Among them is 71yearold sailor Rich Stearns, a veteran of more than 50 of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac events, who says this year's competition carries a deeper purpose.
Stearns spent the afternoon Thursday checking weather conditions and making final preparations aboard his boat.
After decades of racing, he says the routine is familiar, but the past 10 years have brought challenges far beyond lastminute details.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer about a decade ago, Stearns has undergone years of treatment. He and his wife turned to working on his boat as a way to stay grounded.
"A lot of people when they get cancer think, 'I'm gonna die. It's over. Give up.' Look, it's a beautiful day out, and I'm here. I woke up this morning. Life is good," he said.
Stearns, who began racing sailboats at age 7, believes his cancer is under control and is now focused on encouraging men to get regular checkups.
"Nobody wants to talk about it. Women talk about breast cancer all the time but men can't seem to talk about this," he said.
Rush University Hospital, where Stearns received treatment, issued a statement saying in part, "Richard Stearns is a proud example of people not only thriving after a cancer diagnosis but using their experience to raise awareness and support other patients and families."
Stearns hopes to start that conversation within the community he knows best.
"I think that's the goal to begin with is get it out there in the sailing community at least. It's a big community."
To find out more about the cause, visit give.rush.edu.
The first racers are expected to reach Mackinac Island early Monday morning, depending on wind conditions.