5: From left, Maggie McGary 5th, Pete Johns 4th, Erin Bury 3rd, Bill Eklund 2nd, Matt Myer 1st.
Gretchen Dorian’s photos from the 2024 Western Regional Championship are now available! Check out her full gallery here: https://www.gretchendorian.com/2024-DN-Western-Region-Championship A huge thank you to Gretchen for sharing her incredible talent with the DN community.
NOTICE OF RACE SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Western Region Commodore Chris Berger has announced that the 2025 Western Region Championship is tentatively called ON for January 11-12 on Lake Winnebago. The tentative launch site is the Hwy 45 Wayside Park in Fond du Lac, WI. Final confirmation of the regatta will be posted on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the event. Registration will open when final confirmation is posted.
Prepare your gear and get ready for some great racing on Lake Winnebago!
The 2025 DN Western Region Championship has been tentatively called on for January 11–12. Current weather forecasts indicate favorable conditions for ice formation in the Western Region, and we’re optimistic about hosting the event as scheduled.
Additionally, the Senior Shuffle is also tentatively called on for January 13–15. This is shaping up to be an exciting week of racing, with back-to-back regattas on the calendar.
Stay tuned for more updates! The next announcement will be made on Tuesday, January 7. As always, check back here for the latest news and details.
Let’s hope for solid ice and great sailing conditions!
The 2025 Western Region Championship has been tentatively called ON for January 4 – 5, 2025. Potential sites are being scouted Tuesday and Wednesday and location will be announced. Final confirmation will be posted on idniyra.org Thursday, January 2, 2025. The 2025 Central Region Championship takes precedence. If the 2025 Central Region Championship is confirmed for January 4 – 5, the 2025 Western Region Championship will be postponed.
DN SENIOR SHUFFLE UPDATE:The 2025 Senior Shuffle has been postponed. Next DN Senior Shuffle update is January 5, 2025.
The DN Western Region Championship is tentatively scheduled for January 4-5, 2025. As of now, we are actively searching for suitable ice in the Western Region. If you know of any promising ice conditions, please let us know as soon as possible.
When the regatta is officially called on, online registration will open immediately. The next update on the status of the Western Region Championship will be posted on Monday, December 30, 2024. Please check back then for the latest news.
Additionally, the first-ever Senior Shuffle will take place in the days following the Western Region Championship, running from January 6-8, 2025.
2025 WESTERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIP NOTICE OF RACE – Click here to download NOR in pdf Dates: January 4 – 5, 2025 Location: The primary site is within the North American Western Region. (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, UP of Michigan, Wisconsin)
Stay tuned to this website for further announcements.
DN SENIOR SHUFFLE
Following the 2025 Western Region Championship, the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club is excited to try the Senior Shuffle once again! This fun, age-friendly regatta will take place three days after the Westerns, offering an additional opportunity to enjoy the ice. Dates: January 6 – 8, 2025
Eligibility:
• Open to Seniors (50-59), Masters (60-69) and Grand Masters (70+) who will race under Shuffle Rules with one start.
• Open to “aspiring” Seniors (49 or younger) who will also race under Shuffle Rules possibly with a separate start.
For more information and to register, visit iceboat.org.
The DN is most popular iceboat in the world. Whether you are a racer or cruiser, your $25 membership in the IDNIYRA helps to promote the art and skill of DN ice yacht construction and the sport of ice yachting on all the hard waters of the world.
