Ice Opti North Americans ON!!!!!!!

[Daniel Hearn]

The historic, first Ice Optimist North American Championships are officially called "ON" for Eight Points Lake in central Michigan.  The lake is located pretty much dead center of the state 105 miles north and a bit west of Lansing off of Highway 10.  It's a small lake, but conditions are reported favorable by a long time DN sailor, George Long, who lives on the lake.  The report: 4-6 " of very hard snow ice, with no snow on top and no snow in the immediate forecast.  Temperatures from 10-30 degrees through the weekend with moderate winds.  Jim Grogan, another Detroit area DN sailor will join George tomorrow for another inspection of the lake as well as several others in close proximity.

Updates will continue to be posted here, but after mid morning on Thursday, all new information can be picked up on the Central Region hotline by calling 248-988-0851.  PLEASE call this number en route to secure additional information as it becomes available to make your travels as smooth as possible.   

We will try to post information about a "headquarters" hotel, as well as other accommodation options as soon as possible. 

See you all there on Friday.  Please check the hotline number first for updates, but if you have other questions not answered by the messages, I can be reached on my cell phone.  608-692-4007.

Daniel   

[Daniel Hearn]

Hotel Information:

Headquarters Hotel is in Claire Michigan.  It is a Holiday Inn.  The phone # is 989-386-1111.  The address is 10318 S. Claire Ave.  Claire, Mi 48617.  Reservations under the name of NA Ice Opti Championship will receive a discounted rate of $75.99 a night w/ 2 queen size beds along with continental breakfast.  The hotel has a pool and whirl pool. 
 
Directions from the hotel to the lake are as follows:  Turn Left out of the Holiday Inn parking lot onto Claire Ave.  Go 1 mile to US-27 North.  Go 1 mile on US-27 N to US-10 West.  Head 15 miles west on US-10 to Partridge and turn South(left).  Partridge is just past the City of Lake.  Continue 2 miles to Rock Rd.  Right on Rock Rd. and go 1/4 mile to South Shore Dr.  Turn left onto South Shore Dr. and it is 1 mile down to launch site.  There will be signs along the way.  The Launch site is at the end of the road.

[Attitude928]

Great job Dan.  Our opti's are on their way.  It's CLARE, MI (not Claire)...
Jordan, Jake, Bill & Bridget

[David Frost]

Glad to hear the regatta is still on, and I'm even more excited that it is in Michigan.  I'll take a two hour drive over 13+ any day!!

Dan is the boat you had lined up for Cooper to use, going to be making it's way to Clare?  We'll see you either way.

David

[Daniel Hearn]

Thursday morning update:

Ice checkers report single digit temperatures in Clare overnight which should add to the 6" thickness we already have.  Still NO snow on the ice, and locals are reporting little chance through the weekend.  Some of the weather services are calling for possibility of some light precipitation, mostly on Friday.  The wind forecast, however, is looking very good, so if we do get a little of the white stuff, the Optis shouldn't have any trouble at all. 

We're goin' international! Got a call last night from a Canadian Junior's Dad, who expects to attend with his son. 

Leaving Wisconsin early afternoon today.  See you on the ice Friday a.m.!

Daniel
608-692-4007