Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race organizers debate safety rules
After two Saginaw sailors died when their boat WingNuts capsized in last summer's Chicago to Mackinac race, the debate for race planners this year has been all about determining a boat's stability index -- the point of no return where a boat is knocked so far over, it continues to roll into capsize instead of righting itself.
The Lake Huron and Lake Michigan race sponsors went in opposite directions with their ultimate solutions. Bayview Yacht Club isn't establishing a hard-and-fast rule, and instead it will make a decision on a boat-by-boat basis for the Lake Huron race.
The Chicago Yacht Club decided its race is a Category 3, which requires boats to have a stability index of 103, said Lou Sandoval, chairman of the this year's Race to Mackinac. The 103 rating knocked a half-dozen boats out of the race -- two J-29s, two J-30s, an Antrim 27 and a Mirador 338.
Sandoval said the Chicago race is probably between a Category 2 and Category 3, with Category 3 the most appropriate measure.
5:30 pm, Biloxi Yacht Club, 408 Beach Blvd. Details: 435-6339. Scrabble Tournament and Luncheon: The Long Beach Lodge is hosting its inaugural tournament.
