2026 WESTERN REGION REGATTA STATUS AND REGISTRATION
The DN Western Region Championship has not yet been called on.
Registration will open once a regatta location is selected and officially confirmed. Updates on ice conditions and the event call will be posted here as they become available.
Important Notes:
REGISTRATION
- Online registration is mandatory and must be completed no later than 5:00 PM CT on Friday.
- No in-person registration will be accepted
PROOF OF INSURANCE
- All DN participants must submit proof of liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000. This is mandatory to compete. Please email your proof of insurance to secretary.idniyra@gmail.org as soon as possible. If you have submitted insurance for the 2026 North American Championships, you do not have to submit again.
WHAT TO KNOW
2026 DN Western Region Championship
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
DATES: To be determined.
LOCATION: To be determined
LAUNCH SITE
LODGING
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- Friday: 5 PM CT online registration closes.
- Saturday: 9:00 AM CT Skippers Meeting
- Saturday: 10:00 CT First start. If fleets are split, Silver Fleet will start first.
- Sunday: 10:00 CT First start. Races can start as late as 3:00 PM CT, at the discretion of the Race Committee.
OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
LATEST WESTERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
2026 Western Region Championship Postponed
2025 Western Region Championship Photo: Gretchen Dorian
Via Western Region Commodore Tim Mower:
Unfortunately the DN Western Region Championship originally scheduled for January 3-4 will need to be postponed due to present lack of sailable ice.
The ice checkers have been quickly responding with detailed reports on ice conditions all over, unfortunately their reports are stating the available ice is not up to regatta conditions at this time.
Some of the lakes have not frozen over yet but should be soon with cold temps forecasted.
Will continue obtaining reports and hope to reschedule soon.
Have a Happy New Years!
Tim Mower US5871
DN Western Region Commodore
DN Western Region Championship Update
Photo: Gretchen Dorian
Western Region Championship
January 3 – 4, 2026
NOTICE OF RACE
Via Western Region Commodore Tim Mower:
Ice checks are underway in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the southern UP of Michigan, and surrounding areas. After the snow event that hit Minnesota and Wisconsin yesterday and moved east today, many locations received too much snow to be viable.
At this point, the Madison, WI lakes, Lake Kegonsa and Lake Monona, are looking the most promising for the Western Region Championships.
A final decision will be made Wednesday or no later than Thursday.
The next update will be posted by Thursday, January 1.
Get your runners sharpened. Or at least knock the rust off.
Tim Mower US5871
Wester Region Commodore
Welcome Tim Mower, New Western Region Commodore – Save the Date for the 2026 DN Westerns!
We’re pleased to announce that Tim Mower US5871 has been named the new DN Western Region Commodore. Please join us in thanking Chris Berger US5166 for his years of dedicated service and leadership to the class.
Tim has selected January 3–4, 2026, as the DN Western Region Championship Regatta dates. The Western Region includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan—and is home to some of the best ice sailing in North America.
This two-day, non-ranking regatta is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the DN North Americans or the Worlds in Europe. With typically two fleets, the Westerns are ideal for sailors of all skill levels—especially novices looking to get involved, meet fellow racers, learn more, and even pick up equipment.
Mark your calendars—we’ll see you on the ice!
2025 DN Western Region Recap
RESULTS
DN sailors gathered on the big ice of Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, for the two-day Western Region Championship. Sailors from Lake Minnetonka, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania joined the action.
This year’s regatta highlighted family connections, with father-son teams David and Matthew Kickhafer and David and Cooper Frost, as well as father-daughter duo John and Maggie McGary, all competing together.
Lake Winnebago is famous for being home to the majestic stern steerers, and it was a real treat to see the ROSEMARY and FLYING DUTCHMEN sailing around during the regatta.
The launch site was ideal, conveniently located next to Sunset on the Water, a bar and restaurant—similar to Minnesota’s 2024 Western Region Championship. Coming off the ice for a hot lunch and a beverage made the weekend even better.
On Saturday, the weather tested both sailors and the race committee. The forecast predicted light winds, and while conditions were tricky, PRO Pat Heppert set up a race course about two miles from the launch. With the help of Dan from the Fond du Lac Yacht Club and Greg Mulliet from Michigan, the race committee ran an efficient and well-organized event. Special thanks to Fred Stritt, who monitored the weather mark and ensured the racing went smoothly—we all greatly appreciated it!
The light breeze on Saturday allowed for two Silver Fleet races and one Gold Fleet race before the wind completely died. The scene at the launch that day was busy, with motorcycles and quads tearing around a track nearby, adding an unusual backdrop to the regatta. There were also powered paragliders flying overhead, adding to the spectacle.
A large group gathered for dinner at The Sunset to catch up on the day’s sailing. The evening was made even more special by the surprise appearance of Anja Fiedler and Holger Petzke, who traveled from Germany and are here for the 2025 World Championship.
Sunday brought a dramatic change in weather, with enough breeze to keep everyone moving. However, freezing rain presented a new challenge, making visibility difficult. The decision was made to complete two more Gold Fleet races and one Silver Fleet race to wrap up the regatta.
Many thanks to Ann Foeller who tabulated scores from our satellite office in Toledo, Ohio.
2024 DN Westerns Photos by Gretchen Dorian
Gretchen Dorian’s photos from the 2024 Western Regional Championship are now available! Check out her full gallery here: https://www.gretchendorian.com/2024-DN-Western-Region-Championship A huge thank you to Gretchen for sharing her incredible talent with the DN community.
2025 Western Region Championship Tentatively Called ON
NOTICE OF RACE
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Western Region Commodore Chris Berger has announced that the 2025 Western Region Championship is tentatively called ON for January 11-12 on Lake Winnebago. The tentative launch site is the Hwy 45 Wayside Park in Fond du Lac, WI. Final confirmation of the regatta will be posted on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the event. Registration will open when final confirmation is posted.
Prepare your gear and get ready for some great racing on Lake Winnebago!
2025 DN Western Region Championship and Senior Shuffle Updates
2024 Western Challenge – Photo: Kevin Barta
NOTICE OF RACE
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
The 2025 DN Western Region Championship has been tentatively called on for January 11–12. Current weather forecasts indicate favorable conditions for ice formation in the Western Region, and we’re optimistic about hosting the event as scheduled.
Additionally, the Senior Shuffle is also tentatively called on for January 13–15. This is shaping up to be an exciting week of racing, with back-to-back regattas on the calendar.
Stay tuned for more updates! The next announcement will be made on Tuesday, January 7. As always, check back here for the latest news and details.
Let’s hope for solid ice and great sailing conditions!
2025 Western Region Championship Called ON
NOTICE OF RACE
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Via Western Region Commodore Chris Berger
The 2025 Western Region Championship has been tentatively called ON for January 4 – 5, 2025. Potential sites are being scouted Tuesday and Wednesday and location will be announced. Final confirmation will be posted on idniyra.org Thursday, January 2, 2025.
The 2025 Central Region Championship takes precedence. If the 2025 Central Region Championship is confirmed for January 4 – 5, the 2025 Western Region Championship will be postponed.
DN SENIOR SHUFFLE UPDATE: The 2025 Senior Shuffle has been postponed. Next DN Senior Shuffle update is January 5, 2025.
2025 DN Western Region Championship Update
Via Western Region Commodore Chris Berger
The DN Western Region Championship is tentatively scheduled for January 4-5, 2025. As of now, we are actively searching for suitable ice in the Western Region. If you know of any promising ice conditions, please let us know as soon as possible.
When the regatta is officially called on, online registration will open immediately. The next update on the status of the Western Region Championship will be posted on Monday, December 30, 2024. Please check back then for the latest news.
Additionally, the first-ever Senior Shuffle will take place in the days following the Western Region Championship, running from January 6-8, 2025.
2025 WESTERN REGION CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTICE OF RACE – Click here to download NOR in pdf
Dates: January 4 – 5, 2025
Location: The primary site is within the North American Western Region. (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, UP of Michigan, Wisconsin)
Stay tuned to this website for further announcements.
DN SENIOR SHUFFLE
Following the 2025 Western Region Championship, the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club is excited to try the Senior Shuffle once again! This fun, age-friendly regatta will take place three days after the Westerns, offering an additional opportunity to enjoy the ice.
Dates: January 6 – 8, 2025
Eligibility:
• Open to Seniors (50-59), Masters (60-69) and Grand Masters (70+) who will race under Shuffle Rules with one start.
• Open to “aspiring” Seniors (49 or younger) who will also race under Shuffle Rules possibly with a separate start.
For more information and to register, visit iceboat.org.
2024 DN Western Region Recap
Tom Meyer US602 and Bill Cutting US5430 with an A Skeeter on the ISA course in the background. Photo: Gretchen Dorian
2024 DN WESTERN REGION RESULTS
The DN Western Region Championship concluded successfully alongside the ISA Regatta despite challenging conditions. The final day brought damp, foggy weather with limited visibility that slowly improved as the morning progressed. Racing was delayed, and Steve Orlebeke US4926 volunteered as the “test dummy” to evaluate safety. He reported that the snow drifts were wet and slushy, and snow flew into his goggles, limiting visibility. Based on his recommendation, the regatta was called complete.
Saturday, however, provided a full day of racing with steady winds that made it possible to complete an impressive 10 races. The DN fleet took advantage of the conditions and wrapped up racing early in the afternoon, returning to the Water’s Edge Restaurant by 2:30 PM. The competition was fierce, with Chris Berger US5166 and Steve Orlebeke battling for the top spot in the Gold fleet throughout the day. The Silver fleet saw equally impressive performances, setting the stage for Sunday’s final results.
Still, the sailors from Lake Minnetonka embraced Sunday’s challenging conditions, heading out for hot laps to enjoy a final sail of the day. Their energy mirrored their impressive results throughout the weekend, nearly sweeping the top five in the Silver fleet. Dale Gordon of the 4LIYC in Madison, WI, claimed the top spot after a tiebreak with Minnesota’s Alexander Leach. Maggie McGary delivered a remarkable performance, securing 5th place, while Ben Garber, competing in only his second regatta, earned an impressive 3rd-place finish.
(On a personal note, as a scorer and race starter, I’ve been impressed with the Silver fleet both at the Western Challenge and the Western Region Championship—their discipline, readiness to race, and sailing skills have stood out as they consistently navigate all three laps of the course. -Deb)
Thank you to Western Region Commodore Chris Berger for helping make the regatta a reality. Chris also worked with artist Mary Derusha (daughter of Renegade sailor the late Roger Derusha) to create unique trophies for the event. Departing from the usual plaques, Chris chose one of Mary’s photos of ice as the trophy design, making these awards especially memorable.
Special recognition goes to Pat Heppert, who somehow juggled multiple roles during the event. While Pat is usually the DN PRO, this weekend, he not only set both the DN and ISA courses but also kept everything running smoothly—and still found time to race his C Skeeter on the ISA course!
Many thanks to Ann Foeller in Toledo, Ohio, for tabulating scores remotely and Julie Jankowski and Fred Stritt for monitoring the weather mark on both courses.
Finally, we want to thank the people of Starbuck, Minnesota, for their always warm welcome and the Water’s Edge Restaurant for graciously putting up with us throughout the weekend.
Gretchen Dorian’s photography once again captured the spirit of the regatta. She will be posting more from the event in the coming days. See them here.
And finally, have you registered for the 2025 World and North American Championship? The early entry discount expires on December 31, 2024. Register today here!
Current Newsletter
DN VIDEOS
iceboat.org
- 4LIYC Racing News: No Racing for Jan 3-4 January 2, 2026
Minnesota Ice Sailing Association
- western region jan 2 December 29, 2025
Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club
- Ice Report January 2, 2026
New England Ice Yacht Association
- RACING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY January 2, 2026