My first Chicago Mac Race we were hit with 50 knot winds on the first night out, just off the coast of lower Wisconsin. We had a jib tear, rendering it useless. (We mended by hand the next morning). It was a scary night of heavy squalls on Lake Michigan for my first Mac. Lightning filled the sky and several boats did not finish. I was in the T-Ten class, a 33 foot (10 Meter) one-design boat, one of the most competitive classes on Lake Michigan.
I was a bit scared, but had to suck it up. Falling overboard was not even a thought, although I carried on me all of the required equipment.
This harrowing story tells a great teaching story, as well as inspiration for those of us who head out on water. I’m glad the story ended happily.
The year after I moved to Florida from Chicago there were two on the water deaths in my former fleet. One was a heart attack, the other a crew member was knocked overboard when the boom hit him in the head.
I loved racing until I could no longer keep my equilibrium. Retiring from sailing is one of the most heartbreaking that’s ever happened to me.
Thanks for this story of survival and I’m happy you’re alive to tell the tale!
Margaret: Thank you for sharing your incredible race story. The detail sounds terrifying. I love writing about sailing. These are the stories too few people know or hear. Sailors are simply amazing.
My first Chicago Mac Race we were hit with 50 knot winds on the first night out, just off the coast of lower Wisconsin. We had a jib tear, rendering it useless. (We mended by hand the next morning). It was a scary night of heavy squalls on Lake Michigan for my first Mac. Lightning filled the sky and several boats did not finish. I was in the T-Ten class, a 33 foot (10 Meter) one-design boat, one of the most competitive classes on Lake Michigan.
I was a bit scared, but had to suck it up. Falling overboard was not even a thought, although I carried on me all of the required equipment.
This harrowing story tells a great teaching story, as well as inspiration for those of us who head out on water. I’m glad the story ended happily.
The year after I moved to Florida from Chicago there were two on the water deaths in my former fleet. One was a heart attack, the other a crew member was knocked overboard when the boom hit him in the head.
I loved racing until I could no longer keep my equilibrium. Retiring from sailing is one of the most heartbreaking that’s ever happened to me.
Thanks for this story of survival and I’m happy you’re alive to tell the tale!
Margaret: Thank you for sharing your incredible race story. The detail sounds terrifying. I love writing about sailing. These are the stories too few people know or hear. Sailors are simply amazing.
What a vivid, gripping narrative -- a well-told drama. Kudos on capturing the tension, emotions and skills, Phoebe. You've still got it!
Dear Alan, Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave such a great note. I appreciate you. xo
Harrowing tale, told by a master of the craft!
Thank you for reading and offering feedback, Barry. I love capturing the drama (and brutality) of sailboat racing. More incredible stories to come.
A fantastic story and very well written, Phoebe. John Hoskins is related to my wife and the kind of man you would expect to do this.
Oh my! Riveting account of this racing incident that thankfully had a happy ending!
Oh my god. The rescue story is chilling. The importance of those MOB devices is critical!