LATEST NEWS
2025 World & North Americans Update: Primary Focus is Wisconsin

Spot the DNs! Northwest Regatta on Lake Winnebago, January 25, 205. Photo Jim Stevenson
2025 World Championship & North American Regatta Home Page
Greetings DN racers,
Welcome to the 2025 World and North American Championships hosted by the Central Region. Only 6 days to the start of racing, and the regatta crew and scouts have been hard at work finding a suitable location for the event. We know everyone is anxious to start making travel plans so I wanted to update everyone on current thoughts.At this time, we are focusing on ice in Wisconsin, specifically Lakes Winnebago and Monona. We are fortunate to have many options and are watching back up locations in Minnesota, Indiana and Detroit. Scouts and Volunteers have already spent hours of time and miles of driving scouting ice in Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire… So please!- when you run across someone who scouted ice for us, give them a big thank you!
Stay tuned. The next update will be Wednesday night, January 29, with the final confirmation for the location.
Drive safe and sail fast!
Sincerely,
Pete Johanson US5633
Central Region Commodore
Event Recap: 2025 DN Eastern Regional Championship
US Sailing – Event Recap: 2025 DN Eastern Regional Championship
Posted on January 22, 2025 at 11:19 AM by Abigail Shanahan
Results
The 2025 DN Eastern Regional Championship, held this past weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, New Hampshire, was an exhilarating event showcasing the rapid growth and excitement surrounding ice sailing. The inaugural championship for the DN class, the most popular iceboat in the world, drew the ice-sailing community from across New England to compete for the title of Eastern Regional Champion. Continue reading.
Iceboat Racing Rules Review at the 2025 DN World Championship
We’re gearing up for an exciting DN World Championship! Here’s what you need to know about registration, check-in, the opening ceremony, and the racing rules review:
Registration
- Registration is ONLINE ONLY and must be completed by the deadline of 5 PM local time, February 1, 2025.
- Late registration will also be online and closes at 5 PM local time.
- No in-person registration is permitted at check-in.
- Not registered yet? Register here.
Mandatory Check-In
- Gold Cup World Championship mandatory check-in for competitors will take place on February 1, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time.
- The location for check-in will be listed on the IDNIYRA website.
- During check-in, all registered competitors will pick up their packets, including their stickers.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will follow check-in, officially kicking off the championship and welcoming all participants.
Racing Rules Review
After the ceremony, a Racing Rules Review seminar will be held. Attendance is voluntary, but we encourage all sailors to join and brush up on the rules.
Note: The location for registration, the opening ceremonies, and the rules review will be announced closer to the event date, based on where we will be sailing.
We look forward to seeing everyone there—let’s make it a great championship!
2025 Eastern Region Championship ON for Lake Winnipesaukee in NH Jan 18 – 19

gretchendorian.com
For the latest updates on the Eastern Region Championship, please follow NEIYA.org.
Via Eastern Region Commodore James T Thieler US5224
Hey Folks!
We are gonna give it a shot this weekend; DN Eastern Champs are ON!
Sailing out of Ellacoya State Park in Gilford NH.
Details to follow but arrive early, unload and keep your car away from the ramp.
All DNs welcome; an award will be given for the best finish in the least up to date boat so don’t shy away if your gear has a few years on it….
Only requirements are a legal DN, a THOROUGH knowledge of the racing rules, and proof of $300K liability insurance. No exceptions!
Skippers meeting at 9:30AM at the launch area.
Stay tuned to the New England Ice Yachting Association and the IDNIYRA sites for details.
See y’all tomorrow!
T
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 DN Eastern Region Championship
Date: January 18 – 19
Location: Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire
Launch:
Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Dr, Gilford, NH 03249
Map
Lodging:
Fireside Inn & Suites
17 Harris Shore Road RT 11 & RT, B Lake Shore Rd #11,
Gilford, NH 03249
+16032937526
2025 Canadian Championship Recap & Results

Yvan Desy, Les Druiven, John Curtis, Robin Lagraviere, Peter Van Rossem Sr., Jacek Marzenski
Via Mike Druiven
The 2025 DN Canadian Championship regatta this past weekend on Hay Bay, Napanee, Ontario started Saturday without enough wind to sail until 1pm. In very light winds the field managed 3 races before a wind shift shut down racing for the day. On Sunday we waited for wind until noon with no breeze transpiring and no wind in the forecast. The regatta was concluded with the minimum 3 races achieved. Congratulations to Robin Lagraviere 5629 for taking home the Canadian trophy. The results page is here: https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025-DN-Canadian-Championship.htm
Thanks to Peter Van Rossem Sr. 2766, John Curtis 5514 and Jim Foster 5515 for scouting the region during the prior week, setting the course and Jacek Marzenski 5247 helping with marking hazards. The regatta races were managed by Mike Druiven 5992. Peter Van Rossem Sr. 2766 and John Curtis 5514 managed safety. Thank you to our volunteer scorers/starters Sue Fraser, Roger Bowes, Ali Meller and Jim Foster. Thank you to Lana Butler and Kathleen Curtis for handling registration and Deb Whitehorse for posting our results.
2025 DN Western Region Recap
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.
2024 DN Westerns Photos by Gretchen Dorian
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.
2025 DN Western Region Championship Called ON for Lake Winnebago Jan 11-12
INFO & REGISTRATION
The 2025 DN Western Region Championship is ON!
The 2025 DN Western Region Championship has been called ON for Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, WI for January 11 – 12. There is a huge piece of old, black ice there. Ice thickness at the launch is 12″ and 8-10″ out on the race course. DNs have been sailing on Lake Winnebago the last two weeks.
Important Notes:
REGISTRATION
- Online registration is mandatory and must be completed no later than 5:00 PM CT on
- No in-person registration will be accepted
- You can register online here.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
- All DN participants must submit proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000. This is mandatory to compete. Please email your proof of insurance to secretary.idniyra@gmail.org as soon as possible. If you have submitted insurance for the 2025 Worlds, you do not have to submit again.
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 DN Western Region Championship
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
DATES: January 11 – 12, 2025
LOCATION: Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, WI
LAUNCH SITE
Sunset On the Water
N7364 Winnebago Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
IMPORTANT: Do Not Leaved Your Cars Or Trailers In The Parking Lot At The Sunset Bar. Please Park Across The Street In The Surf Shop Parking Lot Or On The Ice. You May Leave Trailers At The Surf Shop Overnight. Let’s strive to leave a good impression of ice sailors.
LODGING
Radison Hotel & Conference Center
625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19206384175
Comfort Inn
77 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19209331159
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- Friday: 5 PM CT online registration closes.
- Saturday: 9:00 AM CT Skippers Meeting
- Saturday: 10:00 CT First start. If fleets are split, Silver Fleet will start first.
- Sunday: 10:00 CT First start. Races can start as late as 3:00 PM CT, at the discretion of the Race Committee.
SENIOR SHUFFLE UPDATE
Senior Shuffle Information Page
“We’ve got a beautiful sheet of ice on Lake Monona in Madison, but it’s not quite thick enough for this weekend. So, we’ll be 76 minutes north of Madison in Fond du Lac for the 2025 Western Regional.
When things wrap up on Sunday, we’ll head to Madison for the kick off of the first annual Senior Shuffle. We’ve got a great rate lined up at our oft used HQ hotel, The Clarion. Just $79/night and less than a mile from the Olin Park Launch.
We will have group social functions on both Monday and Tuesday nights. Standby for details. Prize giving on the ice Wednesday to wrap things up. All fun…no running…all are welcome, whether you are a “Senior” or not. All will race under the special senior rules. See you there!” Daniel Hearn
Final Confirmation: 2025 Canadian Championship Called ON for Jan 11 – 12

John Curtis KC5514 and Jacek Marzenski KC5247 at the 2024 World Championship, Parnu, Estonia.
Via Peter Van Rossem
Our 2025 DN Canadian Championship Regatta is called on for January 11 – 12, 2025.
The location has been changed to Cuthill Lana Boat Ramp. Napanee, Ontario.
For information, Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Release and Certification of Insurance please join GoogleKingston-Iceboating Google Group.
Or send request to Petervanrossemsr@gmail.com and he will forward them to you.
Peter Van Rossem
2025 DN Canadian Champs Tentatively Called ON for Jan 11-12 @ Trenton, ONT

Jim Grogan US3 and Peter Van Rossem KC2766. Photo: Catherine Firmbach
Via Peter Van Rossem KC2766
The 2025 DN Canadian Championships are tentatively called on for Trenton, Ontario Jan 11 – 12.
NOR and SI and all other info be posted by Thursday, January 9, by noon EST on idniyra.org.
For more information, contact Peter Van Rossem.
DNers Want These Frigid Temps!
Nantucket Current
Brian Bushard • Jan 07, 2025
With the first week of January bringing sub-freezing temperatures to Nantucket, a group of islanders have been glued to the forecast, hoping the temperature might drop just enough to freeze the ponds with a few inches of solid ice. And if that ice sheet forms this week, they will be on the ponds, some with skates, some with ice boats. For those boaters, it’s all about speed.
“It’s addictive,” said Chris Gordon, who grew up sailing and has since taken up ice boating. “[Ice boating] is like surfing. When the waves are there you have to drop in and go. There’s no work that day.” Continue reading.