Slowest, most docile DN rigging?

[Dusty Yevsky]

Hey all,
I'm hoping some here can help me with setting up a DN so that a beginner can
take it out and not scare the bejesus out of themselves. My nephew has enlisted
and is heading to basic training in two weeks. He's expressed interest in
iceboating and it looks like we'll have ice for the next couple of weeks so I'd
really like to get out with him. I'm still a bit green as an iceboater and
normally wouldn't expose someone else to risks I don't fully understand but time
is tight. I'm thinking that if we get strong conditions I can detune the boat so
he won't be able to get in too much trouble. Here's what I think will detune the
boat and would greatly appreciate a critique by veteran sailors.

Plank-furthest aft position for stability and minimal hiking.
Sail-lowest halyard setting, lowest foot tension, halyard in forward headboard
hole
Mast-here's where my understanding is not great. I think the headstay should be
extended to lower the center-of-effort. I have an adjustable mast step and I
think mast should be aft so the center of effort will be aft. The mast itself
has three adjustments for the bottom pivot and here I really have no clue. I
understand this affects the mast rotation but don't know if more or less is
desirable. Sidestay tension is also something that I don't understand. More,
less?

Any thoughts on this are welcome.

[Geoff Sobering]

What kind of mast do you have?
Bendy or not?

[Dusty Yevsky]

Made of wood (sitka sides & ash nose), using Goodwin's plans found on the IDNYRA website. I don't have enough experience to know if it's bendy or not.

[dn4379]

  The best way to minimize hiking will be to slacken the side stays.  This will reduce the reduce the winds ability to tip the boat and will also increase downward pressure on the leeward runner which will reduce skidding; the wind will push the boat down into the ice instead to tipping it over. Moving the plank aft may reduce the tendency to broach and will increase weight on the front runner; it actually reduces the righting moment of the rider's weight but the other two advantages would be worth it. Be careful about slacking the head stay; that will increase rake which will greatly increase compression on the mast which makes it bend more.  Standing the mast up will help protect it should the rider get aggressive and sheet hard; it will also allow the halliard to be lowered more while allowing some head room for the rider.   Slacking the sidestays and lowering the halliard will be the most effective ways to insure they have a great sailing experience. Have them slack at rest or even a little sag at rest; just like the big skeeters.