Jeff_H & Irwin32 Re: Chi to Mac

waltward · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2004

Jeff & Irwin32

It is way to late to be doing this, but I knew you were right Irwin32, so I have been the last two hours doing research.

The multihull went over in the 2002 race, right up in the straits I think. The whole crew was picked up by Wes Schultz on his Sch55, "Kokomo". All hands were OK. Wes was given a 64 minute Rescue Redress and won his section.

The whole thing was interesting to me because I had met Wes when he sold his Feres 50 to a friend of mine six years ago. I signed on for the delivery crew to get the boat from Traverse City to Lake St.Clair. I turned 60 steering a 50 foot race yacht, by a star, in the middle of Lake Huron, best birthday I ever had.

Jeff, you are right to think that there may have been some people lost in that race through the years. Both the Chicago and Port Huron to Macinac races have been real butt kickers some years. Ted Turner came and sailed the Chicago race one year and got into one of those, it was bad enough that Ted said, "I will never come back here". So I was told anyway.

Irwin32 was right however, I remember reading just a few weeks ago, some place amongest all the things I read while following the two races, that they have never lost anyone in the Chicago race. I have not found that as yet, but I will keep looking. I am not sure about the Port Huron race.

I have only sailed one of the Chicago races and it was for the most part just a good 330 mile go for it ride. We were in flat stuff for a couple of hours a couple of times, as I remember it, but a good ride. This year both races were pretty much drifting contests I guess. I just read tonight, one guy said they missed their last lunch and would have missed dinner if they had not gotten in just about that time. I think some crews missed more than that.

Irwin32, I am up here on the other end of the lake, in Boyne City, Mi.

Walt

Jeff_H · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2004

Live and learn.... Thanks for the info Walt.

regards,
Jeff

williamjchampion · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2004

There has never been a fatality in the Port Huron to Mackinac Race. However, in the 2001 double-handed race from Sarnia to Rodgers City a 40 Kt squall hit the fleet. The next day they found a catamaran capsized, two drowned sailors still strapped in their harnesses.

Jeff_H · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2004

That may have been what I was thinking of.

Jeff

waltward · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2004

William

Yes I had heard of that as well.

Thanks ----- Walt

Irwin32 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2004

We have had our share of lost sailors in Lake Michigan races, just not the Mac. We lost a single hander two years ago in the Solo Scramble.

If I remember correcty, which I may not, my comment was in context with lightning strikes. My point was that death from lightning is not common on sailboats.

Irwin32 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-22-2004

Jeff...
I expect a formal apology which I will accept when 3 cases of Belikin Beer from Belize is delivered cold to my door.

This gives you an excuse to sail down there - I wish I had such a good excuse. Consider yourself a lucky man.

Irwin32 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-25-2004

Waltward,

I have never been to Boyne City, though I have cruised to Charlevoix a few times. Next time I am up that way, I will have to visit. I have heard it is a nice stop.

waltward · #9 (**permalink**) 08-25-2004

Irwin32

After coming through the bridge at Charlevoix you have just 14 miles to go to Boyne City. With the right wind and the Spinnaker up, a couple of hours will do it.

When you are going to be up this way give me a holler, we can have a cup of coffee or a maybe even a beer.

Walt Ward
Boyne City
231-582-7287

Irwin32 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-01-2004

You''re in my Palm Pilot. I won''t goet there this season, but may surprise you next summer. I retire in June and plan to do some extensive cruising on the Great Lakes over the next few years.