More than 70 vessels are taking part in this year's annual Canadian Club Invitational Yacht Race on Lake St. Clair.
The race starts 7pm Friday evening but continues Saturday.
Canadian and American boat crews set sail off east of Peche Island Friday. The finish line is just in front of the Windsor Yacht Club. They are expected to arrive Saturday morning.
"This race is a true test of navigational skills," says Race Chairman, Richard Janisse. "Crews must work seamlessly together, read every change in wind direction and execute their tactical game plan. It takes some serious talent to win."
There are 11 classes, and any yacht can win the race.
There are two courses: a long one where crews head to the middle of Lake St. Clair and then to Huron Point near Metropolitan Beach Park, and a shorter 25.8 nautical-mile course for smaller boats.
The race has its stories. In 2011, the crew aboard the Private Idaho took part in a dramatic rescue of another sailor during stormy weather. The Michigan man was hurled off his catamaran by the strong winds and was plucked from the waters near the Thames River.
The winning crew and the second and third place winners will be recognized at an awards banquet on October 31 at the Windsor Yacht Club.