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Ice Sailing 101: Mastering the Frozen Adventure in No Time

David Ciccarelli

August 27, 2024

Ice sailing, also known as ice yachting, is a winter sport that offers a unique and exhilarating way to harness the power of the wind. Picture yourself skimming across a frozen lake at breathtaking speeds, the crisp air whipping past as you steer your sleek vessel over the ice. It’s sailing, but with a twist—trading water for ice and waves for the glassy expanse of winter landscapes.

Iceboats come in various styles, from nimble, one-person crafts to larger, crew-operated vessels designed for different conditions. Popular classes like DN, Nite, Renegade, and Skeeter each offer distinct experiences, with designs that maximize speed and maneuverability on ice.

The Midwest is a prime region for ice sailing enthusiasts, with states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana leading the way. Madison, Wisconsin, in particular, stands out as a historic hub for the sport, home to the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club—a vibrant community with over a century of ice sailing tradition.

As you prepare to embark on this winter adventure, here’s what you can expect from the thrilling world of ice sailing:

Wind: Just like traditional sailing, ice sailing relies on the power of the wind to move across the ice. A good breeze is essential to reach high speeds, but always make sure to monitor the weather conditions for safety.

Safety gear: Dress warmly and wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, and ice grips or cleats on your boots. Safety should always be your top priority on the ice.

Tactics: Much like soft-water sailing, ice sailing requires mastering certain skills such as tacking, jibing, and controlling the sail according to the wind direction.

Regattas: Ice sailing competitions, or regattas, are held during the winter season. These events test not only your sailing prowess, but also your ability to adapt to the unpredictable ice conditions.

Defining Ice Sailing: A Thrilling Blend of Speed and Skill

Ice sailing, often referred to as ice yachting or ice boating, is a thrilling winter sport that merges the principles of sailing with the fast-paced dynamics of gliding across frozen surfaces. This unique activity takes place on frozen lakes or rivers, where specially designed iceboats—equipped with sharp metal runners—skim across the ice at exhilarating speeds, often reaching up to four times the speed of the wind propelling them.

An iceboat typically consists of a lightweight frame, known as the backbone, which serves as the vessel’s central support. Attached to this backbone are three runners: two side runners that maintain balance, and a steering runner located at the front, which is controlled by foot pedals or a tiller. This streamlined design minimizes friction, allowing iceboats to achieve impressive speeds, sometimes exceeding 60 to 80 miles per hour in optimal conditions.

There are several popular classes of iceboats, each with its own distinct characteristics. The DN class, named after the Detroit News where the design was first published in 1937, is one of the most widely used and competitive iceboats globally. The Nite class, known for its stability and ability to carry two passengers, is a favorite for recreational sailing. The Renegade and Skeeter classes, larger and more powerful, are often seen dominating the ice in competitive races, especially in regions like the Midwest.

The Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, is a hotspot for ice sailing, with iconic locations like Lake Mendota in Madison drawing enthusiasts from all over. Madison is home to the renowned Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, where sailors have been perfecting the craft for over a century. In this region, winter winds can range from a gentle breeze to gusts over 30 miles per hour, creating perfect conditions for iceboats to soar across the frozen landscape.

Ice sailing requires not just a keen understanding of wind dynamics but also sharp reflexes and adaptability to varying ice conditions. Smooth, black ice offers the best surface for speed, while rougher, snow-covered patches require careful navigation. But the reward for mastering these challenges is a uniquely exhilarating experience—skimming across vast, silent expanses of ice, propelled by nothing but the wind and your skill.

Brief History of Ice Sailing: From Ancient Origins to Modern Sport

Ice sailing boasts a rich and storied history that stretches back centuries, originating as a practical mode of transportation before evolving into the thrilling sport it is today. The roots of ice sailing can be traced to the 17th century, where it began as a necessity in the harsh winters of Northern Europe. In the Netherlands, where canals freeze over each winter, the Dutch are credited with pioneering the earliest forms of iceboats. Ingeniously modifying traditional sailboats by attaching runners—sharp metal blades—to the hulls, they created vessels capable of gliding across the frozen waterways with ease. These early iceboats were primarily used for transporting goods across the frozen canals of the Netherlands and the Gulf of Riga, offering a vital means of travel and commerce during the winter months.

As the centuries progressed, the utilitarian iceboats of the Dutch transformed into sleeker, faster models designed for recreation and competition. By the 18th century, ice sailing had gained popularity among the affluent classes of Northern Europe, who embraced it as a winter pastime. The design of iceboats also evolved during this period, with the introduction of a single fore-and-aft spar, known as the backbone, which provided greater stability and control. The traditional setup included three runners—two for balance and one for steering—allowing these vessels to achieve remarkable speeds on the ice.

The sport of ice sailing made its way to North America in the 19th century, where it quickly found a home on the frozen lakes and rivers of the northeastern United States and Canada. Here, enthusiasts began to form clubs and associations dedicated to the sport, laying the groundwork for organized competitions. One of the earliest and most influential of these was the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club, founded in New York in the mid-19th century. The club played a pivotal role in popularizing ice sailing as a competitive sport, hosting races that attracted participants from across the region.

As the 20th century dawned, ice sailing continued to grow in popularity, with innovations in design and technology pushing the boundaries of speed and performance. The development of lightweight, aerodynamic iceboats like the DN class—introduced in the 1930s—revolutionized the sport, making it more accessible to a broader audience. The DN class remains one of the most popular iceboat designs today, with active racing communities around the world.

In modern times, ice sailing has become a well-established winter sport, particularly in regions with reliable ice conditions such as the Midwest United States, Canada, and Northern Europe. Clubs dedicated to ice sailing can be found in these areas, where members gather to build, sail, and race their iceboats throughout the winter months. Events like the DN World Championship draw competitors from across the globe, showcasing the sport’s enduring appeal and the camaraderie among its participants.

From its humble beginnings as a practical solution to winter transportation challenges, ice sailing has evolved into a dynamic and exhilarating sport, cherished by those who seek the thrill of the wind and the ice. Whether for recreation or competition, ice sailing continues to captivate adventurers and thrill-seekers, carrying on a tradition that spans centuries.

Ice Yachts Explained: Modern Design and Dynamics

Ice yachts, or iceboats, are sailing crafts specially designed to glide across frozen surfaces on metal runners. One of the essential elements in their design is the steerable runner, which helps you navigate on ice with ease.

The DN class ice yacht is one of the most popular designs around, known for its affordable price and accessibility. Crafted with a triangular sail and relatively lightweight materials, it’s perfect for the wider ice sailing community. While DN class caters to beginners and recreational sailors, there are other ice yachts like Nite and Skeeter classes that cater to more experienced and competitive sailors.

Safety is vital in ice sailing, which is why most ice yachts incorporate features to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Some of these features include:

Runners : Metal runners allow for smooth movement, stability, and control on the ice.
Steerable runner : This special runner enables you to easily change directions and maintain control while cruising at high speeds.
Mast and sail : Ice yachts have a mast and sail designed to handle icy conditions, often with airfoil-shaped battens to optimize aerodynamics.

Mastering the Basics: Steering and Sail Management

Steering an ice yacht, like the popular DN Ice Yacht, might seem intimidating at first, but fear not! The key to steering is understanding the wind and how it affects the sails. When sailing upwind, position your sails at an angle that captures the most power, while also keeping your boat slightly angled into the wind. Mastering tacking techniques will allow you to change direction with ease and maintain maximum efficiency.

Now, let’s talk about sail management. The sail plays a crucial role in powering your ice yacht, so pay attention to the following pointers:

Downwind : When sailing downwind, loosen your sails to allow them to catch as much wind as possible. Remember, the goal is to be propelled by the wind pushing the sails.
Upwind : In contrast, when sailing upwind, tighten your sails so that they’re at the optimal angle to harness the wind’s energy, propelling the yacht forward.

To ensure a great ice sailing experience, don’t forget to consider the following factors:

Weather conditions : Icy surfaces work best for ice sailing, so make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.
Safety : Equip yourself with proper safety gear like helmets, life vests, and ropes. These can be lifesavers in tricky situations.
Regattas : As you advance your skills, consider participating in regattas. They can be a competitive and refreshing way to put your expertise to the test.

Advanced Techniques: Maximizing Speed and Handling Challenging Conditions

Ice sailing, or iceboating, is an exhilarating winter sport that combines speed, precision, and passion. If you have some experience and want to up your game, here are a few advanced techniques to maximize speed and handle challenging conditions.

Tiller control : Your tiller is the key to steering and maintaining balance on your iceboat. Keep a gentle grip on it and make subtle adjustments to steer accurately. Remember, your iceboat can react fast to any changes, so avoid abrupt movements with the tiller.

Sail trim : Getting your jib and mainsail trim right can make all the difference in speed. In lighter winds, focus on promoting smooth airflow, while in stronger winds, prioritize a balanced setup for best VMG (Velocity Made Good). Keep experimenting to find the right trim that suits both the conditions and your iceboat’s handling .

Handling gusts : When gusts hit, be prepared to lean back and use your body weight to counteract the sudden increase in force. This will maintain balance and maximize speed. When the gusts subside, make sure to readjust your position.

Navigating Different Ice and Wind Conditions

Imagine yourself as a member of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club or the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club. You’re excited to participate in an ice sailing adventure with your fellow crew members. But before you hop into the cockpit, let’s talk about navigating different ice and wind conditions to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone on board.

First and foremost, you should know your vessel’s capabilities. If it’s ice classed, that means it’s designed to withstand the pressures and challenges of icy waters. However, it’s essential to be cautious, as even ice classed vessels can encounter damage.

When it comes to ice conditions, always be vigilant for any changes that could impact your sailing. Navigating in ice-covered waters can cause delays, so make sure you have sufficient supplies, such as fresh water and fuel. Remember to keep moving, even if it’s at a slow pace. Work with the ice movement and weaknesses, rather than against them, to avoid unnecessary damage to your vessel.

Now let’s look at wind conditions. Superstructure icing can be a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when ice forms on your yacht’s structure, making it challenging to sail. Keep an eye on the temperature and wind force:

Temperature	Wind Force	Icing Condition
Below -2.2 °C	5 Bft	Slight
Below -2.2 °C	7 Bft	Moderate
Below -2.2 °C	8 Bft	Severe
0 °C and below	–	Fresh Water

The Role of Weather in Ice Sailing: Wind, Ice Conditions, and Safety Considerations

First things first, wind is your best friend during ice sailing. Since iceboats can achieve speeds of up to five times that of the wind, it is essential to know the wind conditions before setting sail. Take note of the wind speed and direction, as these will significantly impact your ability to control your iceboat. Steering and maneuvering become more challenging as the wind picks up, demanding extra care and attention on your part.

Ice thickness and quality are vital factors in ice yachting. Thicker ice is generally more stable, but it’s important to ensure there are no thin patches or cracks. Before taking to the ice, make sure to scout the area and check for any potential hazards. Keep an eye out for visible cracks and ice anomalies, as these could pose a risk while you’re sailing.

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to ice yachting. So, here are some pointers to ensure a safe experience:

Monitor weather conditions: Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and avoid ice sailing during storms or extreme conditions.
Dress appropriately: Layer up, with a focus on insulation and waterproof gear to keep you warm and dry throughout the day.
Carry safety equipment: Equip yourself with essential items like a helmet, ice picks, a life jacket, and a whistle.

Essential Equipment for Ice Sailing: From Sails to Safety Gear

Sails : The most critical piece of equipment for ice sailing is, of course, your sail. Like regular sailing, the power comes from the apparent wind. Choose a sail specifically designed for ice sailing, as they are made to handle the unique conditions and work efficiently with the ice boat.

Iceboat : Make sure to have an iceboat properly rigged with the suitable blade and suspension system for the frozen surface. Look for a boat designed for ice sailing, offering stability, speed, and easy maneuverability.

Ice Thickness : Before taking to the ice, always check its thickness. A minimum of four inches is considered safe for ice sailing. Keep in mind that ice thickness can vary significantly over short distances, so check multiple spots.

Safety Gear : Your personal safety is crucial while ice sailing. Here’s a list of some essential safety items:

Life jacket : Even though you’re sailing on ice, it’s still crucial to wear a life jacket in case of sudden capsizing or accidents.
Helmet : Protect your head from potential impacts by wearing a sturdy, specifically designed sailing helmet.
Warm, waterproof clothing : Dress for the cold weather, preferably in layers. Waterproof, insulating, and breathable garments provide the best protection .
Gloves and boots : Look for waterproof and insulated gloves and boots designed for ice sailing.

Emergency Survival Kit : It’s always best to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some items to include in your kit:

First aid supplies
Emergency flares
Extra dry clothing
Safety knife
Hand warmers
Food and water

Now that you’re equipped with the right gear and knowledge, you’re ready to tackle your ice sailing adventure. Remember to always prioritize safety and stay aware of changing conditions on the ice.

Top Destinations for Ice Sailing Around the World

Ice sailing is an exhilarating sport that allows you to glide across frozen water at incredible speeds. With the right conditions and locations, you can have a thrilling experience on the ice. Here are some top destinations for ice sailing around the world.

Maine, USA : Maine is a fantastic destination for ice sailing enthusiasts. The long, cold winters provide ample opportunities for sailing on frozen lakes and ponds. Popular locations include Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake , and Damariscotta Lake. Keep an eye out for local ice sailing events, like the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association World Championship.

Sweden: Sweden is home to the International DN, one of the most popular ice sailing yachts in the world. The Swedish lakes and canals freeze during the winter, creating ideal conditions for ice sailing. Head to Lake Mälaren, Lake Vättern, or Lake Hjälmaren for some great ice sailing adventures.

Germany: Germany offers excellent ice sailing opportunities, with many lakes and canals freezing over during the winter months. Popular destinations include Lake Constance and Lake Müritz. Be prepared for a mix of calm and challenging sailings, as frozen canals can create narrow courses that require skillful maneuvering.

Canada: The entire country is known for its cold winters, which means plenty of ice sailing opportunities. You can find numerous frozen lakes and rivers to explore in provinces like Ontario , Quebec, and Manitoba. Keep an eye out for events organized by the International DN ice sailing communities in these regions.

Understanding Ice Quality and Safety: Thickness and Surface Conditions

Ice sailing can be a thrilling experience, but before you set your ice boat on a frozen lake, it’s essential to understand the ice quality and safety. The ice thickness and surface conditions are vital factors in ensuring your adventure is both enjoyable and secure.

Ice Thickness

Eager to try ice boating in the USA? First things first! Check the ice thickness. The thicker the ice, the safer it is for supporting the weight of an ice boat. Here’s a quick reference guide:

4 inches : Minimum ice thickness recommended for ice fishing or small group activities
5 inches : Suitable for snowmobiles and small ATVs
8-12 inches : Can support most small-to-medium-sized cars
12-15 inches : Recommended minimum for light trucks and iceboats

Remember, these numbers are for clear, blue/black ice, which is the strongest type. Slush ice has only half the strength, and river ice is approximately 15% weaker.

Ice Quality

Besides thickness, the ice quality plays a significant role in safety. Clear blue/black ice forms from the top down and is the most reliable type of ice. Now, let’s break it down into different types of ice you might encounter:

Clear Ice : Also known as black or blue ice, it forms from top-down and is the strongest type
White/Opaque Ice : Formed by wet snow freezing on the ice surface, it’s not as strong as clear ice
Slush Ice : This indicates that ice is starting to melt, resulting in a significantly weaker structure

Surface Conditions

Before setting sail, inspect the ice surface for cracks, pressure ridges, and areas where water may seep through. You should also look for any signs of recent temperature changes or warm weather, which could compromise the ice’s integrity.

Famous Ice Sailing Races and Events

The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club hosts a variety of prestigious races in Madison, Wisconsin. As one of the most active ice boat clubs in North America, they’ve been building and sailing ice boats for over a century. Joining this club will immerse you in a world of knowledge about different ice boat types, racing strategies , and more.

Now, feast your eyes on the following must-know events:

The DN World Championship : This premier event is held annually and offers a fantastic opportunity for racing enthusiasts. Top sailors, including the likes of Tomas Lindgren, Oskar Svensson, and James “T” Thieler, attend this championship to showcase their skills.
Green Lake Ice Yacht Club : Venturing into the Midwest, it’s impossible not to mention the prestigious Green Lake club in Wisconsin, which also hosts its fair share of ice sailing events. Harry Melges, a world-record holder, and ice sailor extraordinaire is a notable member of this club.

Fitness and Training: Physical Preparation for Ice Sailing

To best enjoy recreational ice sailing, you’ll want to build a solid aerobic base. Activities like running, cycling, and rowing are excellent ways to increase your cardiovascular endurance. If you’re able to, try incorporating land sailing into your routine – it’s not only a fun alternative, but it also helps build relevant skills for ice sailing.

Now that your heart and lungs are pumping, let’s not forget about strength training. Ice sailing demands both upper body and lower body power. Here are a few exercises to include in your workout plan:

Upper body: Chin-ups, lat pulls, and inverted rows.
Lower body: Single-leg squats, leg extensions, and leg curls.
Core: Planks, sit-ups, and leg lifts.

Remember, a well-balanced exercise plan should not cause muscle imbalances. Mix these exercises up, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming fit for ice sailing.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of agility and balance training. Ice sailing can be pretty fast-paced, so being nimble is crucial. Adding exercises like single-leg balance drills and lateral hops to your routine will give you that extra edge on the ice. And hey, why not throw in some yoga for good measure?

Before hitting the ice, make sure to properly inspect and prepare your ice sailboat. Inquiring about rigging services like Sailcrafters Loft and Rigging can be an easy way to ensure your equipment is ready for the adventure.

Now that you know how to physically prepare yourself for ice sailing, it’s time for you to slide into this exhilarating sport. So, bundle up and have a blast out there!

Mental Preparation: Strategy and Focus in a High-Speed Environment

Ice sailing is not just a test of physical skill, but also demands strong mental abilities. To excel in this high-speed sport, you need to be well-prepared mentally. You can do this by following some key guidelines .

Firstly, always stay calm and focused, no matter how fast the conditions are. In areas like the Netherlands and Lake Winnebago, where ice sailing is popular, blustery winds and freezing temperatures can be intense. Don’t let the cold and speed overwhelm you; instead, take deep breaths, and maintain your composure.

To stay sharp on the ice, it’s crucial to have a plan before setting sail. Keep these points in mind when strategizing:

Safety precautions: Be aware of possible hazards on the ice, such as open water or other sportsmen.
Wind conditions: Understand how the wind will impact your course and adjust accordingly.
Strengths and weaknesses: Know what aspects of your technique need improvement, and focus on honing those skills.

While creating your plan, consider using these mental skills training techniques:

Visualization: Picture yourself successfully completing your race or run on the ice.
Positive self-talk: Encourage yourself with motivating statements like, “I’m ready” or “I can do this.”
Set small goals: Break your race into smaller sections, focusing on one at a time.

So, lace up your ice sailing boots with a cool head, and maintain focus on your strategy to conquer the high-speed environment!

Essential Safety Practices and Emergency Procedures

First and foremost, respect the lake. Keep in mind that sailing the entire lake shore to shore in all directions is almost impossible. Open water, thin ice, expansion cracks, and ice heaves can all be potential hazards. To stay safe, always check the ice conditions before you set sail.

When it comes to tacking and jibing, maintaining control is the name of the game. Watch your sail, steer smoothly, and pay attention to your surroundings. Remember, iceboats normally travel upwind, so be prepared for sudden gusts.

A table of essential safety gear on your iceboat can go a long way. Here’s a list of must-haves:

Safety Gear	Purpose
Helmet	Protect your head during spills
Lifejacket	Ensure flotation in case of
Ice picks	Aid in self-rescue on thin ice
Throw rope	Help rescue others in distress

When it comes to achieving maximum speed while ice sailing, keep an eye on your competitors and make sure you have excellent visibility to avoid accidents. Keep your distance from other boats and watch out for potential obstacles on the ice.

In case of emergencies, you should always know where the through-hulls are and check them regularly. Make sure to have at least two big manual pumps (ideally diaphragm-type) on board that can be easily moved. Keep emergency repair materials handy (e.g., pre-drilled plywood, epoxy, plugs, etc.).

Courses and Learning Resources for Beginners

NauticEd offers a comprehensive selection of sailing courses for both beginners and experienced sailors, which you can apply to ice sailing. You’ll learn the ropes, essential safety skills, and practical sailing techniques. Some other resources to look into are ASA 101 and RYA Day Skipper Theory which also provide great foundational knowledge.

Consider joining a local ice boating club to make your ice sailing experience even better. You will meet others who are passionate about the sport and gain access to valuable resources, workshops, and instructors, like the Nite Class. Plus, nothing beats hands-on experience and learning directly from seasoned ice sailors!

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David Ciccarelli, is the Founder and CEO of Lake. He is based in Toronto, Canada, and is an expert in management, business administration, strategy, product development, and customer experience. His educational achievements include the Owner President Management Program at Harvard Business School (2019-2022) and the QuantumShift Program at Ivey Business School in 2017, aimed at CEOs of growing businesses.

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DN ICE YACHT RACING

Maximum speed, member countries, registered sail numbers, world championship competitors, the fastest sailing on the planet..

Fun.Exciting.Exhilarating.

Join the dn world., connect with us in europe, connect with us in north america, international dn ice yacht racing association, europe & north america, join our class. our community..

The one-design DN ice yacht is easy to transport, light, and relatively inexpensive. Carrying 60 sq ft/ 5.57 sq m of sail, it offers spirited performance and very competitive sailing. Ice yachters, from veterans to juniors, find the DN’s demands in competition a satisfying challenge. The DN has evolved into the world’s largest iceboat class with active sailors in 18 countries. A world championship regatta is held each year, alternating between North America and Europe. North American regions and European countries also host their own continental championships and regional events.

Why You Should Be Sailing a DN

“DN sailing has taken me around the world and introduced me to life-long friends – the very best people on the planet. If you make the effort to learn the sport, you can achieve results at any age, any gender, or any size. “

“I am fascinated by many things about ice sailing: the speed, the acceleration, the use of technology, and sports in nature with cold winter air. And of course, the large DN family with many friends is a reason to go ice sailing..”

“DN sailing has taught me everything – fast trajectories, apparent wind building, and much more. Sailing 5 times the wind speed has made me such a better sailor! And frankly, the spirit of the class, driven by passion, speed and friendship, is hard to beat. One of my favorite sailing boats, with absolutely no doubt ! It’s just like a drug, you become addicted at first sight!!”

More knots per dollar/euro than any other sailing

2025 DN Regatta Schedule

World & North American Championships Date: 2 – 8 February, 2025 Host Region: North America, Central Region Location: Michigan, Ohio, or best in ice North America Email Contact: [email protected] Information: DN North America idniyra.org

European Championship Date: 22 February – 1 March, 2025 Host Country: Europe, DN Finland Location: Finland or best ice in Europe Email Contact: [email protected] Information: DN Europe idniyra.eu

Faster.Transportable.Most Popular.

Start sailing the hard water. get in touch with us.

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Specifications & Plans Rules of Ice Sailing Yearbook Championship History International Rank List Videos

Boat Sailor

Ice sails: navigating the frozen adventure.

Ice sailing, also known as ice yachting, is a thrilling winter sport that combines the exhilaration of sailing with the beauty of frozen landscapes. As an enthusiast and advisor, I’m here to share insights into the world of ice sails, the risks associated with this sport, and valuable suggestions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ice sailing experience.

Understanding Ice Sails

Ice sailing involves the use of specialized boats, often referred to as ice yachts or ice boats, equipped with sails and runners designed for gliding smoothly on ice-covered bodies of water. The sails capture the power of the wind, propelling the boat forward with impressive speed. The sensation of gliding effortlessly across a frozen lake or river is a unique and addictive experience.

The Thrill of Ice Sailing

The allure of ice sailing lies in its speed and unpredictability. As the wind catches the sails and the boat accelerates, the thrill is undeniable. The sensation of controlling a vessel on the icy surface, the brisk wind in your face, and the serene winter landscapes around you create an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts.

Risks Associated with Ice Sailing

While ice sailing offers an unparalleled adventure, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks involved:

The biggest danger in ice sailing is falling through thin ice. Always check the ice thickness and quality before venturing out.

High speeds can lead to collisions with obstacles, other boats, or even wildlife on the ice.

Hypothermia

Exposure to cold temperatures and icy water can lead to hypothermia if not properly dressed and prepared.

Equipment Failure

Malfunctioning gear or rigging failures can result in accidents.

Inadequate Safety Measures

Ignoring safety precautions can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Safety Precautions

To minimize the risks associated with ice sailing, here are some essential safety measures to follow:

Ice Thickness

Always check the ice thickness, ensuring it’s safe for sailing. A minimum of 4 inches is generally considered safe.

Safety Gear

Wear appropriate safety gear, including a life jacket, helmet, and warm, waterproof clothing.

Buddy System

Ice sail with a buddy whenever possible. In case of emergencies, having someone with you can be a lifesaver.

Knowledge and Training

Seek proper training to learn the basics of ice sailing, including how to handle emergencies.

Weather Monitoring

Keep a close eye on weather conditions and be prepared to return to shore if conditions deteriorate.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Selecting the right equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ice sailing experience. Ensure that your ice yacht is in good condition, with well-maintained sails and runners. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to avoid equipment failures.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions play a significant role in ice sailing safety. Pay attention to factors like wind speed, ice stability, and temperature. Strong winds can increase the thrill but also elevate the risks, so always exercise caution in adverse conditions.

Training and Skill Development

Before embarking on your ice sailing adventure, invest time in developing your sailing skills. Learning how to control the boat and react to changing conditions is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Consider joining local ice sailing clubs for valuable guidance and camaraderie.

Local Regulations and Rules

Different locations may have specific regulations and rules regarding ice sailing. Check with local authorities or ice sailing organizations to ensure you are in compliance with any guidelines or restrictions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common mistakes made by beginners, such as overestimating ice thickness, neglecting safety gear, or ignoring weather warnings. Learn from experienced ice sailors and prioritize safety above all else.

Personal Experience and Tips

As someone who has experienced the joy and challenges of ice sailing, I offer the following tips:

Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.

Be cautious when sailing near the shore or areas with hidden obstacles.

Keep an eye on fellow sailors and offer assistance if needed.

Stay informed about local ice conditions and follow any advisories.

Enjoy the adventure but never compromise safety for thrills.

Ice sailing is an exhilarating winter sport that offers unique sensations and unforgettable moments. While the risks are real, with proper precautions and responsible behavior, you can enjoy this thrilling activity safely. Remember that the key to a memorable ice sailing adventure is to balance the adrenaline rush with safety and responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How thick should the ice be for safe ice sailing.

A minimum ice thickness of 4 inches is generally considered safe for ice sailing. However, thicker ice is preferable, especially in areas with varying conditions.

What safety gear is essential for ice sailing?

Essential safety gear includes a life jacket, helmet, and warm, waterproof clothing. Additionally, carrying ice picks or ice claws for self-rescue is recommended.

Can beginners try ice sailing, or is it for experienced sailors only?

Beginners can try ice sailing, but proper training is essential. Consider joining a local ice sailing club or seeking guidance from experienced sailors to get started safely.

Are there specific rules or regulations for ice sailing in different regions?

Yes, regulations can vary by location. It’s essential to check with local authorities or ice sailing organizations for specific rules and guidelines in your area.

How can I stay safe while ice sailing in challenging weather conditions?

Stay informed about weather forecasts and be prepared to return to shore if conditions deteriorate. Avoid sailing in excessively strong winds or when there are safety advisories in place.

Michael Thompson

Embarking on a lifelong love affair with the sea, I found solace and exhilaration in the art of sailing. From navigating treacherous waters to harnessing the wind's untamed power, my passion has evolved into a mission to inspire others. Join me on a voyage of discovery as we explore the vast horizons of sailing's timeless allure.

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In March 2009, Briton Richard Jenkins set the world land sailing speed record by driving his vehicle, the Greenbird, at 202 kilometers per hour (about 126 miles per hour) on a dry lake bed near the border of California and Nevada. Now, Jenkins plans to sail for a new speed record -- on ice! But ice sailing is not the newest thing in the world of competitive extreme sports; rather it's a mode of transportation used at least since the 17th century.

Dutch sailors are believed to have been some of the first to experiment with ice sailing, not to break speed records, but to transport goods across frozen lakes, rivers and bays. They modified their traditional vessels by strapping blades or runners to the hull. This kept their shipping businesses functional and profitable, even during the long winter months. In the spring, when the "soft water" returned, they simply removed the runners and set sail as usual.

It didn't take long before ice sailing began to pique the interest of sportsmen and adventurers. By the 19th century, thrill seekers across Europe were building vessels especially for "hard-water sailing," as the recreational activity was known. Speed attracted people to the sport, and it was not unusual to see ice boats overtake the fastest locomotives of the day. Across the Atlantic, American sailors wanted a piece of the action. Large ice yachts began appearing on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers in the mid-1800s. Iceboat clubs also emerged. The New Jersey-based North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club formed in 1880 and remains in existence today.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, ice sailing reached its zenith. Then, interest in the sport slowly began to wane. The rise of the automobile, which brought speed to a wider audience, likely contributed to the decline. But the bigger issue was changing weather patterns. As winters grew warmer and shorter, rivers and lakes -- especially those in the Northeast -- failed to freeze deeply enough to permit safe ice sailing.

Despite global warming, ice sailing is becoming popular again with a new generation of sailors, even those who can pursue the activity only one or two weekends a year. We'll explore the reasons why in this article. Let's start with the ice boat itself, which looks like a cross between a soft-water vessel and a sleigh.

Ice Sailing Techniques

Ice sailing safety.

As with anything nautical, ice sailing has a unique and sometimes intimidating vocabulary. You might want to take a look at How Sailing Works for a good introduction. Even though these articles focus on soft-water sailing, many of the concepts and terms are the same in hard-water sailing. We've pulled some of the more common terms and organized them in the sidebar that appears on this page.

In its simplest form, an ice boat has four basic parts. The main body of the vessel, as with any watercraft, is known as the hull . Sailors in the 19th century used wood to construct the hull, but their modern-day counterparts often use fiberglass or laminate material. However it's constructed, the hull must be able to support one or two crew members, usually in a small cockpit situated a foot or two above the ice. It must also be able to float in the event a boat finds itself in soft water.

A runner plank , made of wood, laminate or metal, lies at the stern of the boat, beneath the hull. It's usually about 6.5 feet (2 meters) long and lies perpendicular to the main axis of the boat. Two runners attach to the plank, one at each end. Another runner -- the steering runner -- attaches to the bow. The steering runner comes equipped with a parking brake to prevent the wind from carrying a boat away during loading or at the start of a race. The runners look and function like big skates, allowing the boat to glide with little friction over the surface of the ice.

The sail, made of canvas or synthetic fabrics, functions as the "engine" of an ice boat. On smaller vessels, the sail may provide about 35 square feet (3.25 square meters) of surface area to catch the wind. On larger vessels, the sails can be massive. Older ice yachts that glided across the Hudson River often boasted 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of sail.

Based on factors such as sail size and hull design, ice boats fall into different categories. The largest boats are the stern steerers , so named because the sailor controls the craft by reaching back to a tiller located at the rear of the vessel. Stern steerers were popular in the 19th century, but are less common today. Most modern ice boat sailors prefer bow steerers -- vessels controlled by the front steering runner. Bow steerers include both skeeters, which are long, thin boats with a maximum sail area of 75 square feet (7 square meters), and DNs, small, one-person vessels first introduced in 1937 during a contest sponsored by the Detroit News (hence the name "DN").

Up next, we'll look at some of the techniques hard-water boat captains use to navigate frozen rivers and lakes.

Can you talk like a sailor? These are some words you'll need to know.

Starboard -- on the right side
Port -- on the left side
Stern -- back of the boat
Bow -- front of the boat
Fore -- at, near or toward the bow of a ship
Aft -- at, near or toward the stern of a ship
Mast -- vertical post or spar that carries the sail
Boom -- a pivoting spar to which the bottom of the sail is attached, allowing the angle of the sail to be changed
Sprit -- a pole that extends diagonally from the lower part of the mast to the peak of the sail

To sail an ice boat, a sailor must properly orient the craft so its sail captures enough wind to generate thrust. Before we talk about basic maneuvers, let's review the principles behind propulsion. Sails propel a boat in one of two ways. The first, known as sailing downwind , occurs when the boat moves in the direction of the prevailing wind. In this situation, the sailor lets out the mainsail to trap the moving air, which pushes the vessel in the direction of the wind. A sail can also propel a boat that is traveling into the wind, known as sailing upwind . In this case, the boat often uses a zigzagging technique called tacking, which we'll discuss later on this page, and the mainsail acts like a vertical wing, generating lift as the air moves over the top of the sail and down its curved surface. Because the sail is oriented upward, the "lift" is directed horizontally, not vertically. This lift pulls the boat along the ice. You can read more about the physics of lift in How Sailboats Work .

Once an ice sailor understands sail aerodynamics and how to use the wind effectively, he can move with great ease and speed. Before sailors can fly over the ice, though, they must first master the art of starting their vessels. This is usually done by orienting the boat so it's headed directly into the wind. Sailors refer to this as being in irons , which means no wind can be caught in the sails. This prevents the craft from blowing away unattended. Most iceboats also come with a brake to help secure the vessel before sailing. To get his boat moving, a sailor stands next to the vessel, releases the brake, holds the tiller and pushes, first into the wind and then at an angle to the wind. When the boat begins to move briskly, he jumps in, trims the sail and feels the vessel race forward. With little friction to slow the boat, it rapidly obtains a high speed. A sailor running a DN-class iceboat can achieve speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour (80 to 97 kilometers per hour), while a skilled skeeter captain can reach speeds well over 100 miles per hour (161 kilometers per hour).

Steering is accomplished via a tiller , a lever that's accessible in the cockpit and connected to either a rudder skate in stern steerers or a pivoting steering runner in bow steerers. This makes it sound easier than it really is. Because ice boats don't experience the resistance of their soft-water cousins, they can be challenging to steer. Sailors must have a delicate hand on the tiller to avoid spinning out of control on the slippery ice. They must also be prepared for their iceboats to tip to one side when running fast. This is known as heeling and also occurs in soft-water sailing, requiring sailors to provide a counterbalance by shifting from one side of the boat to the other.

Tacking and jibing work the same way in ice sailing as they do in traditional sailing. Sailors use both techniques to turn their vessels. Tacking occurs when the boat turns into the wind. Jibing occurs when the boat turns away from the wind. Either maneuver can be used to swing a boat around 180 degrees. To stop, a sailor simply steers his vessel into the wind and lets the sail go free. This shuts down the boat's propulsion system, allowing the vessel to coast to a gentle stop.

Unfortunately, some stops in ice sailing aren't so gentle. In the next section, we'll review the hazards associated with ice sailing and how to avoid them.

Many people pursue ice sailing as a hobby, but others prefer to compete in ice yacht races known as regattas . A typical ice sailing race is run on a triangular course. Crews sail the course several times and earn points based on their finish. First place gets the number of entrants plus one. Each subsequent place gets one less point.

Skimming at highway speeds over a sheet of ice is not a risk-free activity. When conditions are ideal and ice boats crowd rivers and lakes, the odds of an accident increase. Two sets of rules ensure the safety of ice boat crews and prevent collisions. Fair-sailing rules require that sailors exhibit common sense, safety and good sportsmanship while on the ice. Right-of-way rules govern approach and passing so that boats maintain safe distances. Right-of-way rules for ice sailing are similar to "rules of the road" or corresponding rules for soft-water boating and windsurfing. In regattas, the race committee might disqualify a captain who doesn't follow these rules.

Sailing when it's not crowded might seem like a good solution to avoid right-of-way rules, but it's never a good idea to be on the ice alone. If you sail off the ice into soft water, with no one around to help or call for help, you might not get the help you need in time to prevent death or serious injury.

Obviously, a life jacket is a vital piece of safety equipment. So are a helmet and padding beneath your outerwear, which can protect your head and body if you fall or are thrown onto the ice. And don't forget to wear winter clothing so that you'll stay warm in the apparent winds during sailing. Apparent wind is what you feel while the ship's moving. Because it's a combination of the true wind and the wind that the boat's motion creates, it can increase the cooling effect on your body. Be mindful of numbing on your nose, ears, fingers and toes -- all body parts that are especially susceptible to frostbite.

Finally, hard-water sailing requires high-quality ice. Before you climb aboard your vessel, make sure you understand the ice conditions where you intend to sail. The best ice has no snow cover because snow stops ice growth and impedes the movement of the runners. "Black ice" is also better than "white ice." Black ice is transparent and can be more than 10 feet (3 meters) thick. It forms under calm conditions, which allow individual ice crystals to grow in long, vertical columns. Unfortunately, high-quality ice often doesn't form across an entire lake or river. Areas of open water, thin ice, expansion cracks, ice heaves and river inlets and outlets can compromise the integrity of ice, making ice sailing more dangerous. If you have any questions, consult with a local ice yacht club, which will likely provide regular reports about ice and weather conditions.

Follow these safety rules, and you'll enjoy all of the thrills ice sailing has to offer without worrying about the chills.

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November 21, 2019
By Mariners Insurance

What to Know About Ice Boating and Sailing

When ordinary boating and sailing aren’t exciting enough, some people take to the frigid waters for a little extra challenge. Thrill-seekers are quite attracted to iceboating! This sport is becoming more popular with the new generation of sailors, even for those who can pursue the activity only one or two weekends a year. The ice boat itself, looks like a cross between a soft-water vessel and a sleigh.

We may not see many ice floes in the waters of California, but if you’re planning on doing any winter destination boating, this could be something that you could participate in. However, with extra excitement often comes extra hazards. Let’s drive into some ins and outs.

The Form of the Boat

An ice boat has four basic parts. The main body of the vessel, as with any watercraft, is known as the hull. Modern-day boats often are made out of fiberglass or laminate material. No matter how it’s constructed, the hull must be able to support one or two crew members, usually in a small cockpit situated a foot or two above the ice. It must also be able to float in the event a boat finds itself in soft water.

The steering runner comes equipped with a parking brake to prevent the wind from carrying a boat away during loading or at the start of a race. The runners look and function like big skates, allowing the boat to glide with little friction over the surface of the ice.

The sail, made of canvas or synthetic fabrics, functions as the “engine” of an iceboat. Based on factors such as sail size and hull design, iceboats fall into different categories. The largest boats are stern steerers and the other is bow steerers.

The bottom line? A sailboat or other type of ordinary boat will not be suitable for iceboating. If you plan on participating in this activity, no matter how much boat insurance you have on your personal watercraft, it’s likely that you’ll need to rent or purchase a boat specifically designed for it.

Boating Techniques

Sailors must properly orient the craft to capture enough wind to generate thrust. Sails propel a boat in one of two ways. The first, sailing downwind, occurs when the sailor lets out the mainsail to trap the moving air, which pushes the vessel in the direction of the wind.

A sail can also propel a boat sailing upwind, where the boat often uses a zigzagging technique, and the mainsail acts like a vertical wing , generating lift as the air moves over the top of the sail and down its curved surface. Because the sail is oriented upward, the “lift” is directed horizontally, pulling the boat along the ice.

It’s crucial for an ice sailor to understand sail aerodynamics and how to use the wind effectively. To get the boat moving, a sailor stands next to the vessel, releases the brake, holds the tiller and pushes, first into the wind and then at an angle to the wind. When the boat begins to move briskly, they jump in.

Steering is accomplished via a lever that’s accessible in the cockpit. Without the natural resistance of soft water, it can be challenging to steer and requires a delicate hand to avoid spinning out of control.

Safety When Boating with Ice

Skimming at highway speeds over a sheet of ice is a risky activity. Right-of-way rules govern approach and passing so that boats maintain safe distances. Right-of-way rules for ice sailing are similar to “rules of the road” or corresponding rules for soft-water boating and windsurfing.

Never be the only one on the ice! If you fall into soft water, with no one around to help, you risk serious injury and even death. Iceboating requires high-quality ice. Before going out, make sure you understand the ice conditions where you intend to sail. Proper safety equipment and winter clothing are vital !

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Racing Faster Than a Speeding Car on the Frozen Hudson

In the early 20th century, iceboating could race sailors more than 75 mph — and when the river freezes, it still provides thrills today..

It’s rare to see sailboats on the Hudson this time of year. But in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries, sail-powered iceboats carrying famous valley residents like FDR regularly sped across the frozen waters of the river and local lakes as fast as cars go today. Today, a passionate group of iceboaters tries to keep the tradition alive, always hoping to get their vessels up to speed and introduce new people to their exhilarating sport.

The members of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club lovingly maintain several dozen historic vessels. While they keep them in working trim, in recent years they’ve had little opportunity to get them on the river due to warm winters and too little ice — yet another casualty of the climate crisis.

“We’re so desperate for a good week of sailing,” says John Sperr, treasurer of the club. “It’s extremely frustrating. There’s not enough reward for the amount of effort that goes into it.” Club member Reid Bielenberg, who has been iceboating for more than half a century, takes a glass-half-full attitude about the limited recent sailing opportunities: “That makes the adventures you do accomplish all the more valued,” he says.

In recent years iceboaters have had little opportunity to get their vessels on the river due to warm winters and too little ice — yet another casualty of the climate crisis.

Faster than a speeding locomotive

It’s a far cry from the “golden age” of Hudson River iceboating, which dates roughly from 1880-1910, when it was a pastime of riverfront estate owners looking for year-round thrills. But the practice of sailing on the river’s ice began much earlier, with Dutch colonists who attached runners to their boats to transport goods and people during winter.

In 1790, Poughkeepsie’s Oliver Booth designed a craft geared specifically for travel on ice. Essentially a square box, it featured three runners — two fixed and one that moved, allowing a crew member to steer. It quickly caught on for transportation, recreation, and even warfare. During the War of 1812, plans were hatched to destroy a British ship frozen on Lake Champlain with an iceboat filled with explosives. According to Sperr, Booth’s design “is generally credited with starting the recreational iceboat movement in the United States.”

Benson Lossing’s The Hudson , published in 1866, offers a vivid account of iceboating in Peekskill Bay: “Wrapped in furs and shawls, over-coats and cloaks, men and women, boys and girls, were enjoying the rare exercise with the greatest pleasure. Fun, pure fun, ruled the hour. The air was vocal with shouts and laughter; and when the swift ice-boat, with sails set, gay pennon streaming, and freighted with a dozen boys and girls, came sweeping gracefully toward the crowd — after making a comet-like orbit of four or five miles to the feet of the Donder Berg, Bear Mountain, and Anthony’s Nose — there was a sudden shout, and scattering, and merry laughter, that would have made old Scrooge, even before his conversion, tremulous with delight.”

As technology advanced during the 19 th century, so did the speed of iceboats, increasing the desire to race them. Soon, clubs sprang up all along the upper stretches of the river, including Newburgh, Hyde Park, and Poughkeepsie. Poughkeepsie became the epicenter of the sport (as it would for intercollegiate rowing four decades later) because it sat along a 20-mile stretch of the river offering ideal winter sailing conditions — snow-cleared ice at least six (and preferably eight) inches thick, a long spell of cold weather, and sustained winds around 15 mph.

On race days hundreds, if not thousands, of people huddled on the ice near the city to watch the boats compete — either against each other or locomotives. The iceboats usually beat the trains; for a time, they were the fastest vehicles on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of 75 mph or greater, and occasionally exceeding 100 mph.

The racing iceboats owned by the wealthy were full-on yachts. Along with being huge — John Roosevelt’s Icycle spanned 70 feet, hoisted 1,000 feet of sail, and had to be moved on a railroad flatcar — they featured carved figureheads, a variety of woods, even gold leaf.

Those wanting the fastest ice yachts relied on Jacob Buckhout, whose workshop first was located in Highland, beneath today’s Mid-Hudson Bridge, before it moved to Poughkeepsie. Buckhout built both the Icycle and the Jack Frost , which belonged to Archibald Rogers, Roosevelt’s Hyde Park neighbor. They each won the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant of America, the sport’s Kentucky Derby, four times.

Despite the name, ice yachts hardly resemble boats. They look more like a cross with a pole (the mast) rising from where the two beams meet. Cables and turnbuckles hold the beams together, while one or two sails propel the craft across the ice on machete-sized runners.

The iceboats usually beat the trains; for a time, they were the fastest vehicles on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of 75 mph or greater, and occasionally exceeding 100 mph.

One or two sailors lie prone, on their stomachs or sides, in a cockpit on the main beam. With their bodies just 18 inches off the ice, they can travel faster than a car on the interstate — and without brakes. (To stop, you have to turn the boat into the wind.)

Is it scary? Not to Sperr, who took his first sail in an iceboat in 1982 and has been hooked ever since. “It’s like flying an airplane — incredible exhilaration,” he says before going on to describe some of the thrills while out on the Hudson: “wind in your face…sailing by coyotes on the ice, hunting ducks…passing tugboats.”

Bielenberg, who owns the Vixen , built in 1885 for John Roosevelt, says that while some passengers complain about the bumpiness — “they say it feels like you’re going over railroad tracks” — “it’s a pretty thrilling ride for something that’s 130 years old.” (Click here to take a “ride” on the Vixen .)

“We love giving people rides”

The Hudson River Ice Yacht Club was founded in 1885 when some members of the Poughkeepsie Ice Yacht Club, the nation’s first organization devoted to the sport, broke away over a dispute. It boasted the fastest boats in the country, including the Icycle .

The club also included the Hawk , owned by John Roosevelt’s nephew, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The future president raced the boat, a Christmas gift from his mother, primarily during his college years. It’s now in the collection of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and makes occasional appearances at special events.

The club continued to flourish until disbanding around World War I, when enthusiasts “discovered automobiles and airplanes,” says Sperr. But in the 1960s, interest in iceboating and its heritage on the Hudson was revived and the club re-formed, this time less elite and more approachable. Its standard-bearer was Cornwall’s Ray Ruge, dubbed “Mr. Ice Boat,” who owned and restored several of the historic vessels. Through his enthusiasm and writings, he encouraged others to follow his lead, including a teenage Bielenberg, who became interested in the sport after reading an article by Ruge in Boys’ Life magazine.

From the 1970s up to 2000, sailors could regularly count on favorable conditions. Since then, says Bielenberg, “nearly half the years have gone by without any iceboating at all.” The last great congregation on the river, a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, one longtime sailor told the New York Times , occurred in 2014 near Barrytown.

When ice in the open Hudson doesn’t cooperate, boaters sometimes find sailing fail-safes in Tivoli Bay or Orange Lake in Newburgh, where four generations of the Lawrence family have raced boats. Frustrating weather aside, the club remains strong — about 70 people attended its recent annual meeting — and it’s always on the lookout for new members.

A weather forecaster acquaintance of Sperr’s has suggested that luck might be on the club’s side this season, predicting a February cold snap for the valley. “If it comes, we’ll be there. We’re so desperate for a good week of sailing,” he says. If the stars indeed align — you can keep abreast of sailing conditions on the club’s website — don’t miss the show. And be prepared to go for a sail. Adds Sperr, “We love giving people rides.”

Reed Sparling is a staff writer and historian at Scenic Hudson. He is the former editor of Hudson Valley Magazine, and currently co-edits the Hudson River Valley Review , a scholarly journal published by the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College.

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LATEST NEWS

Eight bells: remembering mike madge, dn sailor, and ice sailing advocate.

by Deb Whitehorse | Aug 3, 2024

His enthusiasm helped introduce many to ice sailing in Thunder Bay. Beyond his local efforts, Mike was also known for his excellent YouTube interviews, where he engaged with the rock stars of DN sailing. He asked insightful questions, providing a platform for these sailors to share their experiences and knowledge, which enriched the ice sailing community worldwide.

Mike’s contributions to the DN class and spirit will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mike’s family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mike Madge.

YouTube Videos Oskar Svensson – the 18 year old future of Ice Yachting Ron Sherry – Back up to Full Speed in the DN Ice Yacht 3x DN World Champion Matt Struble: Get your DN Ice Yacht up to race pace

Remembering Stan Macur

by Deb Whitehorse | Jul 22, 2024

Stan walking out to start a World Championship Gold Fleet race.

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Polish ice sailing legend Stan Macur. Stan played a crucial role in the international ice sailing community, shaping the sport for future generations of sailors.

For 20 years, Stan served as the IDNIYRA European Junior Sailing Director. His contributions to the sport went beyond his administrative roles. As a competitor, Stan was formidable, placing third in the World Championships three times, securing second place in the North Americans, and winning the European Championship in 1993.

Stan’s tools of the trade, his loud hailer and horn.

His generosity also marks Stan’s legacy. Pete Johns shared his story about meeting Stan for the first time at a regatta on Hamilton Bay in Canada, before the Iron Curtain fell. Stan, touring with Russian minders, struck up a friendship with Pete and promised to build a boat for him so that Pete could compete in Europe at the next World Championship. Pete never heard from Stan during the year and didn’t know he’d have a DN waiting for him at the Worlds. Despite the communication challenges of the time, Stan kept his word. When Pete arrived in Europe, he found that Stan had built and set up a boat for him, helping him place well in the regatta. This gesture marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between the two sailors.

Stan served as the Principal Race Officer (PRO) for many DN World Championships in Europe, where his signature battered horn would signal the start of each race.

The ice sailing community has lost a giant in Stan Macur. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of ice sailors. The IDNIYRA extends our sympathies to Stan’s family and the Polish DN Association. The worldwide ice-sailing community will miss him.

Stan’s Obituary: To our deepest sadness, Stan Macur P-111, a Polish iceboater and a multimedalist of ice-sailing regatta on both national and international level, passed away on July 19th 2024. Stan started his sailing adventure in his teenage years. When he discovered ice-sailing, it became his life passion. Already as a junior, he won senior Polish DN Championships in 1972. Then he achieved many more successes in ice-sailing, among which there were three bronze medals in DN World Championships and a golden medal in DN European Championships in 1993. For most of his sailing career he represented the AZS Olsztyn sailing club. After finishing his career as a competitor, he devoted himself to work for the ice-sailing community, which included being a board member of IDNYIRA-Europe and leading the Professional Race Committee that conducts the main ice-sailing events: DN World and European Championships. Stan also tried to spread his passion for ice-sailing to young people. For many years he was the IDNYIRA-Europe Junior Programme Manager and also worked as a trainer. His professional life was also connected to sailing, as he constructed boats and other sailing equipment. Even though ice-sailing was his life passion, he was first of all devoted to his family and friends. He valued time spent together and his closest ones -wife Joanna and daughters Kasia, Julia and Sylwia; could always count on him. Stan, thank you for all your contributions. We will miss you a lot. The funeral will be held on July 27th 2024 in Olsztyn, starting at 12 pm in St. Francis Church (Olsztyn/Kortowo), and then at the Communal Cementery Poprzeczna in Olsztyn.

2025 International Rank List Published

by Deb Whitehorse | Jul 10, 2024

2024 World Championship Opening Ceremony on the Baltic Sea in Parnu, Estonia.

The daylight hours are slowly getting shorter which means the ice sailing season will soon be upon us. The 2025 IDNIYRA Rank List has been published. See it here. You can also see it on the DN World Portal here . The rank list is used to seed regatta fleets at continental events. Thanks to Ann Foeller for her assistance.

2025 CONTINENTAL RANKING REGATTA SCHEDULE

2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP & NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP Date: February 2 – 8, 2025 Host: Central Region
2025 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP Date: February 22 – March 1 Host: DN Finland

From the IDNIYRA Regatta Management Agreement (RMA) 14. DN Split Fleet Ranking

The Continental Secretaries shall maintain a fleet ranking. This ranking shall be updated yearly and shall be published by October 15 using regatta results from the previous two GCs (Gold Cup), NACs (North American Championships), and ECs (European Championships). This ranking shall be the lessor of the following:

• Best finish in the Gold fleet in the previous two World Championships, North American Championships, and European Championships. • 22 plus your best finish in the Silver fleet in the previous two WCs, NACs, and ECs. • 40 plus your best finish in the Bronze fleet in the previous two WCs, NACs, and ECs. • 58 plus your best finish in the Aluminum fleet in the previous two WCs, NACs, and ECs. In the event of equal ranking for more than one sailor, the ranking which is based on the most recent race result will be considered higher.

CURRENT CONTINENTAL RANKING REGATTAS 2023 World Championship 2023 North American Championship 2023 European Championship 2024 World Championship 2024 European Championship 2024 North American Championship

All corrections must be submitted to the respective Continental Secretary by November 15. The list will be final on December 1.

Questions about your rank? Please email [email protected]

Election Results & Toledo Ice Yacht Club Members Win Mills

by Deb Whitehorse | Jun 11, 2024

Toledo Ice Yacht Club members pressed the fun and speed pedal, winning the 100th Mills Trophy Race, winning 1st in class and 1st overall.

Thank you to all who participated in voting and helped shape the leadership of our class. Your officers are committed to serving the DN community and ensuring a successful season ahead. Link to results Election Results for 2024 IDNIYRA Spring Ballot

Commodore David Frost US5358 ************************************** Option Votes Percentage Yes – I approve the candidate 80 100.00% No – I reject the candidate 0 0% Votes tallied: 80 Abstentions: 1

Vice Commodore Rob Holman US3705 ****************************************** Option Votes Percentage Yes – I approve the candidate 79 100.00% No – I reject the candidate 0 0%Votes tallied: 79 Abstentions: 2

Secretary Deb Whitehorse US2366 ***************************************** Option Votes Percentage Yes – I approve the candidate 79 97.53% No – I reject the candidate 2 2.47% Votes tallied: 81 Abstentions: 0

Treasurer Deb Whitehorse US2366 ***************************************** Option Votes Percentage Yes – I approve the candidate 79 97.53% No – I reject the candidate 2 2.47% Votes tallied: 81 Abstentions: 0

Past Commodore Robert Cummins US3433 ********************************************** Candidate Votes Percentage Yes, I approve the candidate 76 96.20% No, I reject the candidate 0 0% Warren Nethercote 1 1.27% John Harper 2 2.53% Votes tallied: 79 Abstentions: 2

The Ice Men Winneth Toledo Ice Yacht Club Sailors Win Historic Mills Trophy Race

DN Class Updates: Specifications Rewrite, Elections, and 2025 Regatta Planning

by Deb Whitehorse | May 30, 2024

Specifications Rewrite In the fall of 2023, our class voted and approved a comprehensive rewrite of the Specifications, specifically focusing on sections A (Fuselage) and B (Runner Plank). The proposal from the Technical Committee is effective on May 31, 2024.

The main goals of the rewrite were to: 1. Incorporate the Interpretations into Official Specifications. 2. Rewrite for more user-friendly wording. 3. Enrich each section with a measurement guide and measurement drawings. 4. Consolidate fragmented sections. 5. Eliminate loopholes and grey areas by providing more precise definitions. 6. Maintain the existing specifications. (See Runner Tracks September 2022 for more information.)

The online yearbooks on idniyra.org and dniceboat.org have been updated to reflect these changes. Additionally, the specifications pages on the DN world portal (dniceboat.org) have been updated. The new drawings look fantastic online and serve as a valuable resource for our members. Links: 2024 IDNIYRA Yearbook Second Edition DN World Portal Specifications A. Fuselage: DN World Portal: Specifications B. Runner Plank

North American Officer Election Please remember to participate in the North American Officer election. The election closes on June 9, so be sure to cast your vote before the deadline. More information here.

2025 Regatta Planning We are already looking ahead to the regattas in 2025. The North American Central Region, under the leadership of Rear Commodore Peter Johanson US5633, will be hosting the IDNIYRA World Championship from February 2 to 8. Additionally, the IDNIYRA European Championship is scheduled for February 22 to March 1 and will be hosted by DN Finland.

New European Commodore Congratulations to John Winquist L601 on his recent election as the new IDNIYRA European Commodore at the European Secretaries Meeting. We look forward to his leadership and contributions to the DN community. Many thanks to outgoing Commodore Mihkel Kosk C45 for his service to the class.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our class. Let’s look forward to an exciting season ahead!

Notice of Electronic Ballot

by Deb Whitehorse | May 19, 2024

Runner Tracks Newsletter May 2024

by Deb Whitehorse | May 7, 2024

The Online Magazine of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association

Get ready for the latest edition of Runner Tracks, which marks the end of another season. Featuring an incredible cover shot captured by Swiss photographer Gilles Morelle during the 2024 Worlds in Parnu, Estonia. Whether you are an experienced ice boater or a newcomer, Runner Tracks is the ultimate resource for everything related to ice boating. Check out the complete online library here.

RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS: Flipbook Magazine Download pdf fil e (best for tablets) Download single page pdf (best for phones)

IN THIS ISSUE

Thoughts on Measurement & Building Tolerances by Warren Nethercote
2024 North American Championship Recap by Mike Bloom and Karen Binder
Adventures in Iceboating – 2024 North Americans by Ron Sherry
Regatta Results

We’d Like to Thank Our Sponsors

Composite Concepts
Red Wolf – DN-Parts.com
Moore Brother Company/CSI Composite Solutions
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“Canadians Best Ever at DN NAs” – Sailing in Canada

by Deb Whitehorse | Mar 22, 2024

John Curtis KC5514 and Jacek Marzenski KC5247 at the 2024 DN World Championship, Parnu, Estonia.

Great write up about the North Americans from John Curtis and André Baby.

By John Curtis Earlier this month, Canadian DN Sailors journeyed to Wisconsin and made a very strong showing at the DN North Americans finishing four boats in the top ten. Over the past 4-5 years a keen group of sailors from Montreal and Kingston have been quietly honing their skills at the oldest form of competitive sailing – Iceboat racing. Continue reading.

In Soundings: Glued Together – Jan and Meade Gougeon

by Deb Whitehorse | Mar 19, 2024

Meade Gougeon in 1982 at Wittensee, Germany. Photo: Henry Bossett

Gougeon Archives The Gougeon brothers’ pioneering work with epoxy construction revolutionized not only DN iceboat building but left a mark on sailing as a whole. Their significant contribution to DN sailing continues to inspire and drive excellence in the iceboating community.

Glued Together The Gougeon brothers didn’t invent epoxy, but they were innovative boatbuilders who created the West System of epoxy products and revolutionized coldmolded boatbuilding. PIM VAN HEMMEN In Meade’s eyes, the DNs were a great test bed for epoxy construction. They would also become the Gougeons’ first commercial enterprise. They would eventually build 200 DNs and they knew how to race them. From 1971 until 2000 Jan dominated DN iceboating, winning four world championships and 11 national championships. Meade would also win national championships in 1981 and 1997. Continue reading.

Runner Tracks Newsletter March 2024

by Deb Whitehorse | Mar 17, 2024

Runner Tracks

The March issue of the DN class newsletter, Runner Tracks, is now available online. Dive into the latest edition featuring minutes from the Annual General Meeting and a fascinating article by Bob Cummins detailing his travels to Parnu, Estonia, for the 2024 World and European Championship. Check it out today!

Whether you are an experienced ice boater or a newcomer, Runner Tracks is the ultimate resource for everything related to ice boating. Check out the complete online library here.

RUNNER TRACKS IS AVAILABLE IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMATS: Flipbook Magazine Download pdf file (best for tablets) Download single page pdf (best for phones)

Minutes from the 2024 Annual General Meeting
Observations from the 2024 World & European Championship in Estonia by Robert Cummins

Get this issue in a full color soft cover book for $20.

Eight Bells: Mark Kiefer US4695

Mark Kiefer, aka “The Ice Maker,” passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 71, after a short illness. Mark was a passionate sailor and a long-time iceboater. He sailed out of the Wayzata Yacht Club and, in his younger days, raced a DN. Mark will always be known in the DN iceboat community as co-founder of the Great Western Challenge and the short-lived World Ice Racing Circuit. Mark served two terms as Commodore of the IDNIYRA from 2000 – 2001. Mark grew up in Moorhead, MN, but spent many early winter days on the lakes of west-central MN, including Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Mile Marker 8, along Christina’s northern shore, became the famous launch site of the Great Western Challenge. Iceboaters have always considered plowing a track to race when snow prevented sailing. The Icemaker took that vision to the next level and founded the World Ice Racing Circuit. He enlisted a few sponsors and got enough funds to plow two tracks on Lake Phalen in St Paul, MN. Mark envisioned four abreast NASCAR-style racing with TV coverage. He even convinced the Paul Winter Carnival to make it an official carnival event with boats in the parade and a sideshow of a petting zoo! Mark mentored many newbies into the DN sport. He freely shared his knowledge and often let newcomers take their first rides in his boat. His later years were spent without a suitable boat but he always championed his Great Western Challenge. On a more personal note, I have fond memories of scouting ice with Mark. He taught me how to assess ice and introduced me to the numerous northern lakes suitable for racing. I think of Mark often as I have taken over his scouting duties. We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends during this difficult time. A private funeral is being planned.

World Ice Racing Circuit

THE DN ICE YACHT

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.

2025 REGATTA DATES

World & North American Championship Feb 2 – 8
European Championship Feb 22 – March 1 idniyra.eu
See full list of regatta dates here.

View Yearbook USE YOUR CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL ORDER A YEARBOOK: $20 Click here to order a yearbook.

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Iceboating: The Unsung Training Ground for America’s Cup Helmsmen August 22, 2024

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P7 or P to the seventh power August 21, 2024

Ice Sailing - The Frigid Equalizer

February 21, 2022

An element of challenge exists in every type of sailing, and it’s the thirst for this challenge that unites us and makes us sailors. For those of us who live in the colder climes, we’ve had to find a more unique way to scratch that wind-powered thrill itch. The answer? Ice sailing (also known as ice yachting or ice boating). Each winter hundreds of sailors take to the frozen lakes in search of the perfect run and that perfect rush. One such sailor is Quantum-powered Minnesota native Erin Bury. A year-round sailor, she embodies the challenger mentality with a zest for adventure. Read on as Erin gives us a first-hand look into this awesome sailing subculture and what drives her.

Imagine: You’re in the middle of a lake. It’s January. You dropped whatever you were doing and packed everything else to drive 400 miles (644 km) to get to that lake. Why the long drive? For that sheet of ice a mile away from shore − far from bathrooms and heat and where the windchill isn’t buffered by trees. It’s 18˚F (-7.78˚C), yet there are 50 people out here with you, and everyone is smiling. That sheet of ice is the best sheet of ice on the continent, at least in that moment. Within the discomfort that may arise in such conditions, ice sailors are out here together, and we know it. It’s part of the experience. We all share the love of speed and exhilaration and the unique challenges we’ll have to face. Ice sailing provides us with the chance to push ourselves as sailors in different ways, not to mention in a different environment.

We sail a one-design DN boat. Every builder is required to adhere to the exact specifications of the DN Class Rules and their interpretations issued by the Technical Committee. Currently, ice sailing is a niche sport, which means gear and equipment come from a variety of creative sources. On any given sheet of clean ice, you may see gear ranging from rock-climbing harnesses to yoga mats to mud flaps. I think I speak for many ice sailors when I say our gear is the result of a lot of weird trips to hardware and outdoor supply stores. We also sport a more recognizable kit, like a craft that has a boat-like essence to it, if you ignore the runners, and of course a sail. For sail controls, the iceboat has the familiar tiller and mainsheet, but that’s about it. It’s similar to an A-Cat. It has an outhaul that you set before the start and leave alone during the race. A fully trimmed sail hidden behind the mast is a happy sail. If you think an A-Cat is responsive, multiply that by 10; that’s how sensitive an iceboat can be. For example, in order to do a port tack, you must feather a bit, let the sheet out a little, push the tiller towards starboard, duck under the boom, and sheet in immediately. Because these boats harness apparent wind like no other, it’s important to “keep the boat wound up.” If a sailor can do that, their iceboat can travel three times faster than the wind speed. Despite molecular differences between soft and hard water, ice sailing made me a better catamaran sailor. I learned how important it is to be quick on a tack or jibe, how to really harness apparent wind, and how to sail by feel. Soft water has the advantage of showing you where puffs are on the water, but since frozen water is solid, you can’t rely on the telltale darker areas to find a desired wind line. Ice sailors watch others in the fleet, follow gut instincts, and use apparent wind to get them to the next puff wherever it may be.

My last ice sailing article revealed that we have the opportunity to tailor our boats to our bodies and abilities (class rules allow room for customization for height, weight, physical abilities, etc.). But when gender, age, body type, socioeconomic status, education, and ethnicity are not steering the competition, what is left to warrant a race? What remains is the inventiveness of sailors. When it boils down (or freezes up) to ingenuity, athletes can truly push each other to become better and meet new challenges head on.

In the ice sailing world, there is no ice sailing store, so our outfits are customized as much as our boats, and we sometimes find it difficult to identify one another once the gloves and helmets are on. We know each other by sail number. Underneath our various and unique layers of rock-climbing harnesses, snow pants, helmets, goggles, track cleats, and Flex Seal, there is a shared devotion. We may be cold on the outside, but we have fire in our hearts. We go through great lengths and to great heights (Literally. We will drive thousands of miles to sail in the mountains of Montana for The Hard Water Summit .) to sail on ice, even for just one rip a year.

If ice sailing is anything, it is a confidence booster and community builder. These days we are hearing “female empowerment” quite a bit. What about just “empowerment?” If you’re looking to harness your strengths and enjoy yourself so much that you forget about any weaknesses you thought you had, come join us on the ice. For the first time as a woman in athletics, I feel honored and respected in a realm of true equity. I stand at five feet (1.52 m) and 109 pounds (49 kg) soaking wet − maybe 111 pounds (50 kg) if I’m dry and wearing all my ice sailing gear. I had my first swim meet at ten years old, and I have been an athlete for as long as I can remember. I still swim competitively and have spent years fielding comments like, “Aren’t swimmers supposed to be tall?” My response usually includes: “For every one stroke my tall competition takes, I take two, and I don’t notice if I’m in the lead.” In ice sailing, it is refreshing how my small stature is appreciated as a superpower, and my gender does not determine who I share a racecourse with. On the ice, I am warmed with comments like, “Oh crap, she’s going to take off like a rocket.” I am tiny and can point like no one else. I am Erin Bury, DN5397. I am ambitious. I am happy. I am strong. I am intelligent. I am evolving. I am part of a fleet that is driven by ingenuity that is powered by passion. We are a connected community that collectively agrees to get cold and go really fast. I invite you to ignore the urge to be humble and share how cool you are. Honor your superpower and bring it to the ice where everyone is nice!

Want to learn more about ice sailing or Quantum DN sails? Contact Quantum and Melges’ Jim Gluek .

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Sailors Fly on Ice Over Clear Lake

by Jay Black

Iceboats - Sailboats on ice skates-approach speeds of 100 mph on blustery winter days.

Skimming over a frozen lake in a small sailboat is what brings enthusiasts out on the ice on a blustery winter day. Iceboats in Iowa easily achieve speeds of 50 to 90 mph if wind and ice conditions are just right.

They accelerate so rapidly that first-time passengers are amazed and usually a little frightened. But soon they begin to anticipate another puff of wind that will catapult them even faster. After all, iceboats are the fastest nonmotorized craft. One iceboat was clocked at 143 mph in Wisconsin in 1978, Iceboating Magazine reported.

"It’s an extraordinary thrill," said Bob Swanson, 49, of Clear Lake. "The exhilaration is so powerful it’s what I start looking forward to each fall after we put our regular sailboats into storage. Our hope is the lake will freeze hard and smooth before the heavy snows of winter begin to come on strong."

Breezy North Shore

Swanson and six other iceboaters gathered on a recent bone-chilling Saturday along Clear Lake’s breezy north shore. Several spouses and children joined in and soon a bonfire crackled and kids were ice skating and playing hockey.

Jennifer Martin; 34, decided this was the day she should take her first ride in one of these flimsy little things her husband had been sailing for several years. She and Swanson nudged one of his two-seater iceboats at an angle to the wind, quickly jumped aboard and were soon racing down the 7-mile-long lake at thrilling speeds she had only heard others describe.

"I don’t know why I decided to sail today," said Martin. "It’s always scared me a little, but this turned into such a festive occasion I thought I should finally give it a try. I’m glad Idid. It’s an incredibly exciting experience."

Each of the Clear Lake iceboats consists of a narrow, shallow hull, a wooden flexed runner plank mounted underneath perpendicular to the hull, and a mast and boom to support the single sail. A2-foot-long metal blade, similar to a blade on an ice skate, is mounted at each end of the runner plank with another at the front of the hull that is controlled by a tiller to steer the boat.

The triangular shape offers good stability with little resistance to the hard surface of the ice, which is why it’s possible for these boats to travel at speeds never dreamed of by sailors in regular "soft water" craft. It’s estimated iceboats can sail at five times the speed of the wind while some regular sailboats rarely travel more than 15 mph.

The sensation of hurtling over the gray ice at 50 to 60 mph is one of constant excitement. Being only a few inches above the ice gives the riders the thrill of feeling as though they are traveling twice as fast as they are. The rumble of the blades, the harsh wind whipping the sail slicing through the wires that support the mast, and the blast of ice whips gouged up by the blades smacking against your facemask keeps you too alert and excited to even think of being cold or afraid. The shore becomes a blur as you roar along to the crunch of the ice and the wail of the wind. Iceboating can be dangerous. Sailing at high speed makes the wind-chill factor substantially below zero. Ice sailors are covered from head to toe with layered warm clothing - insulated boots, long underwear, heavy sweaters, down-filled parkas, thick mittens and warm facemasks.

Helmet, Goggles

Also necessary is a motorcycle helmet and goggles in the event of an accident. Tipping an iceboat over or breaking a piece of equipment is fairly common.

Doug Rozendaal, 35, of Clear Lake, took a spill that could have been serious but wasn’t because of the adequate preparation.

"I hit a bad bump that knocked me almost completely out of my boat," said Rozendaal. "I only had one leg in the cockpit but I was able to grab a shroud (a wire that supports the mast) and hang on to the boat. It was dragging me down the ice until it tipped over and came to a stop."

Jeff Bergo, 40, who grew up in Clear Lake but now lives in Minneapolis and Mason City, often comes down on weekends to sail. Last year his boat was broken completely in half from a crash. He was unhurt and was able to rebuild the boat using parts from two others. He’s back in action this winter in a boat he named "The Red Sled." It sports an all-black sail, which gives the boat a sinister quality when out on the ice in a gray, overcast windy day.

Yellow Torpedo

The veteran sailor of the group was Ed Hanes of Clear Lake, who at 60 years has been sailing iceboats since he was a teenager. Hanes is the proud owner of a 25-foot-long "Renegade" iceboat capable of speeds to 90 mph. It looks like a long, sleek, yellow torpedo shot from a cannon.

"I feel like I’m in a giant water spider when sailing in this boat," said Hanes. "Each component is like a long springy leg and I’m sitting in the middle skimming effortlessly along over the surface of the ice. I know I’ve taken this boat to its speed limit, but because of its strength and stability Ihave never felt afraid."

Hanes loves iceboating so much he’s happy it has become a family affair. Both his daughters and their husbands regularly sail in the winter. He has even built a 5-foot-long iceboat that his two grandsons, ages 9 and 10 sail on their own.

Jay Black is a freelance writer from Clear Lake, IA who frequently contributes to the Des Moines Register.

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All contents are copyright (c) 1997 by Northern Breezes, Inc. All information contained within is deemed reliable but carries no guarantees. Reproduction of any part or whole of this publication in any form by mechanical or electronic means, including information retrieval is prohibited except by consent of the publisher.

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Alerts in effect, official park map and brochure.

or by . . You may also receive a copy from the or by . An audio descripted version of the brochure can be access three ways. and .

(25.1MB zip). Open the files in your preferred mp3 player to listen to each section of the brochure.

Below is a text only version of the English Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway Brochure. This version is compatable with most screen reader software. Welcome to the audio-description version of St. Croix National Scenic Riverway's official print brochure. Through this text and audio descriptions of photos, illustrations, and maps, this version interprets the two sided color brochure that St. Croix visitors receive. The front side of the brochure has material on the nature, wildlife, and people of the riverway. The back side contains a map of the park along with practical information on visiting. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park System, was established by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. It is one of a group of eight rivers in the country which first received this recognition. For 255 miles, the Saint Croix River and its main tributary, the Namekagon River, flow through some of the most scenic and least developed country in the upper Midwest. The Riverway was designated because of its free-flowing character, exceptional water quality, and the aquatic, riparian, recreational, cultural/historic, geological, scenic, and aesthetic features. The beginning of the Saint Croix River and the Namekagon River are located in northern Wisconsin. After the Namekagon River joins the Saint Croix River north of Danbury Wisconsin, the Saint Croix River becomes the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota, flowing south to the confluence with the Mississippi River at Prescott Wisconsin. The upper Saint Croix River is the most biologically diverse stretch of the riverway. The forest transitions from Northwood pine and spruce trees to maple, elm, and ash trees, and the river widens and deepens into occasional rapids.Discover picturesque stretches of the Namekagon river winding through Northwoods forest of pine and spruce. Experience an easy paddle for a day or more with exemplary fishing. The Namekagon is the Ojibwe word for the place where the Sturgeons spawn. In the Lower Saint Croix River, explore the Dalles which are rapids of a river between steep rocky walls with its dramatic potholes and other rare geological features near Saint Croix Falls Wisconsin, and Taylors Falls Minnesota. Enjoy recreational activities from rock climbing to boat tours.Many recreational activities are available throughout the park such as paddling, tubing, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, birding, and exploring. To learn more, check out the .
The front side contains information and images relating to the natural history and features of the riverway. There is also information about its recreational past and present.
DESCRIBING: Front top of the park brochure
SYNOPSIS: A horizontal black bar with St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A black bar spans the top of the brochure with St. Croix in large white type on the far left. On the opposite side of the black bar St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Minnesota and Wisconsin in small white type followed by National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior in small white type. The Arrowhead logo of the National Park Service is on the far right side and right of the small white type. DESCRIBING: A horizontal color image.
SYNOPSIS: A red canoe sits on a shallow sandbar next to an island covered in green vegetation on the riverway. The photo is taken in a way that makes you feel like you are there.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: An upstream view shows lush green foliage covering the foreground, which is the edge of a small island, in the middle of a flowing, rippling river. On a small sandbar on the left of the island, a red canoe sits. The canoe has 2 visible seats, with wooden thwarts, or cross beams. The inside of the canoe is a pale-yellow color. The dark blue river water has a slight reflection of the pale blue sky, as well as green foliage surrounding the river. A second, much larger island is perched in the river ahead, with a mix of fir, pine and green leafed trees. The ground is thickly covered in vegetation, like grasses and reeds. The river splits around the islands, with a few rocks, some as small as pebbles and some larger bowling ball sized boulders near the shore.

CAPTION: St. Croix River, Seven Islands, mile 95.6.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bob Firth
TEXT:Corridors of Convergence.Habitat transitions enrich life’s diversity. Solitude in natural settings, rare so close to a major metropolitan area, exists for many who visit St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers create a corridor where all manner of things—past, present, and timeless—converge. Scenery shifts as geological zones shift, as prairie and forests meet and mix, and as rivers and streams water the life-rich riparian zones lining their banks. Riverway waters are healthy, still home to all their historically recorded mussel species. Because its many values are so important to our quality of life, this Riverway was among the first protected by Congress under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968.

Recreation shifts as the character of the rivers changes. Canoeing is popular on the Namekagon and northernmost St. Croix. Motorboating and sailboating are popular downriver. River traveling, hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature are popular forms of outdoor recreation. The traditional lands of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) meet the lands of the Dakota (Sioux) here. Native Americans have long-standing relationships with teh land throughout these corridors of convergence.
DESCRIBING: A vertical oval colored photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A river flows past tree covered sandstone cliffs.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION.: An aerial photo of the dark brown river water rippling next to tan sandstone cliffs, with evergreens perched on top. The sandstone cliffs rise vertically from the water with cracks and crags throughout. On top of the cliffs, fir and pine trees range from forest green to reddish-brown covering the top half of the photo.

CAPTION: Scenic Gorge
CREDIT: Maribeth Lundeen DESCRIBING: A vertical oval colored photograph.SYNOPSIS: Green foliage surrounds a calm reflective pool of water.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A vertical oval colored photograph shows a lush green forest, with a pool of water in the center and left side of the image. Ferns fan out on the bottom portion of the photo. Tall green grasses line the far side of the water, with evergreen trees jutting out from the grasses. The still waters reflect the green leaves and blue and white of the slightly clouded sky.

CAPTION: Quiet Stretch
CREDIT: Jean Van Tatenhove
DESCRIBING: A vertical oval colored photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A wintery scene with snow and ice next to a river.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A snow and ice-covered shoreline is next to open rippling water on the bottom and middle half of the image. Leafless trees line the water on the left and right with a pale blue sky with wispy white clouds above.

CAPTION: Open water
CREDIT: NPS / Dale Cox DESCRIBING: A colored illustration.
SYNOPSIS: A close up, top down view of the St. Croix Snaketail dragonfly.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION:The illustration shows a top-down view of a St. Croix Snaketail Dragonfly facing the right. Similar to a q-tip, the slender body has a golden tip at the left end. The body is segmented and turns iridescent green when getting closer to the head. A black collar segments the head from the body, just to the right of the wings. Its semispherical head has a lime-green face with rounded sky-blue eyes. The dragonfly’s four transparent wings are slightly longer than the overall length of its body. The pairs of wings attach to the dragonfly’s thorax. These intersection points are brown in color. The wings are oblong, flat on the upper edge, and rounded on the bottom edge, with lace-like veins running through them.

CAPTION: St. Croix Snaketail dragonfly, not known to science until 1987.
CREDIT: Matt Berg DESCRIBING: A colored image.
SYNOPSIS: A top down view of a wooden snowshoe.IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION:A colored image shows the top view of a wooden snowshoe. The sand colored wood is shaped similar to a fish, coming to a point on the right end. Two wooden cross pieces separate the 3 sections of woven sinew, similar to a cane chair, with the two outer sections more tightly woven than the middle section.

CAPTION: Snowshoe
CREDIT: NPS / Angela Faulkner DESCRIBING: A horizontal color photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A wooden canoe paddle.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This horizontal rectangular photograph of a canoe paddle laying flat. It has a flat triangular handle on the left, a thin shaft, which flares gradually to create a long rectangular blade at the end. The blade has rounded corners. Most of the paddle is a light brown wood. Two reddish-brown wood strips run parallel to each other on either side of the shaft where it meets the blade to the blade's bottom edge.

CAPTION: Canoe Paddle
CREDIT: Tom Lewis / iStockphoto DESCRIBING: A horizontal, rectangular, color photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A profile view of a sturgeon.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This horizontal, rectangular, color photograph is a side view of a lake sturgeon facing left. The torpedo-shaped fish is mostly charcoal gray with an ivory belly with green spots. It has a rounded, tapered snout, with small oval openings in the nasal cavity, also called nares. These are next to the sturgeon’s ivory-colored eyes, which have a black cross shape in them. The fish’s deep gill curves to the left, behind the eye. The sturgeon’s body is not smooth but covered in three distinct long horizontal lines of large, pointed scales or oval scutes. One line runs along the top of the fish to a small fin, near the sturgeon’s tail or caudal fin. Another line of pointed scales runs down the middle from the gill to the caudal fin. Another line of pointed scales runs along the belly. The scutes on the upper body have a gray outline, a rust interior, and a dark gray point with a white tip. The scutes that line the bottom of the fish’s body are green against its ivory belly. A paddle shaped fin comes out near the sturgeon’s gill. Two fins, which are shaped like a right triangle, line the back center of the fish near its tail.

CAPTION: Lake sturgeon
CREDIT: Tom McHugh / Photo Researchers Inc TEXT: Shoreline primitive camping par excellence. Creating the Riverway in 1968 signaled a shift in thinking about the rivers. For over 300 years they had been harvested, exploited, and manipulated. The Riverway is now treasured more for scenic beauty, recreation, and wildlife habitat.

The Riverway’s diversity offers a variety of recreation: paddling, inner tubing, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and primitive shoreline camping. Troup fishing is popular on the upper Namekagon. Smallmouth bass capture attention on the St. Corix. Upper portions of the rivers are generally wilder, yet you can find solitude throughout the Riverway. Below St. Croix Falls, the Riverway’s setting mixes forested areas with suburban landscapes. Try motorboating, houseboating, sailboating, and water skiing. State parks along the rivers in both Minnesota and Wisconsin offer developed campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, and hiking trails.

Which type of recreation will you try? Once you decide on an activity, the park’s staff, the website, and river section maps can point you to spots that suit your needs.
DESCRIBING.: A small oval shaped color photograph with a black shadow behind the oval image.
SYNOPSIS.: A person sits in an orange kayak on the river paddling through a rapid on a summer day.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION.: A lone paddler sits in a kayak smiling. They are wearing sunglasses and a yellow and black life jacket over a pink short-sleeved shirt. The paddler holds a yellow paddle horizontally above the water. The paddler flows through a small rapid of turbulent water in an orange kayak. Behind the paddler is an area of green vegetation on the river edge.

CAPTION: Easy rapids
CREDIT: NPS / Jean van Tatenhove DESCRIBING: A small oval shaped color photograph with a black shadow behind the oval image.
SYNOPSIS. A person holding a fish sitting in a boat on the river.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. A person looks forward smiling and holding their catch. They wear a white ball cap, white short-sleeved shirt, red life vest, and tan pants. They hold a large fish, called a muskie with both hands in front of their chest. They hold the gills in their right hand and the tail in their left hand, the fish extends over the width of their body. The fish is silver with a rusty red stripe down its back, fins, and tail. The person sits in a blue canoe with fishing gear on the river in front of a shoreline of green vegetation.

CAPTION: Nice catch
CREDIT: NPS / Jeff Butler DESCRIBING: A small oval shaped color photograph with a black shadow behind the oval image.
SYNOPSIS. A person stands enjoying an autumnal view at the edge of a cliff.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. A person wearing a tan jacket, black jeans, and hiking boots stands on a large grey rock. They look out enjoying a view of a rocky chasm with a backdrop of black cliffs and green pine trees on a sunny day. Among the pine trees are glimpses of seasonal orange and yellow foliage.

CAPTION: Autumn catch
CREDIT: NPS / Donyal Eret TEXT: All 41 native mussel species still present. The nation’s most-threated class of organisms is freshwater mussels. The federal government lists 23 percent of the nation’s 304 native mussel species as threatened or endangered. The Riverway hosts a uniquely intact assemblage of mussels. Five are listed as federally endangered. Minnesota and Wisconsin list several as species of concern.

Problems facing these bivalve mollusks (below) are dredging, dams, fish kills, sediment runoff from development, and invasive, nonnative species like the zebra mussel. The growing pressure for development, especially south of the St. Croix Falls Dam, is a grave threat to the future of these mussel populations. Mussels can’t escape these problems alone. They lie on waterway bottoms as they filter water for food, and many move only a few feet in a lifetime. Despite these challenges, all 41 of the St. Croix River’s recorded native mussel species are still found within the park. This attests to the waters’ remarkable health and to the benefit of little development, especially compared to other rivers in the region. Protecting our waters is imperative: the Riverway not only attracts people who love the outdoors but also provides an environment where many species can thrive. DESCRIBING: Photograph of a Winged maple leaf mussel.
SYNOPSIS. Photograph of the top half of an orange Winged maple leaf mussel.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. This is one of four mussels shown, each image only shows the top shell of the mussel. Each mussel has rings throughout, similar to a tree's growth rings. The mussel is slightly round with slightly curved edges on the left side and looking slightly domed. The mussel is brownish orange though not uniform in color with heavier brownish smudges near the middle portion of the mussel. There are 3 distinct brown rings; one toward the bottom edge, another a third of the way from the bottom edge and the last closer to the rounded top of the mussel. The rings vary in thickness but are all relatively thin, about the thickness of letters written with a ballpoint pen.

CAPTION. Winged Mapleleaf
CREDIT. Illinois Natural History Survey DESCRIBING: Photograph of an Elktoe mussel.
SYNOPSIS. Photograph of the top half of a jade, yellow and brown Elktoe mussel.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. This mussel is oval shaped. The primary color of the mussel is jade-green with brown down the left side. Three yellow and brown rings encircle the mussel, with the largest at the base of the mussel and smallest higher up (which creates the dome shape of the mussel) and the third ring about a third of the way up from the bottom edge. In between these three rings are thinner less pronounced bands of white across the green. Darker lines extend vertical from the base of the mussel and converge toward the top they give the appearance of shallow ridges. this adds to the dome shape.

CAPTION. Elktoe
CREDIT. Illinois Natural History Survey DESCRIBING: Colored photograph of the Butterfly mussel.
SYNOPSIS. Colored photograph of the top half of a bright orange and yellow Butterfly mussel.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. Compared to the others, this mussel is more rounded with the dome peaking towards the top right. The mussel is bright orange and yellow. Frequent vertical brown stripes taper from the top dome and get thicker toward the shells bottom edge. There are horizontal stripes around the mussel varying in thickness, starting at the bottom edge and getting smaller to the dome at the top. Both types of stripes are very clear, overlap each other, and leave gaps of brown peering through the stripes.

CAPTION. Butterfly
CREDIT. Illinois Natural History Survey DESCRIBING: A small colored photograph of a Creek heelsplitter mussel
SYNOPSIS. A photograph of the top half of a brown and orange Creek heelsplitter mussel.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. Photograph of the Creek heelsplitter mussel. The mussel is oval shaped. It has the appearance of a wide flattened cone, creating a dome towards the top right. The mussel is primarily brown with lighter orange on the right side and yellowish on the dome at top center. Two thin brown stripes encircle the mussel at its edge and about one third of the way up. Thinner brown stripes encircle the mussel toward the dome, with lighter orange and yellow shading to create the increase towards the dome. Vertical stripes start at the bottom edge of the mussel and converge towards the top of the dome, with more prominent brown vertical stripes on the left side of the mussel.

CAPTION. Creek heelsplitter
CREDIT. Illinois Natural History Survey DESCRIBING: A satellite view of the St. Croix Riverway in the larger area of the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
SYNOPSIS. This map summarizes the themes of each section of the brochure and how they relate to the Riverway. The highlights of culture, geology, biology, hydrology, and recreation are depicted in graphic detail and text.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Northern Coniferous (Cone Bearing) Forest takes up the entire northern portion of the map and extends to Lake Superior in the east. The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers are just below Lake Superior and reach south to the Mississippi river. The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers’ watershed is depicted as a rusty brown patch in a triangular shape around the rivers. The Eastern Deciduous (Hard Wood) Forest is to the east of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. The watershed of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers is the meeting point of the Northern Coniferous Forest and the Eastern Deciduous Forest.Near the top of the watershed, two rivers flow in opposite directions, the Bois Brule to the north into Lake Superior and the St. Croix to the south into the Mississippi River. Throughout the flat green terrain of the map several blue lakes dot the landscape while many tributary streams flow into the Mississippi River with the St. Croix River.The glaciation is depicted as a white glaze in a horizontal “S” shape. The shape extends down stopping at the prairies in southwest Minnesota. The edge of the glaciation moves north up through the middle of the watershed, then curves east around the Eastern Deciduous Forest of Wisconsin. The glacial edge then dramatically turns south covering eastern Wisconsin. The region portrayed in the map has been the indigenous homeland of the Ojibwe and the Dakota for thousands of years. The Ojibwe homeland is depicted on the map in the Northern Coniferous Forest. The Dakota homeland is depicted between the Eastern Deciduous Forest and the Prairie. The Migration Flyway is represented as a large area outlined in purple, fanned across the Northern Coniferous Forest that funnels down to the Mississippi River, forming an arrow pointing to the south.

CAPTION. Mapping Your Sense of PlaceMap captions are color-keyed to major topics on this page.
CREDIT. National Park Service

RELATED TEXT.Born in the same headwaters swamp, waters of the Bois Brule River flow to the North Atlantic, but waters of the St. Croix River flow to the Gulf of Mexico.
St. Croix and Namekagon rivers watershed, the total area that drains into them.Maximum glacial extent Terminal ice lobes of the final Wisconsin glaciation (25,000 to 10,000 years ago) left rolling hills and glacial lakes but did not reach the southern Riverway landscape, which has a much different feel.
Dakota. Several cultures have called this area—so rich in natural resources—their home. The worlds of the Ojibwe (Chippewa), to the north and east, and the Dakota (Sioux), to the south and west, met and overlapped here. Migration flyway. The Riverway provides important feeding and resting areas for neo-tropical songbirds migrating between South American and Canada and the Arctic. Its long, unbroken habitats host nine wolf packs and over 30 bald eagle nest sites. The St. Croix snaketail dragonfly (see photo above) was not known to science until 1987.

Three major biological communities converge here—northern coniferous forest, eastern deciduous forest, and prairie. Their transitions create ecotones and greatly add to the area’s biological diversity. Ecotone. An ecotone is a transitional area formed where different biological communities like forests and fields meet. An ecotone tends to host more species than do the communities whose meeting creates the ecotone. Edge Effect. An ecotone’s tendency to have greater species variety than adjoining communities is called the edge effect. This also describes how ecotones can have characteristics that differ from the communities around them. HEADER: Unfragmented forests crucial for wildlifeTEXT:The Riverway’s north-south corridor forms a refuge of nearly unbroken shoreline wildlife habitats. Past glacial actions created a varied landscape scattered with rolling hills, numerous lakes, and rich river bottoms. (See map at left for the extent of glacial influence.) Where glaciers left sediments 100 feet thick, the river is slow and deep – perfect for paddlefish and common map turtles. Where the river flows fast, darters, stoneflies, and pistolgrip mussels seek shelter in outcrops of exposed bedrock. When streamside areas with seasonal floods and groundwaters are added, the result is many distinct plant and animal habitats. The Riverway’s open water, marshlands, wooded bottom lands, and bluffs offer excellent opportunities for birding. Some kingfishers dive for fish here all year. Neotropical songbirds like redstarts, blackpoll warblers, and wrens (below, marked with a *), migrate through, often at night, and many nest here in summer. DESCRIBING: A collage of ten Riverway birds.
SYNOPSIS. A collage of ten individual color photographs of Riverway birds without backgrounds, nested on top of a faint overlay of the brochure background showing the state of Michigan and Lake Michigan. The birds are described in a clockwise pattern and the in-depth descriptions follow. DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A front-view of an adult Bald Eagle in flight with outstretched wings is in the one o’clock position in the collage of Riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. With a pure white head, hooked yellow beak and eye, the adult Bald Eagle is feathered in brown with a darken fanned out white tail in the shadows of the large bird. Six primary or finger feathers spread out at the wing tips while the brown-feathered legs and bare yellow feet are stretched out and tucked under the tail.

CAPTION. Bald Eagle
CREDIT. Harry Behret / Stockflorida DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A front-view of a Marsh Wren standing on a twig at the two o’clock position in the collage of Riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. Perched on a twig, a Marsh Wren faces to the left showing off its slightly curved beak, a whitish eyebrow and throat, a rusty-brown-spiked feathered head. The breast and belly of the bird faces forward showing off its ruffled cream-colored feathers and a darken brown tail standing straight up in the back of the wren.

CAPTION.: Marsh Wren*
CREDIT. Robert Royse DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A side-view of a Blackburnian Warbler standing on a thorny twig at the three o’clock position in the collage of Riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. Perched on a green twig with long orange thorns, this warbler has a distinct triangular black cheek patch with a flame-orange throat that fades to a cream-yellow belly. The warbler has a black crown with a yellow strip running from the top of its beak to the middle top of its head. The wings and sides have black barring.

CAPTION. Blackburnian Warbler*
CREDIT. Alan Murphy DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A side-view of a Blackpoll Warbler standing on a smooth twig with green leaves at the four o’clock position in the collage of Riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Blackpoll Warbler has a solid black cap and white cheek. The black cap reaching down to the top of its black eye and to the start of its short pointed yellow beak. The bird has a pattern of black and white streaking on its sides, belly, and wings. Its wing tips have dull yellow feathers. The warbler stands on two small orange legs and feet.

CAPTION. Weighing under half an ounce, Blackpoll Warblers* migrate 12,000 miles from South America to breed in Canada.
CREDIT. Alan Murphy DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A side-view of an American Redstart facing to the right on a smooth black twig at the six o’clock position in the collage of Riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. Decorated with a glossy black head, throat, and back, the American Redstart is a flashy warbler with bright orange and yellow flashes on the wings, tail, and sides. The belly of the bird has fluffy white feathers leading to a smooth tail. Its tail is white with orange on its sides and the tail tip dipped in black.

CAPTION. American Redstart*
CREDIT. Wilson Hum DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A front-view of a Semipalmated Sandpiper facing right and standing in water at the six o’clock position in the collage of riverway birds below the American Redstart.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Semipalmated Sandpiper is wading through water probing its black beak into the surface of the water with a faint image of the bird reflected below. The bird has a brown speckled back, neck, and head crown. A brown stripe goes from the bird’s beak across its eye. The bottom half of its head and body are creamy white with streaks of brown. The bird’s black legs stick out from the top of the water.

CAPTION. Semipalmated Sandpipers (right), shorebirds, migrate from South America to subarctic Alaska and Canada.
CREDIT. Arthur Morris DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A front-view of a Magnolia Warbler facing right and perched on a green branch at the seven o’clock position in the collage of riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Magnolia Warbler is a small bird with a gray beak and black mask around its eyes. The gray crown of the bird is decked out in splashes of gray, black, and white. Just below the vibrant yellow throat are vertical black stripes like a necklace around its neck which lead to its yellow chest. The Magnolia Warbler has gray wings with white feathers at its shoulders and gray tailfeathers. It stands on two small gray legs.

CAPTION. Magnolia Warbler*
CREDIT. Randy Mehoves DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A side-view of a Hooded Merganser standing to the left with a crayfish in its mouth at the eight o’clock position in the collage of riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Hooded Merganser is a short round bird, with a thin black beak holding a crayfish. The bird has fluffy black head feathers with a large white spot on the side of its head in the shape of a filled-in capitol D. A piercing orange eye penetrates out from the black face and beak of the bird. The chest of the bird is white with two black strips on its shoulder leading to a brown and black wing with black and white stripes on the tip of the wing. The merganser has black tail feathers and two orange webbed feet.

CAPTION. Hooded Mergansers (above) migrate mostly short distances. They are popular Riverway waterfowl.
CREDIT. Bill Horn DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A side-view of a Great Blue Heron facing to the left and standing at alert at the 11 o’clock position in the collage of riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Great Blue Heron is a long-necked slender bird with a long orange beak and blue-gray body on long black legs with knobby knees. The heron has a white head with a black stripe above its eye, sweeping to two long black feathers off the back of its head. Its long gray and brown neck forms an “S” shape leading down to blue feathers fluffing out from its chest. Its back and wing are long and oval shaped with accents of black towards its shoulder and the tip of the wing.

CAPTION. Great Blue Heron
CREDIT. Mark S. Wurst DESCRIBING: A color photograph of a bird without a background.
SYNOPSIS. A side-view of a Belted Kingfisher facing left in flight at the twelve o’clock position in the collage of riverway birds.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. The Belted Kingfisher is in flight with its black and yellow beak open. It has a gray head and white belt or ring of feathers on its throat. Its body is gray, and the tips of its wings are black with white stripes. The Belted Kingfisher’s wings are out to the side, in a flight motion, with its tail fanned out showing off the faint white and black barring on each tail feather.

CAPTION. Belted Kingfisher
CREDIT. James Neiger TEXT: Learn about centuries of history along the Riverway. Sites reflect the cultures of Indigenous people, Europeans, and Americans. Structures in the rivers reveal logging and navigation pasts. Other sites demonstrate more-recent conservation and creation histories.

The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers remain focal points for people who live in and visit the area. Waters attract paddlers, boaters, and anglers. Historic river towns bustle with activity. The scenery and wildlife draw hikers, artists, and nature enthusiasts.

TEXT: 12000 Years Ago. People have lived here for at least 12,000 years, since the end of the last ice age. They found abundant food and materials and used these rivers as trade routes. Ojibwe and Dakota. The rivers remain important to Native Americans, especially Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Dakota (Sioux). People of many Tribal Nations reside nearby. DESCRIBING: A small sepia toned photograph.
SYNOPSIS. A horizontal historic photograph of people and a birchbark canoe on a lake's edge.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. A tribal, birchbark canoe sits on grass at the reedy shore of a lake. Two indigenous adults are standing to the left of the canoe, each with a paddle in hand. To the right of the canoe are bushes. In the midground is light color of the lake, and in the background is a darker stripe indicating the far shoreline with trees. “Berry season trip”. is in white print on lower right corner of the image.

CAPTION. Berry season trip
CREDIT. Wisconsin Historical Society DESCRIBING: A small vertical colored photograph
SYNOPSIS. A modern vertical color photograph of a young boy in a boat in a field of wild rice.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION. In the center of the image is a young brown-haired boy sitting in a canoe surrounded by light green thin plants from the bottom of the image to the top. The boy is wearing a blue life jacket over a white t-shirt, blue jeans and is sitting on a bright orange cushion. He is holding up long pointed sticks with orange handles in each hand, called ricing sticks used for harvesting wild rice. “Gathering wild rice” is in white print on the lower right edge of the image.

CAPTION. Gathering wild rice
CREDIT. Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission

Fur Trader
Beginning in the late 1600s, Europeans came to the area seeking furs of beaver and other animals. They traveled the rivers to trade with Native Americans. DESCRIBING: A small vertical sepia photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A formal portrait of a fur trader from 1890.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This historic sepia colored photo is a portrait of a light-skinned male with a thin mustache looking straight into the camera. A rounded wispy dark fur hat with a tail hanging to the side of his right ear sits upon his head. He is wearing a light-colored shirt with a satin bowtie under a dark wool coat with lush fur lapels. His right arm is bent out leaving the impression his right hand is on his hip. “Fur trader” is in white print on lower right corner of the image. The edges of the image are faded.

CAPTION: Fur trader
CREDIT: Minnesota Historical Society TEXT: Logging became the economic driver once the 1837 treaty opened the area to European American settlement. The new arrivals cut the pine forest and supplied lumber to the Midwest. Settlement spurred development in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Remnants of sawmills, logging camps, boom sites, river towns, and dams and other water-control structures tell stories of this era.

TEXT: A New Appreciation. Logging also brought people to the St. Croix area to see massive logjams caused by the vast quantities of logs floating down rivers. As visitors experienced the scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, a new appreciation for the rivers developed. Resorts opened, city residents built summer cabins; and boating, fishing, and paddling emerged as popular pastimes. DESCRIBING: A small horizontal sepia photograph of a river log jam.
SYNOPSIS: A horizonal historic photograph of a log jam on the St. Croix River.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: From the bottom of the image to about three quarters to the top is a pile of innumerable logs that are strewn in every direction, including some that are vertical. These logs cover any view of the river, making navigation impossible. There are two groups of people at the bottom of the image, standing on the jammed logs. In the background, top quarter of image, is a thin arched bridge extending from the right side to almost the left side of the image where there is a rectangular building and rock bluffs. Behind and to the right of the bridge are a white building, trees and rock bluffs. “Logjam, St. Croix River, 1886” is in white on the bottom right of the image.

CAPTION: Logjam, St. Croix River, 1886.
CREDIT: Wisconsin Historical Society TEXT: Interest in preserving the rivers had grown by the late 1890s. Minnesota Interstate State Park was established in 1895 to protect part of the St. Croix River.
Seventy years later the St. Croix was one of the original rivers named in the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The many people instrumental to passing the law, including US senators Walter Mondale and Gaylord Nelson, had deep ties to these rivers. Their efforts unsured we can still enjoy this historic and healthy Riverway.
How will you ensure the Riverway is enjoyed by future generations?
DESCRIBING: A small horizontal colored photograph
SYNOPSIS: A modern color horizontal photograph of fall colors next to the St. Croix River.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A horizontal rectangular photograph. About two thirds of the right of the photo is of orange leafed trees on a shore lined with orange and green plants. To the left of those trees, the calm blue river, slightly reflecting the trees, winds between them and darker trees to the left. A pale blue sky is above the trees.

CAPTION: Autumn on the St. Croix River
CREDIT: NPS The back side of the brochure contains practical information on exploring the Riverway. It is dominated by an overview of a wayfinding map showing the course of the Riverway. This side of the brochure also has an inset photo of a family camping.Detailed river maps are available online in the Riverway website.
This map shows the entire Riverway but is not intended for river navigation. Instead, use section maps of the river for details of road access, services, and facilities. You can get these maps at visitor centers and other information sites and on the park website: . St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and Namekagon River Visitor Center in Trego, Wisconsin, are open seasonally. Park headquarters is open year-round but make arrangements with staff when the St. Croix River Visitor Center is closed. There are no fees to access the Riverway’s federally owned land and facilities. State parks may charge entrance and camp fees with daily or annual permits. We strive for accessibility. For information go to a visitor center, ask a ranger, call, or check the website. Service animals are allowed. All watercraft must have a US Coast Guard-approved lifesaving device for each person aboard. People under 13 must wear a property fitted life jacket in moving watercraft including boats, canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes. Everyone should wear a life jacket while running rapids and when in high-water conditions. Non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket. The Riverway has no lifeguards or supervised beaches. Closely monitor children near water. Do not swim alone, at night, or in unfamiliar places. Do not overload your craft. If you capsize, stay upstream of your vessel. Boaters: Watch your wake near paddlers and propeller near swimmers. While inner-tubing, wear a lifesaving device, float with others, and navigate rapids feetfirst. To jump and dive off bridges is illegal. Entering the river to swim from shore in Minnesota’s Interstate State Park is prohibited. Swimming between US 8 and the public boat launch at Wisconsin’s Interstate State Park is prohibited. Before trips use the website to check water levels, especially on upper stretches. Observe “Slow speed” and “Slow—No Wake” zones on the St. Croix River between St. Croix Falls Dam and the Mississippi River. Personal watercraft (PWC) including Jet Skis are prohibited north of Stillwater, Minnesota. A checkpoint at mile 29.5 (High Bridge) prohibits upstream travel to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. Between Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends waterskiing is prohibited in some zones after noon on weekends and holidays. Find full regulations on Riverway access points, marinas, state parks, and the park website. A fishing license is required on the Riverway; state regulations apply. Park rangers and state conservation officers enforce regulations. On the Namekagon and northernmost 25 miles of the St. Croix, a Wisconsin license is required. Where the St. Croix River is the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin, a license from either state is valid. You may hunt in season. For firearms regulations check the park’s website. Respect property owners’ rights. Do not trespass or use facilities without owner permission. Many picnic areas line the Riverway. The largest are Osceola Landing on the St. Croix and Earl Park Landing on the Namekagon. Possessing firewood that originated over 25 miles from the Riverway is prohibited. Moving firewood can transport pests that kill trees. Use local wood. You may collect dead and down wood, except from islands. Build fires only in steel fire rings or grills. Fires must be out and ashes cold before you leave the area. Find these at nearby communities. Local outfitters supply river recreation equipment, paddleboat trips, vehicle shuttle, and guids. A list of authorized outfitters is on the park website. To protect bare feet, all glass containers are prohibited at Riverway landings. Drinking water is available at limited locations. Bring drinking water to protect against illness caused by Giardia. Use caution near high cliffs. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to prevent sunburn. Shoes that can get wet are recommended. Deer ticks are prevalent and may carry Lyme disease. Take precautions, check daily for ticks, and know symptoms of infection. Federal laws protect all natural and cultural features in the park. Do not disturb rock formations, artifacts, mounds, or remnants of historic structures. Do no pick wildflowers or gather plants, fruit, or nuts for commercial uses. Do not disturb freshwater mussels or their empty shells. Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. 401 North Hamilton Street Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin five four zero two fourReach us by calling: seven one five - four eight three - two two seven four. Visit our website for more information.Follow us on social media. Use the official NPS app to guide your visit. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. The National Park Service manages 230 miles of the Riverway. To learn more about national parks and National Park Service programs in America’s communities, visit www.nps.gov.
DESCRIBING: A large, detailed map of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
SYNOPSIS: This is a general overview map for orientation and is oriented with north at the top. The map displays the Namekagon and St. Croix rivers, highways and roads, location of two National Park Service visitor centers, and area state parks and forests. This map displays the entire Riverway that is approximately 255 miles in length.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION:Most of side two of the brochure is a map of St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the surrounding area. The park itself consists of the St. Croix River and its primary tributary, the Namekagon River, along with some land property. The map shows the entire riverway with park trails, visitor centers, picnic areas, parking areas, campsites, and river landings with boat launches as well as roads, bridges, trails, towns, and other state, county, and town parks and state forests outside the park boundaries.

The map is oriented with north at the top and includes Minnesota on the Northwest and Western border, and Wisconsin occupying the rest of the map. The map includes 10 shadow boxes along the river, separating different sections of the riverway. Each shadow box has a corresponding detailed map, provided in pdf form on the park website and handouts, that shows each campsite, landing, and trail with river mile markers as well as river rapid indicators so a river user can trip plan and navigate the river. Near the center of the map is the Namekagon River Visitor Center in the town of Trego, Wisconsin. Viewing from this point at about the two o’clock position, the Namekagon River begins at the Namekagon dam and flows southwest in a not-so-straight line through the towns of Cable (11 miles down), Hayward (22 more miles) and Trego (another 29 miles). The river crosses under highway 53 in Trego, near the park visitor center, before shifting northwest and connecting to the St. Croix River (another 37 miles). From the Namekagon River Visitor Center at about the 11 o’clock position, the Gordon dam marks the start of the national scenic riverway on the St. Croix River. From Gordan Dam, the St. Croix flows down about 20 miles to where the Namekagon River empties into. Just past the confluence the St. Croix River becomes the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota, curving southwest for about 50 miles flowing by St. Croix State Forest, St. Croix State Park and Chengwatana State Forest on the Minnesota side. The river continues to flow almost due south for 100 miles passing by Governor Knowles State Forest on the Wisconsin side, Wild River State Park in Minnesota, and over a massive dam in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and Taylors Falls, Minnesota. After the dam, the river continues on its course south passing Minnesota Interstate State Park and Wisconsin Interstate State Park, the town of Osceola, Wisconsin (about 8 miles further south), William O’Brien State Park in Marine on the St. Croix, Minnesota (9 miles south) to Stillwater, Minnesota (12 more miles). On the north end of Stillwater is the boundary between the federally managed zone of the park and the state-managed zone south to the Mississippi. For the last 30 miles in the state zone, the river widens for about 10 miles from Stillwater south, flowing past Hudson, Wisconsin, the Interstate 94 bridge, Afton State Park in Minnesota, Kinnickinnic State Park in Wisconsin, and to Prescott, Wisconsin at the confluence with the Mississippi River near Hastings, Minnesota. Related text:This map shows the entire Riverway but is not intended for river navigation. Instead, use individual accessible section maps of the river that give details of road access, services, and all facilities. Obtain these maps at visitor centers and other information sites or from the park website.
DESCRIBING: A horizontal color photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A family prepares a meal at their river campsite on a sunny day.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This horizontal color photo focuses on a family camping trip in the foreground on a sunny day. On the grassy riverbank, behind the family, sits red canoe with drying clothes draped over the edges of its left tip. In front of the canoe, the group of people prepare a meal. A lightly tanned man crouches down to pour food from a bag into a pan, which sits on top of an outdoor gas stove. He wears a baseball cap, glasses, a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. To his right, a boy with brown hair and ivory skin wears long-sleeved electric blue pajamas. He stands in front of the red canoe holding a white frisbee to his body with his left arm. He looks down at an ivory skinned woman in the bottom right corner of the photo. She is crouching with her back to us. She has short brown hair and wears a black and red one-piece bathing suit with a strap on her left shoulder. Her arms are bent above a cooler in front of her. A blue cutting board sits atop the cooler. On the woman's left, a toddler with a patterned long-sleeved romper and sunbonnet faces right and stands next to the cooler. Further back, two round tents dot the landscape, with a tree-lined river and four kayaks parked along its edge soaked in sunlight.Photo credit: Jean van Tatenhove.Related text: Camping and Campsites.Linger and savor the Riverway environment by camping along its banks. Many landings and campsites offer opportunities for multiday and even multi-week river trips.Of the more than 100 shoreline primitive shoreline campsites on the Riverway, most are reached only by boat. Not all sites are shown on this map, but are shown on the river-section maps.Camping is restricted to designated sites, except for the Stillwater Islands area. A permit is required for camping on the St. Croix River between the St. Croix Falls Dam and the High Bridge.Individual campsites accommodate up to eight people and three tents. Group sites accommodate up to 16 people and six tents. All sites are first-come, first-served and have stay limits.Camping amenities and toilets vary along the Riverway. Check the website or ask staff for information specific to the stretch of river you are visiting. Bring your own drinking water.You must pack out all trash and are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles. Please visit www.lnt.org to learn more.State parks and forests offer car-camping facilities near the rivers. Find state camping information at either www.dnr.state.mn.us or www.dnr.state.wi.us.We encourage Leave No Trace camping practices and require that you pack out all trash. Please visit www.lnt.org to learn more.Check the park website for river-section maps and camping details.

CREDIT: Jean Van Tatenhove

Last updated: August 25, 2024

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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

by Deb Whitehorse | Jan 14, 2021 | 2020-2021 , Home Page , Ice Optimist | 0 Comments

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

by Deb Whitehorse | Aug 19, 2020 | 2020-2021 , DN , Home Page , Ice Optimist | 0 Comments

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

by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 22, 2020 | 2019-2020 , Home Page , Ice Optimist | 0 Comments

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

by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 18, 2020 | 2019-2020 , Home Page , Ice Optimist | 0 Comments

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.

Waiting with NORA

by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 25, 2019 | 2018-2019 , Home Page , Ice Optimist , WSSA | 0 Comments

“When I grow up”

A splendid picture from Uppsala in Sweden with the famed historic ice yacht NORA and an Ice Optimist as they wait together for the wind to come up.

Junior Worlds Complete

by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 7, 2019 | 2018-2019 , Home Page , Ice Optimist | 0 Comments

Ice Optimist sailor Livia Liszkiewicz P334 would rather be ice sailing! Photo: Olsztyński Klub Żeglarski Facebook Page

DN Junior World Championship: 1st Rasmus Maalen, 2nd Zuzanna Rybicka Photo: Zuzanna Rybicka

The 2019 Junior DN and Ice Optimist World Championships are complete. Congratulations to all who competed including the 4LIYC’s Thor Rosten who kept his DN moving in some sticky, light conditions. The European Championship began today and will be completed on Friday. It’s heartening to see these kids racing iceboats and gives us all hope for the future of this always fragile sport. North Americans may be wondering how the Europeans can field an 80 boat youth regatta on ice. 4LIYC member and North American Junior Secretary Ron Rosten has written about why he thinks the Europeans are miles ahead of North America in youth iceboat sailing. Read his article, “The State of Youth Sailing” in the September 2018 issue of the DN newsletter, Runner Tracks. Europeans are also leading the way to encourage more women to compete in the sport. One sailor who has benefited from such a strong youth program is Polish DN sailor Zuzanna Rybicka -she has had quite an ice sailing season. Someday we will see her compete in North America. I took the liberty of posting (with a bit of correcting and guessing on the translation) her thoughts from Facebook today:

Yay! Today ended the junior world championship where I took 2th place in the DN fleet and 1st place in the women’s division. 🏆 It’s a great goodbye with age junior, and at the same time successful year greeting with age This year I got a lot of support from a lot of people and I would like to thank everyone Awesome starts having such great fans like you guys. Summary of my results in season 2018/19: 🥇 1st Women, European championship 🥈 1st. Women, Polish junior championship 🥈 2nd Junior World Championship 🥇 1st Women, Junior World Championship [In today’s] European Junior Championship, after the first day I am on lead among women and second place in DN. Open. Keep your fingers crossed, tomorrow decisive races 💪

Previous: Junior Worlds See the World Previous: 2019 Junior World Championship Begins Previous: Junior Worlds Ice Sailing Championships Day 1

Junior World Ice Sailing Championship: Day 1

by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 6, 2019 | 2018-2019 , Home Page , Ice Optimist | 0 Comments

Photo: Michał Skawiński “Kornik” POL 333 P-339

The 2019 Junior World DN & Ice Optimist Championships got underway today on Lake Siemianowka in light air and sticky ice. Ron Rosten reported that the wind shut off during the day’s last race and they tore down their boats in the dark. Ron also praised Estonian DNer Rasmus Maalen C20, currently in first, who “went out of his way to give Thor [Rosten] advice and offer encouragement.” Rasmus Maalen, it should be noted, won the first race of the European Championship 2 weeks ago and finished 6th overall. Another junior who competed at the Europeans, Zuzanna Rybicka P119, is in second place just 2 points behind Rasmus tonight. In the Ice Optimist fleet, Estonian sailor Lisbeth Taggu C1 holds first with Poles Mateusz Gigielewicz P89 and Anielka Graczyk P375 tied for second. Aneilka’s father, Robert Graczyk, won the Polish Championship last Saturday. There are a combined total of 80 skippers registered for the regatta. Youth iceboating is doing well in Europe.

Previous: Junior Worlds See the World Previous: 2019 Junior World Championship Begins

2019 Junior Ice Sailing World Champsionship 5

Junior Worlds See the World

by Deb Whitehorse | Feb 5, 2019 | 2018-2019 , Home Page , Ice Optimist , Regattas | 0 Comments

Junior DN & Ice Optimist sailors at Lake Niegocin in Gizycko, Poland Photo: Mihkel Kosk

“Double ice [the Europeans’ name for shell ice], not frozen slush, and snow drifts” on Niegocin means the juniors are on the move today to greener iceboating pastures on Lake Siemianowka at Poland’s border with Belarus. Opening ceremonies and racing for the Junior World DN & Ice Optimist championships are scheduled for Wednesday Feb 6th. Previous: 2019 Junior World Championship Begins

Sam Bartel, an active DN class sailor and Director of Race Operations at the Lake Minnetonka Sailing School has stepped forward to take the reins of the DN Junior Ice Optimist program. Learn more about Sam and junior iceboating by visiting the IDNIYRA website. IDNIYRA DN Junior & Ice Optimist Page

ice sailboating

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Welcome to Lake

Ice Sailing 101: Mastering the Frozen Adventure in No Time

In this article

Defining Ice Sailing: A Thrilling Blend of Speed and Skill

Brief History of Ice Sailing: From Ancient Origins to Modern Sport

Ice Yachts Explained: Modern Design and Dynamics

Mastering the Basics: Steering and Sail Management

Advanced Techniques: Maximizing Speed and Handling Challenging Conditions

Navigating Different Ice and Wind Conditions

The Role of Weather in Ice Sailing: Wind, Ice Conditions, and Safety Considerations

Essential Equipment for Ice Sailing: From Sails to Safety Gear

Top Destinations for Ice Sailing Around the World

Understanding Ice Quality and Safety: Thickness and Surface Conditions

Ice Thickness

Ice Quality

Surface Conditions

Famous Ice Sailing Races and Events

Fitness and Training: Physical Preparation for Ice Sailing

Mental Preparation: Strategy and Focus in a High-Speed Environment

Essential Safety Practices and Emergency Procedures

Courses and Learning Resources for Beginners

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Why You Should Be Sailing a DN

More knots per dollar/euro than any other sailing

2025 DN Regatta Schedule

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Boat Sailor

Understanding Ice Sails

The Thrill of Ice Sailing

Risks Associated with Ice Sailing

Hypothermia

Equipment Failure

Inadequate Safety Measures

Safety Precautions

Ice Thickness

Safety Gear

Buddy System

Knowledge and Training

Weather Monitoring

Choosing the Right Equipment

Weather Conditions

Training and Skill Development

Local Regulations and Rules

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Personal Experience and Tips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How can I stay safe while ice sailing in challenging weather conditions?

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