by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 14, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
Runner Tracks
The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
Current Issue: December 2025
RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS:
Flipbook Magazine
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IN THIS ISSUE
- WESTERN CHALLENGE – BACK TO MINNEWASKA
- THREE PROPOSALS FROM THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: GENERAL, C. MAST, AND D. BOOM
Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.
The final issue of Runner Tracks for 2025 is now published.
This issue includes coverage of the Western Challenge, youth sailing at Minnewaska, and three proposals from the Technical Committee, along with regular class updates.
If you’re not already receiving Runner Tracks, subscriptions are available. A subscription is the best way to stay current on DN sailing, class business, and the people behind the boats.
Did you know you can also view the Runner Tracks library? The online archive includes more than ten years of past issues and is a great resource for class history, technical discussion, and race coverage.
RUNNER TRACKS LIBRARY
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by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 1, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
The Western Challenge is ON for Dec 5-6-7, 2025
Come join us on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN for a weekend of informal racing. As Mark “the Icemaker” Kiefer would say: Friday is always the best day…and it’s going to be epic!
New this year is Ron Sherry’s iceboat clinic, scheduled for Friday at 10am. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the sport, or a ranked sailor, all are welcome to attend.
As of today, the lake is completely frozen but still on the thin side. Fortunately, the colder temperatures should make plenty of ice by Friday. The forecast has great daytime and nighttime temps for making ice. We do have a back-up site, if needed.
Anyone venturing out on the ice before Friday should use caution. Scout the area you intend to sail. Never venture out on the ice by yourself. Use the buddy system, bring proper equipment and wear a life jacket.
LAUNCH
Launch area at Starbuck next to Water’s Edge Bar and at Starbuck City Park / beach
521 S Main Street Starbuck, MN 56381
Water’s Edge Bar and Restaurant is right next to the park
LODGING
Lakes Area Inn Starbuck, MN
604 N Main St, Starbuck, MN 56381
(320) 239-4300
Super 8 by Wyndham Glenwood, MN
340 County Rd 21 S, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-2254
Baymont by Wyndham Glenwood, MN
100 15th St SE, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 634-6017
GrandStay Hotel & Suites Glenwood, MN
114 Minnesota Ave E, Glenwood, MN 56334
(320) 334-3700
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 20, 2025 | 2025, Home Page
Ron Sherry Iceboat Clinic at the 2025 Western Challenge
The Western Challenge is the first unofficial gathering of the season, held on the best ice Minnesota has to offer. It is always a fluid event, with the final location determined by where the ice comes in best. For updates, follow the Minnesota Iceboaters Facebook group.
Ron Sherry will hold a racing clinic on Friday morning during the Western Challenge. The session is open to all sailors and focuses on the core skills that make a difference on the ice.
Topics include:
- Preparing physically
- Racing clothes
- Pit courtesy
- Checking ice
- Checking the course
- Starting
- Weather-mark rounding
- Leeward-mark rounding
- Laylines
- Finishing
- Wind shifts
- Basic rules
This is a chance to learn from one of the most experienced sailors in the class. New sailors and seasoned racers are welcome. Bring questions and be ready to take what you learn onto the course.
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 4, 2024 | 2024, Home Page
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
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 2, 2024 | 2024, Home Page
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
