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Chicago-Mackinac Race 2002 Aboard the Yacht Olympian, July 20-21, 2002
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| After a couple years' sabbatical, I returned to
race in the famous Chicago to Mackinac Island race this year aboard Ted
Purtell's fabulous Olympian. This P-class boat was built in 1913
and actually won the Mac in the same year it was built. The race was
a lot of fun and Ted put together a great crew. We unfortunately did
not finish the race due to technical problems aboard the yacht, limping
into Charlevoix harbor late Sunday night. This is the first time the
boat has been on a long-distance race in many years and there are a few
kinks to work out. But Ted appears bound and determined to bring the
boat up to modern racing standards and race again in the future.
The wind was quite good all day Sunday, the course was loose enough that we were not heeled over badly.
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I did not take too many pics on the race, but there are a few shots to give you a feel for the race. The Mac can be quite grueling, it is 333 miles and typically takes more than 2 full days to complete. The Olympian is a handfull to sail, especially for the helmsman. The extremely large sailplan also makes for hairy tacking and gybing. We were constantly being called from the off-watches to assist in maneuvering, this contributed to a lack of sleep for all of us.
Doug Schelwat
Thanks to Doug for inviting me along on the race, and to Ted for being a great skipper and taking good care of all of us! | ||
