Police continue search for Chicago-to-Mackinac racer
Chicago Police Department marine units continued surface searches on Lake Michigan Wednesday for 53-year-old Jon Santarelli, who was knocked overboard Saturday when the vessel he was on hit a wave early in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac.
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search at sunset Saturday but stands ready to assist Chicago police if Santarelli's body is found, officials said.
The Lincoln Park neighborhood resident had more than 10 years of experience in sailing and was familiar with the risks and dangers, his friend Matt Knighton told the Daily Herald Sunday.
According to his LinkedIn page, Santarelli spent the last 19 years as a project leader at Lisle-based Molex Inc.
Molex officials declined to comment Wednesday, while representatives of the Chicago Yacht Club did not immediately respond to requests for comment.