by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 23, 2022 | 2022, 2023
In the inbox this morning:
Let the games begin. Undisclosed location in Minnesota. Need to scout and confirm entire lake is safe The first Minnesota sailor is the guy that bought Harry Allen’s boat. Think ice.
Minnesota sailors are searching for Western Challenge ice. The Western Challenge (December 2-4, 2022) is the first gathering of the season and a very informal regatta. The place to check out what DN ice sailing is all about. Stay tuned for site location announcement next week.
by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 18, 2022 | 2022, 2023, Home Page
When Minnesota lakes start to freeze, lots of equipment comes out of hiding. US321 took advantage of Tim Oelschlager’s US5050 heated underground garage to mount hardware to a new plank. Hopefully, the epoxy will kick in time to scout ice for the first event of the DN calendar, the DN Western Challenge (Dec 2-4, 2022). The DN Western Challenge is an annual informal fun regatta on the best sailable ice in Minnesota. Keep your eye on the Minnesota Ice Sailing website.
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 7, 2021 | 2021, Home Page
Western Challenge sailors on Lake Christina may have noticed the drone buzzing around over the weekend. Montana photographer Sean Heavey made the trip to the Challenge and has shared his photos. He sends his apologies for not getting everyone’s pictures because he spent a lot of time practicing flying the new drones and figuring out to cover the action with them. See the photos here.
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 6, 2021 | 2022
The Western Challenge was “great” as always. 70 boats attended the unofficial opening of the 2020-21 iceboat season on Lake Christina just past Mile Marker 8 in Ashby MN. Sailors from near and far dusted of the cobwebs and enjoyed a weekend of comradery and one solid day of racing.
The sailors split into two fleets and over 10 races were run. In keeping with recent tradition, sailors were free to select any starting position for the two lap races. Finishing positions were not recorded but everyone looked fast. It was fun to see many new sailors and an ever-growing fleet of women sailors.
Special thanks to the Minnesota boys for organizing this yearly event. John Dennis, Mike Bloom, Tom Meyer and Mike Miller lead the charge. But the biggest thanks go to Pat Heppert for running the races and providing the 2 x12’s so we could access the ice without getting wet.
Think Ice!
by Deb Whitehorse | Dec 1, 2021 | 2022, Home Page
Via John Dennis, the Western Challenge is called on for Lake Christina in Ashby, MN December 3 – 5, 2021. The Western Challenge is a an informal tune-up fun regatta for DNs.
What: Western Challenge
Date: December 3 – 5, 2021
Where: Lake Christina in Ashby, MN
Lodging: Recommended nearest Battle Lake, Minnesota
Battle Lake Inn and Suites (almost full, no vacancies for Friday night)
102 Glenhaven Dr, Battle Lake, MN 56515
+12188622500
Bonnie Beach Resort
20341 Bonnie Beach Road
Battle Lake, MN 56515
$175 night 3 bedrooms, (sleeps 4) with kitchen
218-864-5534
The Hideaway at Xanadu Island
35484 235th St, Battle Lake, MN 56515
+12188648096
The Otter
306 MN-78, Ottertail, MN 56571
+12183672525
