CROSSING THE LINE
deal with the hand that Mother Nature deals them.
“Plans always go out the window to some extent,” O’Neill says. “You have to go to
Plan B, which is sail the conditions that you’re in and execute your maneuvers better than your competition. Sometimes that’s the difference and that helps you win the race.”
During the race, crew members are separated into two groups. One group is “on watch,” meaning on deck, while the other group is “off watch” below deck resting. However, if the boat needs to make a difficult maneuver — or if a thunder storm, high winds, high waves or other conditions develop on the lake that can toss a boat to and fro — it’s all hands-on deck. Then, the offwatch group joins those crew members who are already on-watch.
Both O’Neill and Graham have experienced their share of all of the above, but as Graham points out, “You’re so busy keeping the boat going and being safe, you don’t have time to be scared. That’s part of the teamwork.”
The finish
While Mother Nature does present challenges for crew members, it also gives them a front-row seat for some of her most breathtaking sights at night, such as the Northern Lights, shooting stars and constellations.
But the most satisfying sight is the end of the race: finishing in the Round Island Channel off Mackinac Island, Michigan.
“The Mackinac Bridge is about five miles from the finish,” O’Neill notes. “Even if you’re really tired, you get your second wind after you’ve crossed the line.”
Since Graham, Shawn O’Neill and Jerry O’Neill have each completed at least 25 Chicago-toMackinac races, they are considered “old goats” or “island goats” and are members of the Island Goat Sailing Society. The society had grown to around 390 members as of 2019.
This unique camaraderie, combined with the sense of accomplishment finishing the race, is what keeps O’Neill and Graham coming back year after year.
“I really like the people we race with,” O’Neill says. “We really enjoy the company of our teammates and friends. No two races are the same.”
“I love the Mac race,” Graham adds. “I love sailing, but it’s the people. It’s a wonderful thing to do with a group of good friends who enjoy what you enjoy.”