All four crew aboard are said to be OK.
A boat competing in the Chicago-to-Mackinac sailboat race capsized overnight, and four sailors had to be rescued from Lake Michigan by the U. S. Coast Guard.
The capsized boat was identified as High Priority 2, a 31-foot multihull Corsair owned by an East Lansing resident, according to the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac report on Facebook.
“All 4 on board were rescued via small boat launched from the Cutter Biscayne Bay and are safe. Thanks to our friends in the Coast Guard and thanks to the other racers who came to assist.”
The Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan could not be reached for comment.
The race boats standing by to help the capsized vessel included: Dark Horse, Abbie Normal, Tide the Knot and Timberwolf.
All those boats appear to resume racing later, based on the race’s online tracker.
There was a big weather shift overnight, with winds now coming in from the north, kicking up some high gusts and waves.
In addition the capsize, at least 14 other boats have dropped out, according to race organizers.
While not officially listed as pulling out of the race, Amway President Doug DeVos’ Windquest appeared to be heading to port. The 86-footer with a crew of 21 was heading back to Holland, according to comments on the race thread.
“All aboard Windquest are safe. They are heading to Holland and retiring. Will leave it to them to share any other details, but wanted to let you know that all onboard are well, ” the comment read.
More than 300 boats are participating in the 109th running of the race known as “The Mac.” It’s one of the longest-running freshwater distance races in the world.
The cruising division boats started on Friday and many this morning were approaching the finish line near Mackinac Island.
The racing division boats started Saturday
