The DN community has lost one of its pioneers and most influential contributors.
Jane Pegel passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 92.
Jane began her iceboating career sailing the Skeeter I-169 Holy Smoke before transitioning to the DN class in the mid-1950s. Racing first as DN 305 and later DN 805, she became one of the sport’s top competitors. When Jane won the DN North American Championship in 1963, she became the first woman to win a major DN championship outright.
Her impact on the DN class extended far beyond racing results.
For decades, Jane served as chairperson of the DN Technical Committee, helping guide the development of the class and safeguard the one-design principles that remain the foundation of DN racing today. She was also a member of the group that established the National Iceboat Authority and helped formulate the right-of-way rules that continue to govern iceboat racing. She was also inducted in to the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jane belonged to a generation that built the modern sport. Whether through competition, technical leadership, or rulemaking, her contributions shaped the DN class and influenced countless sailors who followed.
The DN class extends its condolences to her daughter, Susie Pegel, family, and friends.
Jane Pegel’s DN Statistics
IDNIYRA Commodore, 1961
IDNIYRA North American Championship Regatta
2 first place finishes in 1960 and 1963
7 second place finishes in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1978
1 fourth place finish in 1968
1 first place B fleet (Silver fleet) finish in 1981
Northwest Ice Yacht Racing Association Regatta
DN Class
11 first place finishes in 1960, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1984, 1990
41 times highest placing woman 1958, 1961 – 1963, 1965 -1967, 1969-1977
