I'm pretty sure most Midwesterners have noticed it's been windier this year than in some years past. Imagine being out on Lake Michigan in a small sailboat. Here's some video of the Mac in 2023.
Normally, any sailor with common sense would stay in port during these conditions. In 1968 I shipped on as dead weight (non-essential crew member) when the family of a high school friend entered the race. No where near as rough that year. They had a 27 ft. Catalina similar to this one.
I like boats and sailing, but I passed on future invitations to go along, as a full crew member. It was fun, but just one of those things you only do once (unless you are a diehard sailor like my friend was).
