Muskegon Lake, Mich. Wednesday Feb. 13

[RANDY ROGOSKI]

A dozen members of the West Michigan Ice Yacht Club sailed the west end of 4,150-acre Muskegon Lake Feb. 13.

Stan Jones and myself set a .75-mile course, although available acreage would have allowed a course longer than one mile in wind from any compass direction.

The level clear ice was textured and fast. The runners gripped for control in mid-teens wind mid-day, and the ice remained pleasantly swift as the wind diminished to 4-6 mph in a 36-degree thaw.

One working seam was observed and its location noted with GPS. It will be monitered and marked, and is unlikely to represent a hazard or diminish the size of a prospective racing area. Otherwise, the ice's safety is unquestioned and suitable for a large group.

High humidity overnight in above-freezing temperatures will further smooth the surface and increase the ice's speed.

Many boats were left on the ice; the Club is rallying to sail through the weekend. The Muskegon Yacht Club is planning to roll out the welcome mat for iceboaters; the bar is open.

The lake will be sailed Thursday, and a predicted snow shower's effect will be observed.

Friday and Saturday's high temperature forecast is for the mid-to-lower 20s, the ice will become blazing fast. This is regatta quality ice and Muskegon is a "total package" venue.

Launching: the largest available launch area at the Lake's west end is at the intersection of Lakeshore and McCracken streets. There is a smaller launch at Lakeshore and Country Club further west.

The fish are not biting so minimal ice fishing pressure is expected for the weekend.

Randy Rogoski,
former Central Lakes rear commodore and 2001 WC/NAC regatta chairman