CHARLEVOIX, Mich. – A report has found that a sailboat that capsized in a storm during the annual race from Chicago to Mackinac Island was not suited for the competition because its sails were too big for its weight.
Two crew members were killed when the WingNuts boat overturned in Lake Michigan on July 18 off the northwest Michigan coast. A competing vessel rescued the six other crew members.
The U.S. Sailing report criticized the design of the boat, saying its sail area was too large for its weight under the conditions of the competition. It called the boat "highly inappropriate" for the long race and in an area known for violent thunderstorms.
Organizers say 355 boats and roughly 3,500 crew members took part in the annual race.
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US Sailing report: http://j.mp/uRTZBa
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