The first day of the championship opened under clear skies and full sun, something that is not always guaranteed in Sweden at this time of year. The light was sharp and clean across the lake, and while the setting looked ideal, the one element we really needed stayed away, the wind.
Without pressure in the sails there was no racing, but the day was far from wasted. We are fortunate to have three of the most experienced international iceboat photographers on site: Gilles Morelle traveling with the Swiss team, Rola Lora with the Lithuanian team, and Gwidon Libera with the host country of Poland team. They were on the ice all day, working the light, the details, and the quiet moments that come before the racing begins. All three photographers’ images can be seen on the DN Europe Facebook page, and I will share a link to Gilles Morelle’s full gallery: LINK
Many sailors used the time to have their runners inspected by the measurer. Championships are often won in details that are invisible from shore, and a windless day provides the time to take care of them properly.
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.
NA PROVISIONAL RESULTS
We all met on the ice this morning, but before anyone started setting up, it was clear that enthusiasm for racing was low. The IDNIYRA Governing Committee gathered and determined that the wind forecast—with gusts up to 50 mph—was too high for racing. The decision was made to postpone racing for the day, and the announcement was met with a round of applause from the competitors. The lack of sails-up underscored that the conditions weren’t suitable for competitive racing.
As I write this, I can see the wind picking up, confirming that the governing board made the right call. PRO Pat Heppert encouraged competitors to take advantage of the lay day and check out another sport known for speed—the famous Oshkosh Experimental Aircraft Museum, just a few minutes up the road.
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, there’s still plenty to keep sailors entertained. Those staying in Fond du Lac’s Radisson Hotel can enjoy its large swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and bar, making for a relaxing break from the ice.
Updated Schedule for Friday, February 7
9:00 AM – Skippers Meeting
10:00 AM – First Race
Fleet sequence: Bronze → Silver → Gold
We plan to sail 3 more races in each fleet, aiming for a total of 7 races for each fleet, conditions permitting
North American Prize Giving will take place on the ice at the conclusion of the regatta
The 2025 DN North American Championship will conclude tomorrow, as we are in the direct path of an incoming snowstorm forecasted for Saturday.
Taking full advantage of the lay day, Pat Heppert brought out one of his shop-creations—a Mini Skeeter. When I left the ice, sailors were lined up, waiting for their turn to take a ride.
Tomorrow, we get back to racing. Stay tuned for updates!
Peter Johanson takes a detour to the dark side – taking a ride in Pat’s Mini Skeeter – but can you really ever have enough iceboats?
Skipper’s meeting.
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
Vice Commodore Rob Holman presents 2025 World Champion Matt Struble with the Gold Cup. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 Worlds Results
The 2025 DN World Championship concluded with a memorable evening at Sunset on the Water, February 4, where sailors, race committee, and supporters gathered to celebrate three days of intense racing. The banquet and awards dinner honored the champions and recognized the efforts of everyone who made the event possible.
A special part of the evening was the raffle, organized by the youth sailors under the direction of Youth Sailing Program Manager Sam Bartel. Their efforts helped support the next generation of DN racers and added to the fun of the night.
Enjoy the photo gallery from the evening below!
Meanwhile, Day 1 of the North American Championship is in the books—a full report will follow soon.
Thank you to all who attended! Banquet Awards Ceremonies – Photos by Anna Suslova
Gold Fleet Top 10: Matt Struble US183, Lukasz Zakrzewski P155, Robert Graczyk P31, Michal Burzczynski P114, Tomasz Zakrzewski P55, Oskar Svensson S714, Joonas Kiisler C53, Gustav Linden S887, Steve Orlebeke US4926, Karol Jablonski P36
Silver Fleet: Daniel Hearn US 5352, David Elsmo US5486, Jeff Roseberry US5687, Nicolas Mabboux KC5508, Paul Chamberland KC5700, Ben Witman US5603, Rob Holman US3705, Andy Allen US5451, Chris Gordon US5590, Matt Meyer US5646
Bronze Fleet: Diderich Van Riemsdijk S867, Trevor Trepton US5753, Richard Lemberg Sr. US4155, Bill Eklund US5432, Alexander Leach US244, Chris Teal US5285, Jim Foster KC5515, Chris Clark US4789, Tim Mower US5871, Michael Rian US467
Maggie McGary US2453, winner of the Magic Runners donated by the Jankowskis
First place Women’s Anja Fiedler G390,
Junior sailors who competed in the 2025 World Championship. From left Oskar Svensson S714, Sebastian Sorensen US 5479, Gustav Linden S887, Sam Bartel US1011, Maggie McGary US2453, Jack Brellinthin US130, Andrew Roeder US5706
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
Five-Time Champion! Matt Struble celebrates moments after securing his fifth DN World Championship victory. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 DN World Championship – Day 3 Report
RESULTS
The 2025 DN World Championship wrapped up today on Lake Winnebago, and we extend a huge congratulations to five-time champion Matt Struble US183. Having already claimed his fifth World Championship title, Matt continues to cement his legacy in DN racing.
Matt grew up in Bay City, Michigan, where Jan and Mead Gougeon, legends in the DN class, mentored him. Now living in San Diego, California, he balances his career as a Nissan engineer, Moth sailing, competitive ice sailing, and time with his family. A gracious and humble competitor, Matt once again proved why he is one of the best in the sport.
A Bright, Cold Final Day
Today’s conditions were much colder than the previous two days, but a beautiful sunrise over Lake Winnebago greeted us for the first time since we arrived. After days of cloudy, gloomy weather, the bright sunshine was a welcome change—even if it made writing down scores challenging for the scoring team’s frozen fingers.
Winds were 20 mph from the north when PRO Pat Heppert arrived early for his daily dawn patrol, inspecting the course by ATV to ensure a safe and fair race surface. Pat and the protest committee were busy last night, hearing seven protests, with the final one wrapping up around 10 PM. Yesterday was also a massive scoring day, with 15 races completed across all fleets.
The Final Showdown
Racing began right on time at 10 AM with the Silver Fleet. Silver Fleet Champion Daniel Hearn had already secured his victory with enough bullets in the bank to sit out the race, but he still came out to help manage the starting line and watch the Gold fleet race.
With Silver wrapped up, all eyes turned to the Gold Fleet showdown between Matt Struble US183 and Lukasz Zakrzewski P155, who was trailing by just three points. The flag dropped, and the final battle was on. Matt found another gear, pulling ahead of the fleet, chased by a pack of Poles, an Estonian, and Swedes.
Three laps later, it was over. The top five competitors headed straight to the measuring corral and were in high spirits, congratulating Matt and each other in the bright sunshine. Everyone left the ice smiling—partly from the excitement and partly because we were all ready for a well-earned break from the cold.
Looking Ahead: The North American Championship Begins
Today is check-in day for the 2025 DN North American Championship, which officially begins tomorrow. Here’s what competitors need to know:
Check-in is from 3 – 5 PM at Regatta Headquarters, Radisson Hotel, Fond du Lac.
The prize-giving, banquet, and raffle—managed by Junior Sailing Manager Sam Bartel US1011—will take place tonight at 7 PM at Sunset on the Water, N7364 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac, WI 5493
(Dinner is ordered off the menu, and guests will pay individually.)
A Strong Showing from the Junior Fleet
One of the biggest positives of this regatta has been the presence of seven junior sailors, demonstrating the bright future of DN racing.
From Sweden, Oskar Svensson S714 and Gustav Linden S887 both closed out their junior years in spectacular fashion. Oskar, who won the first race of the Worlds and finished 6th overall in Gold, and Gustav, who placed 8th in Gold, have firmly established themselves as solid Gold Fleet competitors. Both sailors have been coached by Tomas Lindgren S81, and it has been a pleasure to watch them grow into top-tier racers over the years.
Our North American juniors also delivered outstanding performances, most in their first major regatta:
Sam Bartel US1011 had a remarkable journey, qualifying from Bronze to Silver to Gold on the first day, ultimately finishing 31st in Gold Fleet.
Jack Brellinthin US130 placed 18th in Bronze, gaining valuable international experience.
Maggie McGary US2453 finished 15th in Silver Fleet, having qualified up from Bronze. Notably, she has competed in every regatta in the Western Region this season, showing incredible dedication to the sport.
Andrew Roeder US5706 placed 3rd in the second Bronze Fleet race and finished 21st overall in Bronze.
Sebastian Sorenson US5479 placed 32nd in Bronze, gaining valuable experience at the international level.
It’s impressive to see these young sailors step up in such a competitive event, and their performances are a testament to the effort being put into junior development. With a mix of experience and determination, this next generation of DN racers is proving they belong at the highest level.
There are countless people to thank for making this regatta possible—but we’ll save that for the conclusion of the North Americans.
Stay tuned for more updates as we shift into the next championship!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
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2026 REGATTA DATES
North American Championship
January 24 – 31
World & European Championships
Feb 14 – 21 idniyra.eu
