Oakcliff OC86 wins Line Honors in Chicago Mac
by Oakcliff Sailing 23 Jul 2021 18:21 NZST
Chicago to Mackinac Island Race © Oakcliff Sailing
Oakcliff christened it's new 86 foot maxi yacht, OC 86, in the 112th Chicago to Mackinac Island Race. The race began upwind in 15 knots of breeze. The OC 86 team opted for a conservative start letting the other boats in their division, the ultra-competitive TP52s, duke it out on the boat end of the start line.
After that, it was full speed ahead to the front of the fleet. One by one, they reeled in the boats that started earlier until they were punched out in front of the fleet. It was smooth sailing through the night until the breeze shut off the early morning hours. The three high pressure systems formed a wall of no wind that our team reached first. While it was painful to watch the fleet catch up the boat is still very impressive. When the wind was only four knots, the boat could reach up to twice that in boat speed thanks to the 119 foot rig that was able to find the breeze aloft. The team finished about 48 hours after the start, snagging line honors for the racing fleet that started on Saturday, and beating most of the cruisers who started on Friday too.
After arriving on the island, the team dispersed to enjoy its many offerings. Some posted up at the local sailor's dive, the Pink Pony. Others rented bikes and rode around the nine miles circumference island. Some taste tested the famous fudge and ice cream shops while the rest just enjoyed the magic of an island where there are only horse-drawn carriages and bicycles, no cars.
If you are local to Port Huron or find yourself on the Island, please do come over and see the boat and meet the sailors. Our trainees can share their unique Oakcliff experiences.
See the full results here...