Mac report, Transpac and the LVC—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 17 Jul 2013 If 'hot' racing is your thing, the 2013 edition of the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac was your race. The fleet was as impressive as ever, and the city’s beautiful skyline made for a dramatic backdrop for the start, but, unfortunately, 'hot' was a dominant descriptor issued by all racers…hot as in temperatures and hot as in no relief from the lovely breezes that typically characterize this classic freshwater distance race. According to reports, most boats suffered slow passages, with more than a few boats running low (or out) of victuals by the time they ghosted across the finishing line.

'Despite all of the preparation and planning, the weather has the last say,' said Lou Sandoval, skipper of the Beneteau 36.7 'Karma'. 'In the spirit of competition, the variety of weather conditions is what makes the Mac special.'

Other sailors were less optimistic, or perhaps just less worried about accruing good Karma with the racecourse gods. 'Does anybody need a 7PM reservation to the Iroquois?' queried a crewmember aboard Tom and Joe Londrigan’s J/109, 'Realt Na Mara'. 'Don't think we'll be there in time.'

According to numerous Mac veterans and 'Old Goats' alike, 2013 was one of the slowest and stickiest editions of this beloved race in recent memory, but there’s no doubt that the on-the-water suffering made the parties and the good times on beautiful Mackinac Island all the sweeter. Get the full scoop, including some great image galleries, inside.

Meanwhile, this year’s Transpac Race is now fully underway, with all classes sailing towards Hawaii. Unfortunately for the crew of the Gunboat 66, 'Phaedo', their race ended early due to a dismasting. 'Phaedo' dismasted in location 28 58.247N 130 09.576W,' reported the crew. 'At the time of the dismasting we were sailing under A4 at around 16 knots. Everyone onboard is fine, we have secured the boat, [and we are] cutting away the mast and section of the boom, and are now heading towards the L.A. area under engine.' Unfortunately for the 'Phaedo' crew, they do not have enough of a mast stump to jury rig, nor do they have enough fuel to motor back to LA without assistance, so their new plan involves a resupply.

Elsewhere in the fleet, other crews have been dodging all sorts of potentially dangerous debris, from floating telephone poles to chunks of construction materials to logs. Plenty of boats have suffered close calls (and a few took direct hits), but that’s certainly not stopping the sailors from pressing hard against their competition. Check out the Transpac reports, inside, and stay tuned to the website for the latest news from this 2,225-mile offshore classic.

And in Louis Vuitton Cup (LVC) circles, both Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) each recently sailed a set of solo, unopposed laps around the racecourse as Artemis Racing is still sailing their second-generation boat. These races were certainly not as engaging as last Saturday’s two-boat line-up that saw ETNZ crush Luna Rossa by a staggering delta of five minutes and twenty-three seconds, but that certainly didn’t stop the crews from using this opportunity to refine their maneuvers and their straight-line speed.

And speaking of Artemis Racing, the team has reported that they have now completed the comprehensive structural testing on their new AC72 platform, which they hope to sail in the near future. 'The mood in the shed is one of excitement in anticipation of being able to go sailing in a matter of days,' reported the Swedish-flagged team, who has been working long hours since their May 9 capsize. 'Artemis Racing is eagerly looking forward to getting back out on the water and joining the competition.'

Get the latest LVC media blast, inside, and stay tuned to the website for the latest Cup-related news, as it unfurls.

Also inside, be sure to get the latest news from the Bacardi Newport Sailing Week, the Coutts Quarter Ton Cup, the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge and the Opti Worlds. Enjoy!

May the four winds blow you safely home,