Eight Bells: Remembering Mike Madge, DN Sailor, and Ice Sailing Advocate


Obituary
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Mike Madge KC5449, a DN sailor from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Mike was a tireless promoter of the DN class in Canada, and his death leaves a significant void in the Thunder Bay ice sailing community.

His enthusiasm helped introduce many to ice sailing in Thunder Bay. Beyond his local efforts, Mike was also known for his excellent YouTube interviews, where he engaged with the rock stars of DN sailing. He asked insightful questions, providing a platform for these sailors to share their experiences and knowledge, which enriched the ice sailing community worldwide.

Mike’s contributions to the DN class and spirit will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mike’s family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mike Madge.

YouTube Videos
Oskar Svensson – the 18 year old future of Ice Yachting
Ron Sherry – Back up to Full Speed in the DN Ice Yacht
3x DN World Champion Matt Struble: Get your DN Ice Yacht up to race pace

Sailjuice.com: Oskar Svensson – the 18 year old future of Ice Yachting

Mike Madge interviews Oskar Svensson, the 18-year-old Swedish sailor who has had an incredible season, including third in the 2021 Swedish Championship, third in the Worlds, first at the Finnish Championships, and first at the DN Junior Worlds and European Championships. Oskar joined Poland’s Michal Burczynski as the youngest sailors to have a podium finish at the DN World Championship, while Lukasz Zakrzewski was 21 years old for his first podium finish. Watch on Youtube.

LIVE ON ZOOM: Ask Matt Struble – 12 Nov @ 7 PM ET

Ask Matt Struble – Live Friday, 12 November at 7 PM ET/ 6 PM CT

UPDATE: 
Join Mike Madge and Matt Struble US183 live on Zoom as he talks about early season DN iceboat and body preparation, followed by a question and answer session. An email has been sent to all class members with the Zoom link. Not a member? Not to worry, just use the sign up form below to receive the link. All are welcome.

Mike and Matt will be covering topics geared for the beginner to intermediate iceboater. They’d like to extend a special invitation to those new to the class or who want to participate in DN iceboating.

What To Know:

    • Please make sure your device is muted before you join the meeting.
    • For questions, please use the chatbox, and Mike will unmute you so that you can speak directly with Matt.
    • Or you can email your questions to Mike Themadges@tbaytel.net
    • Can’t make it? Mike will record the entire session so you watch it later.
    • If you aren’t a DN class member or didn’t receive the email, use the sign up form below to receive the link

Matt Struble is a three-time DN world champion, a four-time DN North American champion, and holds other soft-water sailing titles. Though he currently lives in San Diego, Matt continues to sail DNs whenever he visits his family in Michigan.

Matt Struble Archives

 

 

 

The Longest Season

Lyle Portelance sailing on Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada on April 2, 2021. Via Mike Madge.

It’s early April, and the DN ice sailing season is still going in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Mike Madge and friends are usually the first on the ice in November, making for a six-month run of ice sailing. Mike’s an experienced DN sailor who’s been on a mission to introduce the sport to the Thunder Bay area.