113th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac registration now open
by Laura Muma 5 Mar 2022 13:06 AEDT
From July 22, 2022
2019 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Start © Ellinor Walters Photography
Despite the ice blanketing Lake Michigan's shoreline, sailors eye a sure sign of summer ahead: the 2022 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac (CYCRTM) presented by Wintrust is now open for entries.
Just three days in, more than 150 boats have registered for the 113th edition of this premier event that begins July 23 (July 22 for cruising division). The race, known as America's Offshore Challenge™ begins in front of Chicago's magnificent skyline and finishes 289 nautical miles north on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, at Michigan's iconic Mackinac Island.
CYCRTM Chair Sam Veilleux looks forward to welcoming sailors from all over the world to Chicago. "Whether it's your 50th or your first, the Race to Mackinac always delivers an experience to remember," Veilleux says. "Our team has been hard at work, and we're thrilled to announce the return of many race favorites - and exciting new updates for 2022."
One element sure to please competitors is the return of docking at the Mackinac Island State Harbor - the prime finishing location for the fleet to enjoy post-race celebrations. Rafting has returned for 2022, but in order to secure a slip or rafting assignment, competitors need to register - and pay the entry fee. As in past years, the Race will utilize both St. Ignace and Mackinac City harbors for overflow docking.
This year, Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island will host the ever-popular Sailor Celebration and Awards Tuesday afternoon, July 26, on its Great Lawn. The resort offers a spectacular family-friendly environment, just a short walk or carriage ride from downtown and the Harbor.
The Grand Hotel will once again host the famed Sunday evening Porch Party, a CYCRTM favorite for the significant others who arrive on the island early to await their friends and family competing in the Mac.
"In addition to our Presenting Sponsor, Wintrust, and returning sponsors Mt. Gay Rum and Team One Newport, we are proud to announce Evolution Sails as Official Sail Manufacturer, and Crowley's Yacht Yard as Official Safety Sponsor of the 113th race," Veilleux says.
"Crowley's will be providing discounts on safety equipment, including AIS MOB devices and complete crew safety packages to all race participants and will be assisting in our educational efforts throughout the year. Check out their Mac Safety Gear page for specials, and be sure to use the code MACRACER for additional discounts at checkout."
A helpful new resource created by the Mac committee, So You Want to do the Race to Mackinac, offers tips and answers frequent questions for first-time registrants from learning how to request an invitation, preparing the boat and crew with the latest safety requirements, and more.
Visit the CYCRTM website for key documents such as the Notice of Race and Chicago Mackinac Safety Requirements.