Lake Michigan question

[Lakewood]

Thank you hugh3 and garbear! This armchair captain didn't know (until now) that boats sometimes hug the Michigan shore because of weather too. Shows the value of having experienced sailors on here to help us non-experienced boatnerds. :)

[garbear]

The weather on Lake Michigan is sort of a hodgepodge today, but winds showing SE, so that's why my home away from home in the 70s, the Clarke, would be down bound on the Michigan side of the Lake.

[hugh3]

Vessels south bound on the east side of the lake are usually avoiding weather.

[Lakewood]

I see the Clarke hugging the Michigan shore sailing south on Lake Michigan this morning. In the recent past, I've seen other boats following the same course. Usually boats take a course more in the middle of Lake Michigan (shortest route) or hugging the west coast (taking advantage of the lee shore for a safer, smoother trip in less than ideal conditions). I'm thinking there must be an advantage to hugging the Michigan coast that I'm not seeing. Could someone more knowledgeable enlighten this armchair captain? Thank you in advance.