DN ice yacht North American Championship 2026 on Green Lake, Wisconsin
by Darius Gerasimavicius 2 Feb 11:22 GMT
January 24-31, 2026
DN ice yacht North American Championship on Green Lake, Wisconsin © IDNIYRA
A Transatlantic Duel on Ice: Poland and the USA in a Fight for DN Glory
The DN North American Championship took place from January 24-31, 2026, on Green Lake, Wisconsin (USA), under some of the most demanding winter conditions seen in recent years. With wind chill temperatures dropping to -30°C, shifting winds, intense glare from hard ice, and short, punishing courses, the regatta became a true test of speed, tactical intelligence, endurance, and experience.
After seven races sailed over three intense days, the championship title was claimed by Karol Jablonski (P) — the most decorated ice sailor in the history of the sport — who once again proved that DN ice sailing rewards not only raw speed, but also resilience and decision-making under extreme pressure.
A battle against the strongest American field
Jablonski's victory came against an exceptionally strong American fleet, including multiple-time world champions Matt Struble and Ron Sherry, as well as former North American champion Steve Orlebeke. With points tightly compressed heading into the final day, there was no margin for error, and every tactical choice carried decisive weight.
Over the course of the regatta, sailors faced brutal cold, unstable winds that constantly shifted in both direction and strength, and conditions where even the smallest mistake could cost several positions. Despite these challenges, all scheduled races were successfully completed thanks to the professionalism of the Race Committee.
Reflecting on the racing, Jablonski commented:
"I started from the left side where the wind was weaker and had to recover a big deficit. Good speed and proper wind reading helped me overtake my rivals."
After two days of racing, the Polish sailor found himself in third place, just a few points behind the leaders, with everything to play for on the final day.
"After two days of fierce competition, I was in third place with only a small points gap behind the leaders, and it was clear that the final day would be decisive. I coped well with the hardships of spending many hours on the ice in extreme cold — I had never raced in such conditions before."
Decisive final day in 'American conditions'
The final three races were sailed in strong winds and very fast conditions, traditionally favoring American sailors. The reigning world champion Matt Struble was widely considered the favorite going into the final stage.
"These were sprint races. It was easy to get lost because the wind was unstable in both direction and strength. Smart tactical sailing made the difference," Jablonski explained.
Sailing with confidence and precision, Jablonski posted finishes of 3rd, 2nd, and 1st, securing overall victory in one of the most prestigious events in international ice sailing.
"Despite these being typically 'American' conditions, I believed I could fight with them. I sailed very fast and made smart tactical decisions, which resulted in victory," he added.
Overall Top 5 - Gold Fleet:
1. Karol Jablonski (POL) - Champion
2. Matt Struble (USA)
3. Ron Sherry (USA)
4. Steve Orlebeke (USA)
5. James Thieler (USA)
Fleet Champions:
Gold Fleet Champion: Karol Jablonski (POL)
Silver Fleet Champion: Jim Grogan (USA)
Bronze Fleet Champion: Mike Rian (USA)
The victory of the 63-year-old Jablonski is particularly significant given the extreme weather, the traditionally American-dominated venue, and the level of competition.
"This is an exceptional success, especially in such conditions and considering my age. What pleases me most, however, is that I have regained my speed and handled the demands of the competition very well,"the champion concluded.
Community, tradition, and what comes next
Beyond the racing, the championship showcased the strength of the DN ice sailing community. The awards ceremony was held as part of a Green Lake Ice Yacht Club event, bringing together DN sailors and members of the International Skeeter Association, highlighting the shared heritage and camaraderie of ice sailing in North America.
Looking ahead, the international spotlight now turns back to Europe. The DN World Championship and European Championships are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks and are expected to be held in Europe, with organization led by the Polish DN ice sailing community — a fitting continuation after Jablonski's triumph on American ice.