The DN is the largest iceboat class in the world, so named because it was the winner of an iceboat design contest sponsored by the Detroit News in 1937. That year the newspaper opened up it's shop to 50 builders who assembled the first fleet of "Blue Streak 60" iceboats (as it was originally named).

The DN (Detroit News) iceboat
Sail area: 60 sq. feet
Length: 12 feet
Hull width: 21 inches
Mast length: 16 feet
Runner plank length: 8 feet
Number of runners: 3 (1 front steering runner, 2 side runners)
Hull material: wood
Typical weight: 100-150 lbs.
Maximum speed: 60 MPH
Typical performance: 2-4 times wind speed

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 T2s 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.