The crews of more than 350 yachts have set sail in this year's Chicago-to-Mackinac Island race, a Lake Michigan tradition that's more than a century old.
Teams will sail throughout the day and overnight into Sunday on the 333 statute-mile course.
Last year's race was marred by the deaths of two crew members when their Kiwi 35-foot sport boat capsized during a storm.
An investigation by the governing body U.S. Sailing found the vessel's sails were too large for its weight under the conditions of a long overnight competition in an area known to have frequent violent thunderstorms.
Saturday's forecast called for sunny skies and modest south-southwest winds.
Beginning in 1898, Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. It takes about 24 hours to complete.
Thursday, May 23 2013 3:22 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:22:35 GMT
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 3:03 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:03:12 GMT
BREAKING UPDATE: The jury reached a verdict in the Donald Trump condo trial on Thursday afternoon. The verdict will be read at 2:15 p.m. and the Dirksen Federal Building.
BREAKING UPDATE: The jury reached a verdict in the Donald Trump condo trial on Thursday afternoon. The verdict will be read at 2:15 p.m. and the Dirksen Federal Building.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:22:23 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:18:06 GMT
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:15 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:15:44 GMT
Antwone Price had just moved into a new house in the south suburbs, and he was talking about finally marrying the woman he'd been with for several years — the woman with whom he shared a baby girl.
Antwone Price had just moved into a new house in the south suburbs, and he was talking about finally marrying the woman he'd been with for several years — the woman with whom he shared a baby girl.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:07:37 GMT
A 25-year-old man has been cited for driving the wrong way on the Chicago Skyway after a head-on crash with a pickup truck Thursday morning that sent four people to hospitals.
A 25-year-old man has been cited for driving the wrong way on the Chicago Skyway after a head-on crash with a pickup truck Thursday morning that sent four people to hospitals.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:00:59 GMT
Mayor Emanuel spoke out for the first time since Chicago's historic school vote on Thursday, in a one-on-one interview with FOX 32 Political Editor Mike Flannery. The district voted to close 50 schools.
Mayor Emanuel spoke out for the first time since Chicago's historic school vote on Thursday, in a one-on-one interview with FOX 32 Political Editor Mike Flannery. The district voted to close 50 schools.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:16 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:16:31 GMT
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
(BrentOzar/Flickr)
