New team race challenge trophy announced for the 2019 Race to Mackinac

110th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac © Matt Knighton

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust is excited to unveil its inaugural team race trophy: The Point Betsie Trophy. The Storm Trysail Club sponsors this new way to compete in the Race to Mackinac.

The winners of the Point Betsie Trophy will be in good company; similar trophies are being awarded in the 2019 Transpac and Transatlantic Races, and Block Island Race Week. The Newport Bermuda Race also has a similar team competition.

In order to compete, teams of three monohull boats will join together to race against other three-boat teams. The team of boats with the best combined percentage placement in their divisions will prevail. To be eligible, teams must be formed from boats racing in at least two of the three monohull divisions and may have no more than one cruising division boat. Additionally, a boat may only participate on one team.

"We have long recognized the Chicago-Mac Race as a proving ground for offshore sailors -- debunking the myth that a sailor's worth is measured in salt." says A.J. Evans, Commodore of the Storm Trysail Club. "There's a sense of community among those who share such offshore experiences, and we hope this competition will help extend that fellowship from boats to teams."

"During a Mac, every boat is very focused on its own performance, and that of competitors in its section," said Race Chair Sarah Renz. "We hope that the Point Betsie Trophy will give our racers an excuse for heightened camaraderie across divisions with new and old friends, high school and college teammates, or yacht club members on an offshore race platform."

To enter, a team must complete the entry form, available under Race Documents on the CYCRTM website and return it to the Regatta Manager by June 15. As a reminder, no boat may enter as part of more than one team, therefore it's a good idea to talk with your fellow competitors and club members now and form your team as soon as possible.

About the Point Betsie Trophy

This trophy was first awarded during the 100th running of the Race to Mackinac. It has since served as the Yacht Club Challenge Trophy and now makes the natural transition to recognize the new team challenge. It is named after Michigan's Point Betsie, often the first piece of land seen by racers after they head across Lake Michigan.