Sam Bartel US1011 pushes off at the start of the Gold Qualifier. Photo: Anna Suslova
2025 DN World Championship Report Day 1, February 2, 2025
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
The Grinders of the Day award goes to Sam Bartel US1011, Guy Lovejoy US4638, and Rick Lemberg Jr. US4755 for their climb from the Bronze Fleet all the way to the Gold Fleet. Battling through two rounds of qualifiers is no easy task, but their determination earned them a spot in the top fleet.
The Gold Fleet Race 1 was a test of patience and finesse, as competitors had to rely on all their light-air sailing skills to navigate the course. Swedish sailor Oskar Svensson S714 proved to be the ultimate light-air assassin, taking first place in the only Gold Fleet race of the day.
Chris Teal US5285 claimed victory in the Bronze Fleet, and in Silver, Jeff Roseberry US5687 received top honors.
After the first Gold Fleet race, we waited for the wind to fill back in, allowing the Bronze Fleet to complete a second race. The wily veteran Chris Clark US4789 showed his experience and skill, winning Bronze Race 2.
The light air came out of the south/southwest today, creating a hazy and overcast day on Lake Winnebago. Looking ahead, tomorrow’s forecast predicts winds from the north at 5-15 mph, setting the stage for another intense day of competition.
Gold fleet race one was protested and after review, the protest committee ruled that the race stands.
The championship continues—stay tuned for more action from Lake Winnebago!
Photo Gallery Anna Suslova. See Anna’s Photo Gallery here (password is sail):world
The conductor starts the show.
Dideric Van Riemsdijk S867
Keith Schwark US5183 and Sam Bartel US1011
KA2 taking a break.
Oskar Svensson
Jacek Marzenski
PRO Pat Heppert starts a race.
Dogs like ice boating!
Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:
Website – Visit IDNIYRA.org for official announcements, race updates, and results.
The 2025 DN World Championship is officially underway on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin! Registration is complete, and sailors from around the world gathered for the opening ceremony and rules review. The rules review, led by PRO Pat Heppert and Bob Foeller, was well attended, providing valuable insights for competitors. The opening ceremony was a highlight, as all countries sang their national anthems.
With racing to begin tomorrow, most sailors took advantage of today’s conditions to train on Lake Winnebago, testing their setups and getting a feel for the ice. Expect a highly competitive start as everyone looks to dial in their speed.
How the Qualifiers Work
Racing begins tomorrow, February 2, with the qualifiers, where competitors will compete in the top fleets. Here’s how it works:
The Bronze Fleet starts first, with the top 12 finishers advancing to the Silver Fleet.
The top 12 in Silver will then move up to the Gold Fleet.
The competitor who finishes 13th in Bronze or Silver actually wins that fleet, while the top 12 move on.
A special thanks to the Friendship Fishing Club for their hard work maintaining the bridges ensuring access to the racecourse.
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
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.
Check out this video from the 2024 World Championship in Parnu, Estonia that dropped yesterday with appearances by several North America class members. Video link.
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
