Sponsorship Inquiries: Chris Thomas, Sponsorship (welshman@me.com)
Media Inquiries: Laura Muma, Media Relations (laura@lmprinc.com)
Chicago Yacht Club: Keith Brennan, General Manager (brennan@chicagoyachtclub.org)
The Race to Mackinac Committee is made up of active Chicago Yacht Club member-volunteers. The race planning process is a year round process and requires thousands of volunteer hours.
The chairman and the members of the Mackinac Committee are appointed by the Commodore of Chicago Yacht Club and approved by the board of directors. The chairman has extensive on-the-water experience with offshore yacht racing.
The 2025-2026 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Committee consists of:
Kevin Foote, Chair
Leif Sigmond, PRO
Jennifer Dorsch, DRO
Tom Falck, Chief Inspector
Shawn O'Neill, Selections Chair
Ron White, Head of Technical Committee
Winn Soldani, Past Chair
Sam Veilleux, Past Chair
Ted Anderson
Adam Collins
Lindsey Duda
Mike Evans
Helle Getz
Jerry Gurthet
Erik Hillenmeyer
Frank Jaeger
Lloyd Karzen
Claire O'Neill
Steve Sickler
Ivy Williams
CYC Staff:
Chuck Nevel, CYC OTW Director
Patrick Burks, CYC Regatta Manager
Keith Brennan, CYC General Manager
Abbie Wilson, CYC Communications
CYC Flag Officers:
Charles Anderson, Commodore
Laura Sigmond, Vice Commodore
Martin Sandoval, Rear Commodore
Randall Schmidt, Secretary
Chris Thomas, Treasurer
Together, these volunteers and many other CYC member volunteers dedicate thousands of volunteer hours towards making the Race a success.
Event Chairs
Winn Soldani | 2024-2025
Sam Veilleux | 2022-2023
Martin Sandoval | 2020-2021
Sarah Renz | 2018-2019
Don Maxwell | 2016-2017
Matthew R. Gallagher | 2014-2015
Louis Sandoval | 2012-2013
Gregory P. Freeman | 2010-2011
Gregory J. Miarecki | 2008-2009
Robert Smith | 2006-2007
Richard H. Lillie, Jr. | 2004-2005
Michael P. Bucklo | 2002-2003
Shawn P. O'Neill | 2001
Ronald E. White | 1999-2000
George Wolf | 1996-1998
Ann Moorman | 1994-1995
Jeffrey H. Monger | 1991-1993
Mark A. Landwer | 1989-1990
Richard F. Wharton | 1986-1988
Mark A. Landwer | 1983-1985
Jack B. Gable | 1983-1985
Dr. John Bergan & Sumner M. Sollitt | 1980
Ralph B. Dainty | 1979
Mark H. Baxter | 1977-1978
Philip A. Watson | 1974-1976
Mark H. Baxter | 1972-1973