Yacht race didn't draw as many tourists

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., July 26 (UPI) -- The 98th annual sailing race brought boats from Chicago to Michigan's Mackinac Island last weekend, but not as many tourists.

"You expect the crowds to go over and watch them come in," Tom Pfeiffelmann, of the Star Line Ferry, told the Traverse City (Mich.) Record Eagle. "This year, it just hasn't produced the crowds."

Pfeiffelmann said the resort island was packed as usual over the Fourth of July weekend but crowds have been sparse since the holiday. The number of vehicles using the Mackinac Bridge is down 2 percent from this time last July.

Mackinac Island is Michigan's No. 1 tourist destination.

Some business owners that depend on tourism blame high gasoline prices and Michigan's slow economy for the drop off in summer traffic.