by Deb Whitehorse | Jun 11, 2025 | 2025, Home Page

Cold steel. Photo: Anna Suslova
Thank you to all members who participated in the 2025 IDNIYRA Officer and Bylaw Election.
We are pleased to announce the newly elected officers, whose terms will begin July 1, 2025:
- Commodore: Rob Holman, US3705
- Vice Commodore: Karen Binder, US5630
- Secretary/Treasurer: Deb Whitehorse, US2366
- Past Commodore: Bob Cummins, US3433
The proposal to amend the format of the North American Championship Regatta has also passed. The change reduces the maximum number of races from 14 to 7 when the North Americans are not held in conjunction with the World Championship. In the days remaining after completion of the North American Championship, there shall be held a U.S. National or Canadian National Regatta, depending on the location of the event.
Thank you to outgoing Commodore David Frost, US5358, as he and his legendary “stoop” transition to civilian life. We are grateful for his service and dedication to the DN class.
View full election results
by Deb Whitehorse | May 19, 2025 | 2025, Home Page

Scoring Team
All IDNIYRA members in good standing will soon receive an electronic ballot for the annual election of officers and a proposed bylaw change.
- Ballot Delivery: Check your inbox beginning May 19
- Voting Period: Open from May 19 through June 9, 2025
You’ll be voting to elect the 2025–2026 officers:
- Commodore
- Vice Commodore
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Past Commodore
You’ll also be asked to vote on a proposed bylaw change to the North American Championship format when it is not held in conjunction with the World Championship (Gold Cup). The proposal would:
- Reduce the number of scheduled races from 14 to 7 for the North American Championship
- Add a second regatta (U.S. or Canadian Nationals) during the same week, depending on location
Your vote helps shape the future of the class. Please take a moment to review the ballot and participate.
If you don’t receive your ballot or have any questions, contact Executive Secretary Deb Whitehorse at secretary.idniyra@gmail.com
by Deb Whitehorse | Apr 29, 2025 | Home Page

Photo: Anna Suslova
Via IDNIYRA Commodore David Frost US5358
The 2026 continental regatta dates have been set. During last weekend’s European Secretaries meeting, February 14–21, 2026, was selected for the World and European Championships, with Poland as the host.
With those dates confirmed, the 2026 North American Championship is tentatively scheduled for January 24–31, 2026, with the Western Region and newly minted Western Region Rear Commodore, Tim Mower US5871, hosting.
Please note that the North American dates remain tentative due to the upcoming proposal on the spring ballot. If the proposal passes, racing can begin on Sunday, January 24, 2026. If it does not, racing can begin on Monday, January 25, 2026.
by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 29, 2025 | 2025, 2025 DN GOLD CUP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, Home Page

Photo: gretchendorian.com
2025 WORLDS & NA HOME PAGEREGISTER
Via IDNIYRA Central Region Commodore Pete Johanson
Attention competitors! The 2025 DN World Championships site will be on Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, WI. The backup site is Lake Monona, Madison, WI. Launch is: Public launch off Cemetery Rd and Highway 45, north of Fond Du Lac.
NOTE: We will be driving and parking on the ice. Boats will be set up in front of our vehicles—diagrams to come.
Stand by for hotel information.
The event kicks off Saturday, February 1: Packet picks up 3-5, followed by opening ceremonies and a rules seminar.
Travel safe!
Sincerely,
Pete Johanson US 5633
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 IDNIYRA World and North American Championship
Dates: Racing on February 2 – 8
Saturday, February 1, 2025, Gold Cup World Championship – mandatory Check-In for competitors 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm local time. Late registration is on-line only and will close at 5:00 pm local time. No in-person registration is permitted at check-in. Opening ceremony at 5:30 with Racing Rules Review to follow.
Location: Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Launch: Foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac.
LAUNCH INFO:
All competitors should note the following important details for launching at Cemetery Road:
- No street parking is allowed on Cemetery Road. All vehicles must be parked on the ice.
- Access the launch site by proceeding to the green metal bridge to safely cross the heave.
- After crossing, drive south (right) parallel to the heave to reach the designated parking area.
- Be mindful of spacing when parking. Do not park cars too close together—maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Set up your DN directly in front of your car to keep the launch area organized and accessible for everyone.
- Helpful diagram to come.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and efficient launch for all competitors.
LODGING:
Regatta Headquarters: Radisson Fond du Lac $95 Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
625 W Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19206384175
Booking Link
There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
Holiday Inn Express Fond Du Lac Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
55 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19203220460
Booking Link
There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
Comfort Inn and Suites $82 Group Name: DN Gold Cup/North Americans
77 Holiday Ln, Fond du Lac, WI 54937
+19209331159
Booking Link
There is no cancellation fee. Just make sure if you check out early. to let the desk know by 11am that morning so you aren’t charged for that night.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:|
Saturday, February 1
3:00 – 5:00 PM: Check-In at Radisson Fond Du Lac (Lobby)
Pick up your regatta packets, stickers, and shirts.
5:00 PM: Opening Ceremony (Pool Area)
Rules Review: Immediately following the ceremony (Pool Area)
Sunday, February 2
9:00 AM: Skippers Meeting
10:00 AM: First Race
Tuesday, February 4
7:00 PM: Banquet – Order off Menu and pay individually.
Location: Sunset On the Water
N7364 Winnebago Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 1, 2024 | 2025, 2025 DN GOLD CUP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, Home Page

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!