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2020 Western Region Championship Update #2
Sit Tight!
DN Sailors:
We still have one venue in play about an hour north of Madison that reportedly survived last night’s weather quite well. The snow was absorbed into the moisture on the surface and has frozen on top of the 5” of original ice. It has not formed into shell ice, but the surface is reported to be somewhat pebbly. Even now, the new layer of ice is solid under the footsteps of a 200+ lb. walker. Temperatures will be in the teens this evening, which should further firm things up. The sheet will be inspected and sailed tomorrow by a highly experienced racer and ice checker. There’s potential for a small amount of rain/show (less than 1”) on Friday. Weekend wind forecast looks very good—10-20 mph both days.
Presently, there doesn’t appear to be any other sailable ice in the region. The long-range forecast does not look favorable for forming new ice on the many lakes that returned to a liquid state or have yet to freeze. This venue will not be available to the DNs the weekend of Jan. 11-12, and after that, we are bumping up against our North American Championship, the Gold Cup, and also the Northwest and ISA for sailors who also race in other fleets. If we postpone, we’re likely off until March, and at that point, we may not get it in at all. SO, if we can make it happen this weekend with acceptable conditions, we’ll likely go for it.
That’s what we know for now. Be ready!
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore
US 5352
2020 Western Region Championship Update
Line up for the 2018 DN Western Region championship on Lake Mendota.
DN Sailors:
At this point, we appear to have limited possibilities for a Western Lakes Championship for this weekend (January 4-5, 2020). We have not ruled it out, as we have two potential venues that are moving in the right direction, but also some rain/snow potential for late in the week. We’ll continue to monitor and keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have any other possibilities, please serve them up to me (dhearnUS5352@gail.com) and Bob Cummins (rcummins@new.rr.com).Think Ice!
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore
December 2019 Runner Tracks
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
It’s been a busy December but Runner Tracks has finally arrived on your virtual doorstep. It is a real pleasure to have IDNIYRA Commodore, Warren Nethercote KC3786, featured on the cover. He had a much better Great Western Challenge than last year! Thanks to all who contributed to this issue.
RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS:
Flipbook Magazine
Download pdf file (best for tablets)
Download single page pdf (best for phones)
IN THIS ISSUE
- Specification Proposal by Bob Gray US65
- Great Western Challenge Report by Shawnee Kay Spillson
- Answers About Proposals by Peter Hamrak M53
- Sail Vladivostok by Joerg Bohn G737
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $18. 
Runner Tracks is brought to you by these fine sponsors:
2019 Centrals Cancelled
2013 DN Centrals Photo: Catherine Firmbach cefirmbach.com
Via Central Region Commodore Rob Holman:
The 2019 Central Region Championship has been cancelled. Stay tuned for the 2020 Centrals.
A Message for European Sailors Traveling to Twenty20 NAs
Photo: Gwidon Libera
Dear European Sailing Friends:
We’d be thrilled to see you at the Twenty20 DN North American Championship. If you’re able to make it, but have not yet registered, please just send us an email letting us know you are coming. debwhitehorse@gmail.com
We’d like to prepare for you a thermal vest customized with event logo and your sail number. The men’s version of the vest is dark gray and the women’s version light gray. Sizing information at this link.If you can’t cross the pond this year, I’ll look forward to seeing you at the Gold Cup in February.
Best,
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore
US 5352
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
A Message for NA Sailors Attending the 2020 Gold Cup Regatta in EU
2019 European Championship Skippers Meeting. Photo: Gwidon Libera
Via IDNIYRA European Commodore Attila Pataki:
We did not provide possibility for online registration for American sailors, but would appreciate if all who intend to came over would drop an email to me with the copy to Niklas and Godie, indicating their name and sail number.
commodore@idniyra.eu
insurancemgr@idniyra.eu
webmaster@idniyra.euIt is necessary to prepare the proper stickers to all. The entry will be done on the site at the check-in for a single entry fee.
2019 DN Central Region Championship: Be Ready!
2014 DN Central Region Championship. Photo: Catherine Firmbach cefirmbach.com
Have your runners sharpened! Central Lakes Rear Commodore Rob Holman has tentatively called on the 2019 Central Region Championships for December 28-29, 2019 for somewhere in the Central Region (likely Michigan). The ice will be scouted this week. Final confirmation with more details will be posted on Thursday, December 26, 2019 by 6 PM ET.
Last Minute Shopping: Register for the 2020 North American Regatta Today!
You’ve worked hard this year, so go ahead and buy yourself that gift you’ve been putting off—that registration for the DN North American Championships. If you get it done before midnight today, the Grinch won’t even slap you with that $50 late registration fee, that we’re not calling a late registration fee. We’re calling it a “convenience fee,” because pre-event research revealed that ice sailors prefer to spin things toward the positive. So, we’re offering you the convenience of registering after midnight tonight for JUST an additional $50 bucks. Yes, you heard that right, JUST $50 bucks. What’s $50 bucks, anyway? Your weekly Starbucks budget? A week’s cable bill? The tip you left for the cocktail waitress at the last regatta? Chump change! So go ahead, put it off as long as you like, we’ll still welcome you at the event like the prodigal son.
Click to Register
Because I Love You
As long as you’re in the giving spirit, how about buying your spouse, your latest Tinder hookup, your kid or a good friend a customized Twenty20 North American Championship thermal vest, customized with their sail number, name or secret message that only the two of you will understand. $45 bucks and an email to Deb Whitehorse with the men’s or women’s size selection and the custom embroidery you want, and your love vest will be delivered to you at the Championships. To get in on this deal, however, you must email Deb by midnight December 31. debwhitehorse@gmail.com
2020 North American Early Registration Deadline Dec 23
2017 DN Western Region Championship on Lake Monona, Madison, WI
Attention…Attention…Attention,” with a tip of the helmet to the ice sailing legend, Bob Pegel. The sign up deadline for the 2020 DN North American Championship is midnight this Monday, December 23, to avoid the $50 late registration convenience fee. This is also the deadline to be assured of receiving your customized thermal vest in your proper size. Hey, if you don’t mind parting with another $50 and wearing a generic vest that’s either too big or too small, we’re not here to judge! Would be really cool if you’d take care of your registration online and upload your proof of insurance at the same time. Here’s the link
RegisterIf you do, Deb Whitehorse will give you a gold star, and she may allow you to view her plastic duck collection.
See you on the ice.
Daniel Hearn
Western Region Rear Commodore and Event Chairman
US 5352
Mark Christensen US4824
Mark “Doctor” Christensen US4824
It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Mark “Doctor” Christensen US4824. Mark sailed home on Saturday, December 14, 2019 which was also the first day of the Great Western Challenge, a regatta he was closely connected with. He was a highly competitive and skilled DN racer and part of a group of Minnesota DNers whose passion has helped to bring new people to the sport. Mark was a key member of ice scouts who were responsible for getting sailors from all over North America, Europe, and Russia to join together in Minnesota for the first fun regatta of the season. He was a top ranked DN racer and relished battling on the ice against his close friends, be it scrub racing or continental regattas. DN sailors from around the world extend our deepest sympathies to Mark’s family, his girlfriend Lisa, and to the Minnesota Ice Sailors.
Mark Christensen Funeral Service
Date: Friday, December 20, 2019
Visitation: 10 AM
Service: 11 AM
Luncheon to follow
St Bartholomew of Wayzata
630 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Link to map
OBITUARY
Mark R. Christensen
Age 59 of Mound, MN. Survived by parents Norma J. (Alan) Greene, Ronald L. (Caroline); loving companion Lisa Lee; siblings Gary (Kizzy) & Kathy (Jeff) Traxler; Nieces and nephews Jesse (Erin), Katy (Brian), Abbigail, Matthew, Erin, Samuel, Megan and Mary and great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, December 20th, 2019 11:00 AM @ St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to mass at church. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
2019 Western Challenge Results
Weather mark rounding: Bob Rast US1313 and Bill Bucholz in one of Daniel Hearn’s boats US5352.
Photo: Puckaway Ice Sailing Squadron
Everything came together at the last minute for another great Great Western Challenge on Lake Puckaway in Wisconsin. There were a total of 8 races in both Gold and Silver fleets over the weekend. Many thanks to all who competed and volunteered to keep the spirit of this fun regatta going.
RESULTS
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Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- main lake sailed Minnetonka December 31, 2024