You can still do that in this part of the world, Mary - but the drives have gotten longer.

I used to draw the line at 5 hours (300+ miles) for a weekend event. From Detroit, that will get you to Traverse City (north), Chicago (west), Toronto/Buffalo (east) and Cincinatti (south).

I routinely stretch that limit now - Kingston / Rochester is 6+ hours (depends on border traffic). Madcatter is 7 hours (420 miles).

Occasionally, I'll do something (stupid) that really stretches the limit:
Hobie MWE - 1,025 miles, 15+ hours (Panama City - Tampa was 1,237 miles)
Wildwood, NJ - 13+ hours
Statue Race - 11 hours
Rhode Island Classic - 15 hours

Last year, I did 6 two-day regattas, 3 North Americans (Hobie 14, 16 and 17), two distance races (Statue and Red Fox (2 day)) at least 3 fleet fun sails (1 day) and the US Sailing Championship of Champions. 15 events total.

This year, I've got 18 events on the schedule, including 3 NAs (Tornado (RC), Hobie 14, Hobie 17/18 (RC)). Doesn't count any fleet stuff that I might squeeze in.