Are you MacMan enough? Join us for the 2010 MacMan Challenge

by Kimberley Wahamaa on 29 Jan 2010 This year the race will start the Thursday, July 22nd following the Bayview to Mackinac Island Race. This timing will allow those who participate in that classic to compete the 'Lake Huron Grand Slam.' This is what the three race series is being called. On Wednesday after the Bayview Mackinac Race, the Mackinac Island Yacht Club will stage their 'Round the Island Race.' Those hearty sailors who wish to enter all three races (The Round the Island Race and both legs of the MacMan) will join the fleet of resident North Channel and Mackinac area boats who race the 'Round the island Race' and the 'MacMan Challenge.'

'The Round the Island Race' that circumnavigates Mackinac island is a great short distance event of approximately nine (9) miles that tours the perimeter of the Island and ends with a bar-b-que. This bar-b-que morphs into the cocktail party and registration for the MacMan, which has become a great party where the skippers get to introduce their crews and everyone gets to enjoy liquid refreshments and the barbs thrown by their competitors.

Thursday finds the MacMan fleet starting off the Mackinac Island harbor, heading East to the False Detour Passage, and then heads North into the North Channel. They then turn East and head to Gore Bay where the first 94 mile leg finishes. They are greeted in Gore Bay by a beautiful harbor where the Town is celebrating their yearly festival. The sailors will enjoy a great fish dinner and live music before retiring and preparing for the second leg. Saturday morning after a sailors' breakfast, the fleet starts the last leg a 28 mile sprint to Little Current, where the race ends and the serious fun begins. There is a steak dinner, live music, a silent auction that benefits Youth Sailing, and of course the awards.

The best part of the festivities is that you will be in the heart of the North Channel designated as one of the top three cruising grounds in the world. You can enjoy relaxing in the pristine waters and bays, learn more about the First Nation traditions, or just explore Manitoulin's great ports. You can join the festivities by going to www. LCYC. ca and then follow the MacMan links to the entry form.