Matt Gallagher to serve as chairman of 106th, 107th Races to Mackinac

by Rachelle Treiber on 6 Nov 2013 The Chicago Yacht Club has appointed Matt Gallagher to be chairman of the 106th and 107th Chicago Yacht Club Races to Mackinac. In keeping with tradition, the announcement of the changeover was made at the Mac Awards Ceremony on November 2.

Outgoing chair of the 104th and 105th races, Lou Sandoval, introduced Mr. Gallagher at the completion of the awards ceremony that was attended by nearly 400 skippers, crew, other members of the sailing community, Chicago Yacht Club officers and honored guests.

Mr. Gallagher previously served as a vice chairman of the 104th and 105th runnings of the Race. He led the race’s social media and communications teams, as well as producing and writing the Safety Thursday series which highlighted safety topics for offshore sailors. He is a member of Chicago Yacht Club and has served on the Mac Committee for the past three years. Mr. Gallagher and his wife, Emily, entered their boat Endeavour, in the Race’s cruising division for the 103rd, 104th and 105th Races. Mr. Gallagher also serves on the Chicago Yacht Club’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Gallagher commented on the transition. 'I have a big pair of shoes to fill. Lou did a tremendous job leading our signature event, and I hope to continue in that tradition. The Mac is the high point of the summer for my family and me, and I look forward to the opportunity I’ve been given to share this with my friends and fellow competitors. The volunteers on the Mac Committee have a lot of experience and talent; with that type of support, I know we will be able to produce another safe, challenging and fun race for everyone.'

The 106th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac will take place on July 19, 2014, with the cruising division starting on July 18. Participation in the 333 statute mile race from Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac Island, Mich. is by invitation only. Chicago Yacht Club looks forward to staging a memorable sailing race for skippers and crews. Should you have any questions about participating in the 106th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, please contact the Chicago Yacht Club, Race Coordinator at 312.861.7777, ext. 4956 or at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org, or visit the race’s website at CYC Race to Mackinac.