Overview
- The Port Huron start on Saturday drew about 200 boats and roughly 1,700 sailors for the 102nd Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race with competitors sailing toward Mackinac Island.
- Race officials reported that at least 30 boats withdrew because of strong winds and large waves while the rest of the fleet continued north toward the finish.
- There were no serious injuries reported from the withdrawals and the Race Committee said it is actively monitoring the fleet and evolving conditions.
- Wildfire smoke over Lake Huron has cloaked the horizon, worsened sight lines for crews, and prompted some racers to take protective measures for air quality and navigation.
- The event is the world’s longest continuously run long-distance freshwater yacht race and organizers and the U.S. Coast Guard cite last year’s rescues as part of heightened safety vigilance for this year’s running.