Jeff Kester from New York shared this little gem with any of us hungry enough to make the trip. After this long drought for so many of us, doesn’t this look like grade 10?

Neil says:
“We received word from John Wargo today that Alum Creek Lake just North of Columbus has sailable ice. John sent a picture via text. The ice looks great. The wind will start on the light side tomorrow but get better as the day goes on. With wind 10-15 with gusts to 20 on Saturday. Colin,Taras and Jeff plan on traveling down tomorrow and I plan on getting there Saturday morning. We will be sailing out of the boat ramp on the west side of the lake at the end of Hollenback Road. The coordinates are 4012.748N,8258.294W. If Sundays wind forecast is good we will be staying over and sailing Sunday. If you have a question or need more information give me a call.

Neil Betts
330-240-2271

Just a quick note that Ben Shavits checked Lake Arthur and found 8″ of ice with 50% snow cover. Snow about 1”, grey surface rough, but not too bad. The wind is forecast to be 10 to12 mph. Dave Bishop reported that there is a Winterfest that will be going on tomorrow on the North Shore. Hopefully we will be able to sail to it.

Back on the east coast, actually well beyond the east coast, Carl Jelleme has launched his new Whizz on the lovely Nantucket ice. There are now two more Whizz a-building out there.

He’s in full light air mode with the mast step at the center hole and the sheet blocks set for keeping the mast in full rotation. He reports:
“Finally got #9 on the ice, what a joy to sail…..so comfortable!”