LATEST NEWS
2024 DN Western Region Recap
Tom Meyer US602 and Bill Cutting US5430 with an A Skeeter on the ISA course in the background. Photo: Gretchen Dorian
2024 DN WESTERN REGION RESULTS
The DN Western Region Championship concluded successfully alongside the ISA Regatta despite challenging conditions. The final day brought damp, foggy weather with limited visibility that slowly improved as the morning progressed. Racing was delayed, and Steve Orlebeke US4926 volunteered as the “test dummy” to evaluate safety. He reported that the snow drifts were wet and slushy, and snow flew into his goggles, limiting visibility. Based on his recommendation, the regatta was called complete.
Saturday, however, provided a full day of racing with steady winds that made it possible to complete an impressive 10 races. The DN fleet took advantage of the conditions and wrapped up racing early in the afternoon, returning to the Water’s Edge Restaurant by 2:30 PM. The competition was fierce, with Chris Berger US5166 and Steve Orlebeke battling for the top spot in the Gold fleet throughout the day. The Silver fleet saw equally impressive performances, setting the stage for Sunday’s final results.
Still, the sailors from Lake Minnetonka embraced Sunday’s challenging conditions, heading out for hot laps to enjoy a final sail of the day. Their energy mirrored their impressive results throughout the weekend, nearly sweeping the top five in the Silver fleet. Dale Gordon of the 4LIYC in Madison, WI, claimed the top spot after a tiebreak with Minnesota’s Alexander Leach. Maggie McGary delivered a remarkable performance, securing 5th place, while Ben Garber, competing in only his second regatta, earned an impressive 3rd-place finish.
(On a personal note, as a scorer and race starter, I’ve been impressed with the Silver fleet both at the Western Challenge and the Western Region Championship—their discipline, readiness to race, and sailing skills have stood out as they consistently navigate all three laps of the course. -Deb)
Thank you to Western Region Commodore Chris Berger for helping make the regatta a reality. Chris also worked with artist Mary Derusha (daughter of Renegade sailor the late Roger Derusha) to create unique trophies for the event. Departing from the usual plaques, Chris chose one of Mary’s photos of ice as the trophy design, making these awards especially memorable.
Special recognition goes to Pat Heppert, who somehow juggled multiple roles during the event. While Pat is usually the DN PRO, this weekend, he not only set both the DN and ISA courses but also kept everything running smoothly—and still found time to race his C Skeeter on the ISA course!
Many thanks to Ann Foeller in Toledo, Ohio, for tabulating scores remotely and Julie Jankowski and Fred Stritt for monitoring the weather mark on both courses.
Finally, we want to thank the people of Starbuck, Minnesota, for their always warm welcome and the Water’s Edge Restaurant for graciously putting up with us throughout the weekend.
Gretchen Dorian’s photography once again captured the spirit of the regatta. She will be posting more from the event in the coming days. See them here.
And finally, have you registered for the 2025 World and North American Championship? The early entry discount expires on December 31, 2024. Register today here!
Proposals for By-Law Amendments to be Voted on at the Annual Governing Meeting
In accordance with the IDNIYRA Constitution, the following proposals for by-law amendments will be presented at the Annual Governing Meeting, held during the 2025 North American Championship.
Proposal 1: IDNIYRA Bylaws – Change the format of the North American Championship in the years it is not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup World Championship and create a second National Regatta(US/Canadian) depending on the location of the regatta.
Submitted by Commodore David Frost US5358 and Past Commodore Robert Cummins US3433
Summary:
The current fourteen race format for the North American Champions when not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup received mixed reviews at the 2024 North American Championship. It was felt that fourteen races changed very little that had not been determined by the end of seven race. Furthermore the current format causes a fiscal drain on the class which is hosting a week of racing with about half the income. The following proposal from the Governing Committee establishes the format for a second regatta during the week of the NA Championship and removes the current fourteen race format from our By-laws.
New Wording in Red
Proposed Change:
Change By-laws:
C) WORLD DN CHAMPIONSHIP (GOLD CUP) AND NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA
To:
C) WORLD DN CHAMPIONSHIP (GOLD CUP), NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA, AND NATIONAL REGATTA (US/CANADIAN)
Change By-laws C 2b):
2 b) When not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup, The North American Championship regatta is held during a specific week, with registration on Sunday and racing beginning on Monday and ending on Friday with Saturday as a reserve day. If 3 races in all fleets have not been completed by sundown on Friday, racing shall be continued until sundown on Saturday. The specific week shall be selected by the host Rear Commodore with the approval of the Governing Committee and shall conform to Section 8c of the RMA.
To:
2 b) When not held in conjunction with the Gold Cup, the North American Championship regatta is held during a specific week, with registration on Sunday and racing beginning on Monday and ending on Friday with Saturday as a reserve day. If 3 races in all fleets have not been completed by sundown on Friday, racing shall be continued until sundown on Saturday. In the days remaining after the completion of the North American Championship there shall be held a US National or Canadian National regatta depending on the location of the regatta. If the minimum number of races has not been completed by sunset on Saturday, or in view of the weather and/or ice conditions, the regatta is abandoned by the Race Committee, the regatta is canceled. On the final day every effort should be made to complete all originally scheduled races. The specific week shall be selected by the host Rear Commodore with the approval of the Governing Committee and shall conform to Section 8c of the RMA.
Change:
6). DN Race System, North American Championship
To:
6). DN Race System, North American Championship and US/Canadian National Regatta
Change 6 b):
b) There shall be seven races scheduled for each fleet when the North Americans are held in conjunction with the Gold Cup. When not held in conjunction with the gold Cup there shall be fourteen races scheduled. Cancellation of races in one fleet shall not affect the races in another fleet.
To:
b) There shall be seven races scheduled for each fleet when the North Americans are held in conjunction with the Gold Cup. When not held in conjunction with the gold Cup and held in conjunction with either the US National or Canadian National regatta, there shall be seven races scheduled for each regatta. Cancellation of races in one fleet shall not affect the races in another fleet.
Add 6 d):
d) The National Regatta will follow the same format as the North American Championship regatta when the North American Championship is held in conjunction with the Gold Cup.
Proposal 2 : Regatta Management Agreement (RMA) – Formalizing Wind Limit Rules
Submitted by Andre Baby KC4360
Summary: The amount of collisions, destruction of hulls, masts, planks, etc.. during the regatta is testimony to the difficult, sometimes dangerous conditions due to high winds we experienced during the regatta. We were lucky no one was hurt. The class in North America had a tradition, non binding, of not starting in winds above 20 knots, but unfortunately this tradition has been lost over time. It is time to formalize this tradition into a rule, for the safety of all, and to help the Race Committee in making a decision without the pressure of participants who “push the envelope.” BTW, the Europeans do not start a race in wind over 10 meters per second, = 20 knots.
Add: Regatta Management Agreement. IV Racing Rules 18:
l) No race shall be started if the wind velocity measured at the starting line 3 minutes before the start for a period of 15 seconds exceeds 20 knots. If during a race, the wind shall exceed 25 knots for a period of 15 seconds or more, that race shall be cancelled.
2024 Western Region Championship Called ON for Dec 14 – 15 @ Lake Minnewaska
Registration, Launch, & Lodging Info
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship is ON!
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship has been called ON for December 14-15 at Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, Minnesota!
This year, we’ll be sharing the launch and potentially the race course with the International Skeeter Association (ISA) Regatta and the Renegade Championship. The ISA is a three-day event starting December 13. The Race Committee will determine on the ice whether the DN fleet will share a course or have a separate one, depending on conditions.
Important Notes:
REGISTRATION
- Online registration is mandatory and must be completed no later than 5:00 PM CT on Friday, December 13.
- No in-person registration will be accepted.
- If you registered and paid back in January 2024, you are all set. Just make sure to send your recent proof of insurance to secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
- If you registered and paid back in January 2024, please let us know if you are able to attend. Email secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
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.
We look forward to an incredible weekend of ice sailing—see you at Lake Minnewaska!
WHAT TO KNOW
2024 DN Western Region Championship
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ICE! Back your trailers on the ice.
Registration, launch, and lodging information is posted on the 2024 Western Region Championship page.
2024 Central Region Regatta Update
Via Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson
Centrals are still on hold, we have 3 chances at 2024, so have your stuff ready to go!
- 12/14-12/15 the weather is not cold until the end of the week, but we are watching.
- 12/20-12/21 and 12/27-12/28 remain possibilities.
Please reach out to me with a text if you know of ice in Michigan/Ohio. Pete (248)762-5030.
Also we are still on the lookout for volunteers for the World and North American Championship coming up February 2-8, 2025.
Think Ice!
Pete J. US 5633
2024 Western Region Championship Called ON for December 14 – 15 @ Starbuck, MN
Photo: Kevin Barta
2024 DN Western Region Championship
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
Registered Competitors
If you registered and paid for the 2024 Western Region Championship back in January, you do not need to pay again . However, it is mandatory to submit proof of liability insurance in order to compete. Please email your proof of liability insurance to: secretary.idniyra@gmail.com.
If you didn’t register and pay last January, registration will reopen if the regatta is called on. Stay prepared, and let’s hope for great ice!
Via Western Region Commodore Chris Berger
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship has been called on for Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN, scheduled for December 14–15, 2024.
The International Skeeter Association (ISA) Regatta has also been called on for the same location. This collaborative event promises an exciting weekend of ice sailing for all participating fleets.
Final confirmation will be posted by noon on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Stay tuned for updates, and we look forward to seeing you on the ice!
2024 Western Region Championship: Not Done Yet!
2024 DN Western Region Championship
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
Registered Competitors
Via Western Region Commodore Chris Berger:
The 2024 DN Western Region Championship has been called on for Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN, scheduled for December 14–15, 2024.
The International Skeeter Association (ISA) Regatta has also been called on for the same location. This collaborative event promises an exciting weekend of ice sailing for all participating fleets.
Final confirmation will be posted by noon on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Stay tuned for updates, and we look forward to seeing you on the ice!
The DN Western Region faced weather challenges last season, which postponed the 2024 Western Region Championship. However, it’s still 2024, and it’s time to try again in December!
Western Region scouts will be hunting for ice in hopes of holding the 2024 Western Region Championship on one of the following upcoming weekends:
December 14–15
December 21–22
December 28–29
If you registered and paid for the 2024 Western Region Championship back in January, you do not need to pay again . However, it is mandatory to submit proof of liability insurance in order to compete. Please email your proof of liability insurance to: secretary.idniyra@gmail.com.
If you didn’t register and pay last January, registration will reopen if the regatta is called on. Stay prepared, and let’s hope for great ice!
Western Challenge Called ON for Lake Minnewaska Dec 6 -8
Aerial shot of Lake Minnewaska from Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from a local pilot.
Via Tim Oelschlager US5050:
Great Western Challenge Called ON
December 6, 7 and 8th Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck MN
We have ICE !!!!!
Attention all DN sailors: The Great Western Challenge is called on
It’s time to get the whole gang back together, everyone is welcome. The Western Challenge is an informal, fun regatta for DNs. Sailors of all abilities are encouraged to attend. Come learn about DN sailing, test your gear, meet up with friends, and do some scrub racing.
The Fun starts on Friday, always the best day. We will keep posting any updates here as they are available.
Think Ice.
LAUNCH
Launch area at Starbuck City park / beach
521 S Main Street Starbuck MN 56381
Waters Edge bar and Restaurant is right next to the launch site.
Map
LODGING
Lakes area Inn Starbuck MN
604 N Main St, Starbuck, MN 56381
(320) 239-4300
Super 8 by Wyndham Glenwood
340 County Rd 21 S, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-2254
Baymont by Wyndham Glenwood
100 15th St SE, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-6017
GrandStay Hotel & Suites Glenwood
114 Minnesota Ave E, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-3700
2024 Western Challenge Tentatively Called ON for Lake Minnewaska in MN
Video from the 2023 Western Challenge – Link to Video
Minnesota Ice Sailing Website
The 2024 Western Challenge, an informal ice sailing gathering, is tentatively scheduled for December 6–8 at Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, Minnesota. Over the past two days, several Minnesota DNers and a few lucky guests from the east and west coasts have been enjoying some early-season sailing on Minnewaska.
But wait – that’s not all. An inch of fluffy snow fell last night, covering the already hoar-frosted ice. The forecast for Wednesday predicts winds of 20–30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, raising concerns that the snow might form drifts. The ice will be inspected late Wednesday, with a final confirmation posted on the evening of December 4.
What to know:
2024 Western Challenge
Dates: December 6 – 8
Location: Tentatively Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, MN
Next Update: Wednesday evening, December 4
2025 IDNIYRA Yearbook
The 2025 IDNIYRA Yearbook is now available for purchase in print format. A pdf version without the member lists is posted here on this website. The IDNIYRA Yearbook contains a wealth of information. In its over 300 pages, you can find regatta history, a record of class officers, Official DN Specifications, our governing documents, and much more. Those who have ordered a printed yearbook will receive it in the mail in the next few weeks.
BUY A YEARBOOK
Order an official DN class printed yearbook. Chock full of information including class history, governing, specifications, and more.
Order a Yearbook: $20
YEARBOOK SPONSORS:
- Composite Concepts
- Moore Brother Company/CSI Composite Solutions
- 1D Sails
- Hale Performance Coatings
- Toledo Ice Yacht Club
- Ullman Sails Detroit
From the Yearbook:
EARLY HISTORY OF THE IDNIYRAOn February 21 and 22, 1953 the Detroit Ice Yacht Club sponsored a regatta to bring the DN skippers together to help form an association. A meeting of the skippers was held at this regatta and two representatives from each club present were chosen to outline a constitution for the association. North Star Sail Club was represented by John Liston and Fred Kagel; Anchor Bay Ice Yacht Club by Tom King and A. J. Walker; Detroit Ice Yacht Club by William Sarns and Clifford Cartwright. The representatives met at the home of the Cartwrights the following Sunday afternoon and briefly outlined a constitution. William Sarns was elected to serve as temporary secretary and to compose the constitution. The secretary prepared a constitution and sent out copies to the representatives in the following fall. They were returned to the secretary along with desired changes. The changes that the majority wanted were incorporated and 200 copies were printed. A copy was sent out to each individual who attended the first regatta and others who were interested. On January 17, 1954 the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association passed a resolution that they would accept the DN Association’s specifications for their DN races which are now included in their annual regatta.
On January 7, 1954 the North Star Sail Club offered to be host for the annual regatta. There were no other offers so theirs was accepted. Sixty-two programs were sent out on February 1 for the regatta scheduled for February 20 and 21. On February 19 the regatta was transferred to Cass Lake because of poor ice at the North Star Club House on Lake St. Clair. The first five DN’s in this regatta were: (1) Jack Moran, (2) Skip Boston, (3) Paul Eggert, (4) Bill Sporer, and (5) Bill Sarns.
2025 Gold Cup World & NA Championship Notice of Race & Registration Open
2025 Worlds & NA Home Page
Registration for the 2025 DN Gold Cup World & North American Championship, hosted by Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson, is officially open, along with the release of the Notice of Race. This is your opportunity to secure your spot in one of the most exciting events on the DN calendar.
This year, we’ve made some updates to streamline procedures and make the event run as smoothly as possible. Here’s what you need to know about registration deadlines for inclusion in the starting position draw:
- Key Date: To be included in the random draw for starting positions, competitors must register and submit proof of $300,000 liability insurance by January 30, 2025. Submit your insurance early by emailing to secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
- If you register or submit proof of insurance after this date, don’t worry—you’re still welcome to compete, but starting positions will be assigned instead of being part of the random draw.
European and Junior Skippers:
- European and Junior skippers are not subject to a late fee penalty.
- European competitors are not subject to registration deadlines but must attend Check-In at the regatta site.
- European competitors are requested to notify the Class Secretary at secretary.idniyra@gmail.com that they will be attending.
We hope these updates will make planning easier for competitors and ensure a smooth kickoff to the event.
Friendly reminder: Don’t wait until the last minute—get registered early and take care of your insurance requirements so you can focus on what really matters: getting on the ice!
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event.
Register here: Link
See you on the ice!
2024 DN Central Region Championship Update
Via Central Region Commodore Peter Johanson:
Cold weather is coming to Michigan, 2024. The Central Region Championship still on hold, stand by.
Current Newsletter
DN VIDEOS
iceboat.org
- June 9, 2025: C Skeeter Frame Kit in MN June 9, 2025
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- main lake sailed Minnetonka December 31, 2024
New England Ice Yacht Association
- Off Season June 7, 2025