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Yacht sinks during stormy sailing race across Lake Michigan

Posted at 9:54 AM, Jul 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-26 09:54:51-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A 48-foot yacht sank in a storm while competing in the annual Chicago to Mackinac Island race across Lake Michigan.

Chicago Yacht Club spokeswoman Morgan Kinney says the WhoDo yacht’s crew reported it was taking on water Sunday afternoon after the rudder shaft broke between the hull and the deck. The Grand Rapids Press reports that crew members boarded a life raft and were pulled from the water by the crew of another boat.

Kinney says none of the crew members requested medical attention and all were reported in good condition.

She says conditions this year “have definitely been trying.” She says boats have suffered “a lot of wear and tear.”

Nineteen of the 326 boats entered withdrew from the 333-mile race, which wrapped up yesterday.