Harken: DN Iceboat

DN Mainsheet and Mainsheet Traveler
Link to larger image

Mainsheet
The tapered mainsheet runs from a ratchet and two 75 mm Carbos to a 4:1 purchase. When building speed, the boom can be pulled tight against the skipper's shoulder because the purchase uses low-profile Carbo Ti-Lites and small, recessed boom blocks.

The Carbo Ratchets provide up to 15:1 holding power without compromising easing ability or chewing up lines.

Mainsheet Traveler
Fore-aft travelers with pinstop lead cars make it easy to adjust the sail. Pulling the cars forward pushes the boom into the mast, rotating the spar for a deeper pocket. Moving cars aft flattens the sail for speed in the upper wind range.

CLASS HISTORY
Iceboating
With speeds hitting 50-100+ mph and your body suspended mere inches over the ice, iceboating is the fastest winter sport and one of the most intense sailing experiences there is. Speed generates more speed in iceboats—while "soft water" yachts eventually succumb to hull drag, nearly frictionless iceboats can use apparent wind to reach speeds 2 to 4 times the true wind.

The DN Iceboat
The DN, the smallest iceboat at 12 feet but the largest class, was first crafted by enthusiasts in the Detroit News' wood shop after it won the paper's 1936 design contest. Most of the 2000 members of the class build their own DN's, lending the boats to significant experimentation within the rules.

LINKS
International DN Ice Yacht Assoc.
Harken Dealers
McLube™
Harken Canvas

BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
Sail area: 60 sq. ft (5.5 sq. m)
Length: 12 ft (3.6 )
Hull width: 21 in (53 cm)
Mast length: 16 ft (4.8 m)
Runner plank length: 8 ft (2.4 m)
Number of runners: 3 (1 front steering runner, 2 side runners)

Hull: wood
eight: 100-150 lb (43- 68 lb)
Maximum speed: 60 MPH
Typical performance: 2-4 times wind speed