Invitations issued for 106th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
by Rachelle Treiber 1 Feb 2014 14:44 GMT
18-19 July 2014
The J109's start the 103rd Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac © MISTE Photography
The Chicago Yacht Club announced that its Race to Mackinac Committee has officially opened the invitation process for the 106th running of the annual event. At 333 miles (289.4 statute miles) from the Chicago Lighthouse to Mackinac Island, MI, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is the oldest and most prestigious annual freshwater races in the world. In 2013, over 300 skippers and their offshore boats competed in the regatta. Invitations to returning skippers were sent out early this morning and already over 50 boats have entered the race in just over 12 hours.
"Coming off of a great race in 2013, we anticipate yet another strong showing of competitors for the 106th," said Matt Gallagher, chairman of the race. "Requests for invitation have been arriving in large numbers, and we expect to have some exciting new competitors from the Great Lakes and beyond."
"Looking out at the frozen lake, it's almost hard to believe that the new sailing season is almost upon us," said Gallagher. "I am not surprised, however, by the healthy early interest in the Mac. This is what we do here on Lake Michigan, every July, without fail, since early in the last century."
Entry into the Race to Mackinac is by invitation only. Interested first-time racers are required to submit a request for invitation and must meet eligibility and safety requirements specific to the division they are entering.
Chicago Yacht Club had previously released its Notice and Conditions of Race (NOR) that defines the criteria that will be used for boats who will be returning to compete in the race, as well as new entries that would request an invitation to participate. Specific safety requirements are outlined in the Chicago Mackinac Safety Regulations (CMSR). The NOR and CMSRs are available for download via the Race's website, www.cycracetomackinac.com.
The 106th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac departs on July 18 and 19, 2014. Chicago Yacht Club looks forward to staging a world-class 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's Race Coordinator at 312.861.7777 or .