CYC Race to Mackinac Monday morning update
by Chicago Yacht Club 15 Jul 2024 08:21 PDT
July 15, 2024
After Sunday's excitement with Maverick breaking the 22-year race record by more than an hour, the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust has seen a steady pace of finishers. This year's Race has been one of the fastest in years and race organizers expect to have the fleet safely in port by mid-afternoon.
As of Monday morning (10 a.m. ET), already 175 of the 250 boats have completed the race, with the remaining boats quickly funneling through the Straits of Mackinac. Many of the competitors reunited on the docks are comparing how the Saturday night storms impacted them. Three boats dismasted and a successful man overboard recovery incident are hot topics of conversation amongst the crews [more to come].
"I have been involved with the Race for nearly 25 years and this is the quickest Race I can remember," said Winn Soldani, chair of the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust. "It's great to see the harbor already filled and so many smiling faces. I expect many will have a great day ahead enjoying Mackinac Island with their crewmates, friends, and family."
With a gorgeous day forecast on Mackinac Island, the 2200 competitors have a full menu to choose from. Whether it's lunch al fresco at MIssion Point Resort's restaurants, playing a fun round of putt putt, or just sitting in the Adirondack chairs on the Great Lawn after a bike ride around the island, there is no wrong choice!" said Mission Point's Liz Ware.
For those teams that maybe didn't expect to finish quite this early, Ware mentioned that there is last-minute availability at Mission Point's fine dining restaurant Chianti to host crew dinners. "We would love to have you join us and celebrate your great race," said Ware.
Fans can follow both the cruising and racing fleets via YB Tracking here. Each boat is equipped with a satellite tracker that sends GPS information (location, speed, and direction) every 15 minutes and displays the location and track on the race course.