Frederik Lonegreen S8, Karol Jablonski P36, and Chris Berger US5166 push off the line. Photo: Rachel Bartel for @harken_inc
North American Championship awards were presented at Friday’s night Green Lake Ice Yacht Club social event at regatta headquarters. These photos capture the sailors who earned fleet trophies during a demanding week on the ice.
One especially meaningful presentation was the JR Francis Memorial Trophy, awarded to the winner of the first race of the North American Championship. The Francis family recently deeded the trophy to the DN class in JR’s honor. The bowl was made by JR himself while he was still in high school, making it a deeply personal piece of DN history.
Steve Orlebeke, winner of the first North American Championship race and the JR Francis
Karol Jablonski P36, winner of the 2026 DN North American Championship
Bronze Fleet: From left, Sebastian Sorensen 5th, Robert Haag 19th, Peter Shorett 4th, Peter Nordquist 8th, Tim Ballerd 2nd, Mike Rian 1st, in front Csilla Gal 7th, and Martha Croasdale 3rd. Martha was also the top placing female.
Silver Fleet: From left, Cooper Frost 10th, Ryan Kyle 9th, Jim Grogan 1st, 8th Keith Schwark, 6th Jake Skala, 7th Edward Demerest, 4th David Frost, 3rd Paul Chamberland, Rob Holman 2nd
Gold Fleet: From left Jeff Roseberry 10th, John Curtis 9th, Peter Van Rossem 8th, Nicholas Mabboux 7th, Chris Berger 6th, James T Thieler 5th, Steve Orlebeke 4th, Karol Jablonski 1st, Ron Sherry 3rd, front Matt Struble 2nd
North American Junior Champion Sebastian Sorensen.
North American Silver Champion and Master winner Jim Grogan
North American highest placing Novice Ryan Kyle
North American Grand Master Champion Stefan Bokfors
A small sampling of the official 2026 DN North Americans apparel. Many more styles and options are available in the online store.
Official 2026 DN North Americans Apparel Store Is Open
The 2026 DN North American Championship apparel store is now live.
We are using Coral Reef again for on demand gear. This means no inventory limits, a wide range of sizes and cuts, and the ability to order what you want when you want it. Items are produced on demand and ship directly to you.
2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships Notice of Race Posted and Registration Now Open
2026 North American & Nationals Home Page
The Notice of Race is live and registration is open for the 2026 DN North American and U.S. National Championships. You will find everything on the regatta page, including the Notice of Race and the link to register. Sailing Instructions will follow.
The regatta is hosted by the Western Region. Tim Mower, Western Region Commodore, is the Regatta Chair. The regatta site will be selected based on the best ice available. If the Western Region has no suitable ice, the search will expand to the other regions to find the best possible racing conditions.
Racing is scheduled for January 25 through January 31, 2026.
We are also working on regatta merchandise that you will be able to order and have shipped to your home. More information will follow.
Save money. Regatta fees increase on January 1, 2026. Register now and keep a few dollars in your pocket. Rookies and juniors do not incur late fees.
A critical reminder on liability insurance. Every sailor must have current home or renter insurance that covers them during the regatta period. Proof of insurance must be submitted by January 22, 2026 to be included in the random draw for starting positions. Only sailors who complete registration and submit insurance by that date will be placed in the initial draw. You can upload your insurance during registration or email it afterward.
This is the first year for the new format. The class voted to change the North Americans to a seven race series. After the North Americans, we will run the U.S. Nationals, another seven race regatta. The U.S. Nationals is non ranking. If you are new to racing or want experience without the pressure of championship scoring, the U.S. Nationals may be the right place to start.
Please review the details for mandatory check in in the Notice of Race before you travel.
The Western Challenge on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN gave us a strong start to the season with good ice, good wind, and a fleet that showed up ready to sail. If that weekend lit a fire under you, carry it forward. Register today.
New this year. If you want to give the regatta a little extra help, we now offer optional donation levels during registration. These gifts go directly to race operations and volunteer support.
A reminder for newcomers. If you are a new sailor or you have not been a class member in the last five years, you can race both regattas with a two year membership for $54.
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.
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
The DN is most popular iceboat in the world. Whether you are a racer or cruiser, your $25 membership in the IDNIYRA helps to promote the art and skill of DN ice yacht construction and the sport of ice yachting on all the hard waters of the world.
2026 REGATTA DATES
North American Championship
January 24 – 31
World & European Championships
Feb 14 – 21 idniyra.eu
