Outrageous Wins Fourth of July Around-the-Island Sailing Race

A Tawas Bay boat beat eight competitors in this year's Around-the-Island Fourth of July Regatta Sunday, July 2, sponsored by the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. Outrageous, skippered by Leonard Field of East Tawas, led the fleet in one hour, 18 minutes, beating last year's winner by 27 minutes.

Nine boats began at the east breakwall and sailed a full circle around the Island to the finish in the 10-mile race. Only one boat did not finish the race in the three-hour time limit.

"It was a perfect day to sail around the Island," said coordinator David Rowe.

He said the race favors those who know the local wind patterns and the right distance to be off shore.

The award for second place went to Phil Rubright's Novation, which crossed the finish line in one hour, 22 minutes. Mr. Rubright is from Berkley. Third place went to Mike Overton's boat, Sail La Vie, of Grosse Pointe, which finished in one hour, 24 minutes.

Other finishers were Jerry Archer of Mackinaw City, Legend, 1:32; Mark Dybdal of Saline, Logrammar, 1:45; Brent Murphy of Savannah, Georgia, Killarney; David Rowe of Flushing, Wild Honey; and Doug Yoder of Cedarville, Wings. Mark Chambers of Mackinac Island, Windermere, failed to finish within three hours.

The race was followed by an awards ceremony at the Pink Pony, which sponsors the race with the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. Plaques were awarded to all participants and awards were given to the top five finishers.