Extreme weather conditions have led to a number of boats dropping out of the Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race.
According to race officials, at least 30 boat crews made the decision to withdraw due to harsh wind and wave conditions on Lake Huron. There have been no serious injuries reported.
The rest of the fleet is continuing to race up Lake Huron toward the finish line near Mackinac Island.
“We fully support every skipper’s decision to put the safety of their crew and vessel first,” race officials said in a release Saturday night. “The Race Committee continues to monitor the fleet and evolving conditions.”
Approximately 200 boats and 1,600 sailors were scheduled to compete in the 102nd edition of the annual race, which began Saturday morning in Port Huron. The first boats should start arriving at Mackinac Island on Sunday afternoon.
Despite wildfire smoke also affecting air quality along the racecourse and adding another obstacle, the race sailed off as scheduled.
102nd Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race
Where: The race begins on Lake Huron, just north of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron
When: The race starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Boats should start arriving at Mackinac Island on Sunday afternoon and continue to arrive through Monday night, depending on the wind.
Did you know? The race is one of the longest consecutively run long-distance freshwater races in the country.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: 30 boats drop out of Mackinac race due to harsh winds, waves
Reporting by The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
