Summer Solstice: Countdown to Ice Begins

Sunset over Lake Mendota, early 1970s. Bill Mattison’s HONEYBUCKET DN, built for his children and photographed by Bill himself.

As we mark midsummer this weekend, iceboaters know we’re one step closer to ice-making.

In about 20 weeks, DNs will gather in Finland for the annual Week 46 regatta. Just four weeks later, the DN Western Challenge kicks off the North American season on the first weekend of December in Minnesota.

That’s less than five months until we line up on the ice again. The season is turning. Time to check your gear—winter is coming.

If you are new and want to try ice sailing, get in touch with us!

Ron Sherry to Headline 4LIYC Banquet – RSVP by April 22!


We’re thrilled to announce that Ron Sherry, one of the most accomplished and respected DN sailors in the world, will be our guest speaker at the 4LIYC Spring Awards Banquet!

Ron will host a Q&A session during the banquet — an opportunity to ask questions, hear stories, and learn from a true legend of the ice.

The banquet is Saturday, April 26 at Mariner’s Inn
RSVP Deadline: Tuesday, April 22

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special evening — sign up today and come celebrate one of our best seasons in years with great company, great food, and a great guest!

Click here to sign up for the banquet. 

Snow Got You Down? Tune In to Matt Struble’s Podcast Interview

Matt Struble US183. Photo by Anna Suslova.

With the 4LIYC racing on pause thanks to all this snow, it’s a great time to catch up on some ice sailing talk. Sailing Anarchy just dropped a new podcast featuring none other than 2025 DN World & North American Champion Matt Struble! Fresh off his dominant performance at Lake Winnebago, Matt sat down with host Scott Tempesta to break down the regatta. While his scores made it look effortless, Matt shares just how tough the conditions were and what it took to come out on top. As Scott put it: “I just chatted him up, and I can tell he is going to be a great guest!” The episode is available this afternoon—perfect listening while we wait for sailable ice to return.
Listen here: https://sailinganarchy.com/sailing-anarchy-podcast/  Or check out the SA podcasts on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcasts.
Stay tuned, and hopefully, the Big Zamboni will arrive and we’ll be back on the ice soon!