Tale of two rescues

by Craig Warner
The Great Lakes, specifically Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, host two iconic offshore races: The Chicago and Bayview Race to Mackinac Island. No doubt many an ocean offshore racer scoffs at these freshwater races, but as countless MAC crewmembers will tell you, the Lakes are very capable of whipping up weather conditions that will challenge any racing boat and crew.

In two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, each one of these races experienced harrowing man overboard events. Thank God both ended in successful rescues. These events shared some commonalities and some significant differences. This safety article will explore the differences between the two rescues and how proper preparation for an on-the-water emergency can significantly reduce the risk of a potential fatality. – Full report