Mackinac awards dinner announcement

by Greg Freeman on 28 Sep 2011 Dear Skippers, Sailors, Family and Friends of the Mackinac Race:

You are all cordially invited to attend the 2011 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Awards Dinner – A Celebration of Our Community. The dinner will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago. The dinner is hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. Cost per person is $82.00. Cocktails are at 6:00 PM, Dinner and Program at 7:00 PM and the After Party on the Island will begin at approximately 10:00 PM.

Who should attend? Everyone is welcome and if you are a part of our community, you should be there. If you are a racer or family or friend of a racer, you should be there. If you’re a 'wanna be' racer, please join us. On the Mac, Race, or Sponsorship Committees? Please be with us at this wonderful evening. Are you a Power Boater who provided support at the start or hosted our sponsors or helped out on the Island? We encourage you to attend. Are you an Island Goat or Double Goat or do you just smell like a goat? Come on down, we’re going to celebrate you this night. If you you’re a Sponsor, or Supporter – please attend.

Do you live on Mackinac Island – it’s a long drive but we’d love to have you join. If you’re an Island merchant, Hotelier, Bar Owner, Carriage Driver or Ferry Captain, make a weekend of it in Chicago and join us. If you’re a Trustee or Officer of the Foundation or an Officer or Director of the Chicago Yacht Club, please join us. Were you a Judge for the race? Please attend. Did you write an article for the Blinker, Volunteer at Family Night, or sell merchandise in the tent in Chicago or on the Island? Come and enjoy an evening of good cheer and celebrate all that is the Mac Race and all that makes this so much more than just a boat race.

Of course, we’ll be awarding the keeper trophies for the 2011 race. But we will also have a special honor at the dinner this year. As you all know, this was a most extraordinary year and one we will not soon forget. The crew of the yacht Sociable has been nominated for the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal. They will be with us and they will be receiving the Hanson Medal, presented to them by US Sailing, at the dinner. Please join us as we thank them for the outstanding work they did this year.

As you can see, this will be an amazing evening of celebration and sharing of all that is 'The Mac.' I really hope you can join us. Click on this link or paste it into your browser: http://bit.ly/qpAKpt or call CYC’s Front Desk, (312) 861-7777 to make reservations and with any questions.

'The race of the season, the adventure of a lifetime, a destination like no other.'

2011 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Awards Dinner Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When is the dinner? Saturday, November 5, 2011

2. Can I invite my crew and other guests? Absolutely. But please, no children under 12 and no infants. We encourage you to make reservations as soon as possible as space is limited.

3. How do I make reservations? Call the Chicago Yacht Club Front Desk at 312-861-7777 or click on/cut and paste this link into your browser - http://bit.ly/qpAKpt CYC members may use their member charge. All other dinner guests must pay with a Visa or MasterCard. (Sorry no other cards and no checks.)

4. What is the reservation deadline? November 1, 2011

5. Can I cancel or modify my reservation? Yes, but you must do so before 5:00 PM on November 3, 2011.

6. Where is the Hyatt located? In downtown Chicago, at 151 East Wacker Drive. Just east of Michigan Avenue and on the south side of the Chicago River. (About four blocks from Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Station)

7. Where do I park? The Hyatt offers discounted valet parking for dinner guests (tickets available at the dinner) at $28.00. There is also parking in the Hyatt off of Lower Wacker Drive and parking in the Grant Park/Millennium Park Underground Lot (best value) – enter on Columbus Drive between Monroe and Randolph Streets. The Hyatt is a short walk away.

8. What’s the dress code? Most men wear a jacket and tie; most women prefer a dress or other appropriate outfit. Your standard sailing gear is not what you want to wear.

9. I’m a vegetarian/I have special dietary needs? There is a vegetarian meal available. If you have other special needs, please let us know when you make reservations and we’ll work with you to accommodate.

10. What about drinks? Is there an open bar? Unfortunately, no open bar, but there will be plenty of cocktails and wine available before, during and after the dinner.

11. What happens after dinner? This year we are once again going to have an After Party at the Hyatt 'On the Island' in Bistro 151 in the East Tower. Cash Bar. Stay and party with your fellow sailors. Please – no one goes into the water this year!

12. I want to sit with my crew – can we do this? Yes, however we strongly recommend that you have one person from your boat make a single reservation for your party.

13. I placed in this year’s race. Will I receive a trophy at this event? If you are the Invited Competitor in the race, you placed in the race and you make a dinner reservation, you will receive your trophy at the dinner.

14. I didn’t place in this year’s race? Can I still attend? Of course, we’d love to have you join us!

15. Will the Hyatt offer a special room rate for dinner guests? Yes, the Hyatt Regency is offering a room rate of $199.00 per night. Make your reservations by calling 1-800-233-1234 and refer to 'Chicago Yacht Club Room Block.' Space is limited so please reserve ASAP but no later than October 19, 2011.

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac website