Respect.

Il Mostro skipper Kenny Reed interviewed about the Chicago to Mackinac race ...

LOC: What do you remember about the Mac?

KR: I always tell people that after sailing around the world 2 1/3 times, that the windiest conditions I have ever sailed in was about 5 hours after the start of the Chicago Mac! I believe we saw 65 knots on the wind speed dial. I remember a really black cloud coming at us on Renegade and Wally Cross asking me if I wanted to drive. I said "sure what the heck" but the next thing I know we are careening downwind with a full main and no jib in 50 knots of wind.

I still recall one of the guys sitting next to me saying how there was a really big puff coming. I thought to myself, how much bigger can this puff be? Next thing I remember its blowing 65 and the boat is fully out of control. We kept the boat under the mast though and I believe that squall broke about four spars in the fleet and countless blown out sails. Pretty wild! I have great respect for that place.


At this time, Il Mostro has a significant lead over WINDQUEST as the boats are doing battle up "Big Blue." Beat to quarters here.