We recently caught up with iceboat racer John Curtis, who uses C-Tech battens, to dive deeper into this high-speed, high-precision sport where boats can exceed speeds of 54 knots (100 km/h) on 'good' ice.
Every small advantage can make a significant difference in such a fast-paced and precise sport. At C-Tech, we’re always excited to see our products making an impact in unique disciplines. John’s experience with our sail battens in competitive racing highlights just how critical these components are in pushing the limits of performance.
Why Iceboat Racing is So Addictive
For John, the thrill of iceboat racing has evolved from simply chasing speed to the technical challenge of refining performance. While iceboats can easily exceed 50 knots on good ice, the real rush comes from the instant feedback loop—every minor change in sail trim or runner angle has an immediate effect.
Unlike traditional sailing, where a 2cm adjustment in trim might make a subtle difference, iceboats react instantly. A 5-degree change in heading can result in a 10-knot variation. That level of precision is what makes the sport so addictive.
With 15 DN iceboats under his belt, John has refined each build to push the limits of speed and control. His latest setup striking a fine balance between stiffness and flexibility to adapt to changing wind conditions.
"Every build is a learning experience," he said. "You're always chasing that perfect combination of stiffness, flexibility, and weight to get the most out of the boat."
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Canadian Championships: A Lesson in Speed and Strategy
The 2025 Canadian Championships took place on January 11-12 on Hay Bay, Napanee, Ontario, featuring some of the best ice conditions seen in over a decade. The ice was incredibly smooth, rated 9.5/10—almost unheard of in competitive iceboating, where 7/10 or worse is considered race-ready. The event had a smaller fleet than usual, likely due to last season’s lack of ice, leaving many racers behind in their preparations.
John Curtis secured a third-place finish behind Robin Lagraviere and Peter Van Rossem. A crucial moment in the regatta came when he and Lagraviere had built a significant lead over the rest of the fleet. On the final downwind leg, John decided to gybe away—only to sail straight into a dead zone with little wind. The mistake allowed four boats to close a 400-meter gap, costing him a higher finish.
“The tactical mistake of gybing into a hole in the wind cost me the regatta, but it was a great learning experience,” he reflected.
Performance on the World Stage
Beyond the Canadian Championships, John faced even greater competition at the World Championships and North American Championships, with over 105 competitors at the Worlds. The first race proved to be a defining moment for him. Starting from the less favorable left side of the course, he managed to fight his way through the fleet, finishing 12th—just meters from a top-10 result.
His boat speed in light air was a revelation. “I passed 12-time World Champion Karol Jabłoński and five-time World Champion Matt Struble like they were standing still!” Curtis said.
His impressive speed proved how well his setup was dialed in, with weight and flex playing a crucial role. His latest DN iceboat is lighter and stiffer than previous builds, and his use of C-Tech carbon battens has taken efficiency to the next level. Compared to standard fiberglass battens, C-Tech battens are nearly half a kilogram lighter, improving acceleration.
“I could feel the difference immediately. My boat just kept accelerating when others stalled,” he said.
The C-Tech Advantage: Aerodynamic and Carbon Fibre
One of the biggest gains came from the use of C-Tech battens, which offer a clear aerodynamic advantage due to their ultra-lightweight design and sleek profile. One sailmaker was initially skeptical about their strength due to their slim profile, but after seeing them in action, he quickly recognised the performance benefits.
The carbon fibre construction of C-Tech battens enhances responsiveness, allowing them to adjust to wind shifts and pressure changes faster than a sailor can react manually.
“The battens are so light and responsive that I barely need to adjust my rig—they do the work for me,” Curtis explained.
This "automated micro-tuning" effect means that instead of constantly making manual sail adjustments, the battens naturally respond to shifts in pressure, keeping the sail shape optimised throughout a race. This can be the difference between maintaining speed through a lull or slowing down while trying to trim.
Looking Ahead: What's next
As the 2026 World Championships approach, Curtis is already looking ahead. He plans to add heavier runners for high-wind conditions while continuing to refine his lightweight, optimised setup for light air. Given the success of C-Tech battens so far, he is confident they will remain a vital part of his pursuit of a world title.
At C-Tech, we’re thrilled to see our technology making a difference in such a demanding and thrilling racing environment, and we’re excited to continue to learn and push the boundaries of performance in iceboat racing.
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