Boat race in bad weather - GIF

[Toolmaker51]

Clearly more money than sense.

Perhaps, but 7 miles is child's play.
The real version is Long Beach CA to Catalina Island, one leg at about 26 miles. There is one class that continues around the island and back, talk about endurance.
Why?
It's with a skier in tow. . .
https://www.catalinaskirace.net/ceremony/

I've had the pleasure of viewing it while on the water, watching greats of the Southern California automotive performance, or wealthy industrialists like Vic Edelbrock, Bob Nordskog, and many representing Keith Black, to name a few.
I'm positive Donald Joel Aronow, greatest offshore powerboat hull designer of all, smiles down with pride at every such event, worldwide.