 An experienced Chicago sailor Donald Wilson captained the yacht, chartering it from a Florida businessman for both the Port Huron and Chicago to Mackinac races.The same yacht previously competed in the 74th running of the Port Huron regatta (1998) but was unable to complete the race after the mast broke off near Alpena, Michigan.The yacht was again dismasted mid-race in heavy winds while leading a rival multihull yacht "Earth Voyager", which then went on to finish the race in record time.