Iceboating 101


4LIYC Junior Sailing Page
IDNIYRA Junior Sailing Page

This slide presentation, created by Sam Bartel, the IDNIYRA Junior Sailing Director, is cross-posted on DN North America. However, it is too valuable not to share with the entire ice sailing community. Keeping the pipeline full is crucial for DN Junior Sailing, and Sam’s presentation helps maintain and improve momentum.

Meet the Replacements

Jay’s replacement looking comfortable in the Skeeter.

Windjammers iceboater Jay Yaeso had his hands full with two boats over the weekend at Menominee, the Class A Skeeter, and Stern-Steerer HAYWIRE. Jay reported that he was “training his replacements.” His boys Jason and Clay sailed both the Skeeter and Stern-Steerer independently.

Below, future 4LIYC sailors Jack Ripp (Yes, that’s right!) and brother Henry Ripp (left) are taking a shop moment to discuss their Ice Optimist strategy. Their dad, Mike, will make sure their runners are sharpened.

4LIYC Next Gen

Fritz Simon explaining runner technology.

Many thanks to Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club DN sailor Tim Sugar for sharing this good-news story.

In the Season of Giving, the Sugar families were greeted with not one, but two exceptional surprises.
DNer Mark Isabell  was selling his DN trailer to Tim and Hugh and “threw in” two, hand-crafted, Ice Optimist hull’s built by Mark.  The only ask was to outfit the hulls and get them on the ice.  You’ll see one of these beautiful hulls in the picture of the Sugar kids practicing their Opti skills in the front yard!  Thanks so much Mark!
The second surprise came two weeks later, when Renegade sailor Greg Simon, emailed Tim offering two complete ice Optimist programs to the Sugar clan!  These hulls were built by Jerry Simon for his grandkids Meta & Fritz.  Greg Simon completed the programs by hand sewing Optti sails!  Meta & Fritz have outgrown the Optis and the Sugar kids are the proud new stewards of these beautiful boats!
At delivery, the Simon’s rolled out the red carpet.  Cheese, sausage, beers, and personalized rigging instructions from the Simon kids were the order of the day.  It was an amazing evening of fun!  Thank you Simon family, we’re beyond grateful for your generosity.
If there are any families that are interested in trying the Optis, please give Hugh or Tim a call.  We are happy to continue the Season of Giving with any interested kiddos.

The Sugar kids have been waiting for this since first being on the ice in 2013 with dad Tim at the Western Challenge. 

“Let’s Go Let’s Go” with Aniela Graczyk Ice Optimist Sailor

Iceboating for Kids

Aniela Graczyk is a champion Ice Optimist sailor from Poland  who competes in the annual Junior World Ice Sailing regatta held in Europe. Watch and listen as she explains in an entertaining 2 minutes why she is passionate about ice sailing.  Consider introducing your kids to ice sailing this winter.  The Ice Optimist is the perfect boat for junior sailors. Learn more about youth ice sailing here. Questions about Ice Optimists or ice sailing for kids? Please email to us!

 

Michal Skawinski/Kornik P339, Laura Taggu C4, and Aniela Graczyk P375 push off to race at the 2020 Junior World Championship in Sweden.

Aniela Graczyk listens as her father, Robert, coaches her on the upcoming race at the 2020 Junior World Championship.

2020 Junior World DN & Ice Optimist Championship


Results
The World and European Junior Ice Sailing Championship concluded on February 20, 2020.  It was one of the most amazing regattas I’ve ever seen for many reasons.  Some of them include the first time being around so many young people who iceboat and the commitment and support their parents and coaches make to get them there and have a good experience. You can tell from the photos that the ice was fast. Both the DNs and Ice Optimist fleets showed a high level of sailing skill. The Lithuanian DN Ice Sailing club, organizers of the event, provided hot tea and cookies on the ice every day and the Uppsala, Sweden contingent organized hot lunch every day as well.

One of the  best memories I’ll take away from the regatta ironically took place on a day without sailing. Boredom is not a bad thing. The kids played soccer on the ice, skated, and generally horsed around for hours before being excused for the day. That evening, Estonian coach and DN sailor Mikhal Kosk organized a bowling tournament between countries at regatta headquarters. I have no idea who won but it was a blast to watch them having fun.
Here are some photos from the regatta.

 

Hollywood Swedish Ice

Rainbow’s End

Sorry for the light posting but I’ve been in Europe for the 2020 DN Worlds and now Junior Worlds. Good morning from near Furudal, Sweden, site of the 2020 Junior World DN & Ice Optimist championship. A few quick pictures before heading off to the sailing site. Racing will begin today.