With that timing, Epstein recognized an opportunity to compete in Sydney Hobart, one of the world’s classic yacht races. Shipping the boat home to California could wait.

The course. Bayview Yacht Club says boats start leaving the Black River in Port Huron around 8 a.m. on race day and will continue leaving until around noon.

Organizers said Friday that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements.