It’s incredible to me that it’s almost July and the Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac presented by Wintrust is three weeks away. I can’t tell you all how excited we are to host you all for the Race.

Looking to continue its growth, in 2024 the Race is breaking new ground, celebrating first-time competitors. The initiative – created by The 115th CYC Race to Mackinac Committee– is designed to identify potential barriers to entry and then create new incentives to assist first-time racers getting to the starting line. This new program includes waiving partial entry fees for new competitors to help offset the cost of required safety equipment, and having designated celebratory events and souvenirs post-race. 

Be sure to kit up your crew and grab your favorites while supplies last! Team One Newport has returned to provide the official gear for the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. Team logos can be added to gear for an additional cost and the Team One Newport Team will be onsite at Monroe Street during Race Week for any of your last minute needs.

On May 1, 2024, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will be transitioning to the Nautical Cloud race management system. We’ll be halting access to the existing system at noon on April 25, with the new system coming online May 1. 

At noon (12:00 p.m. CST) on Thursday, February 1, automatic invitations for the 115th CYC Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will be sent out and invited competitors will be able to register their entry. Remember that your docking preference for Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, or Straits State Harbor are honored as best as possible according to entry and payment order, so enter soon!

As we look forward to warmer temperatures and this year’s race, we plan to begin sharing a series of updates regarding changes to the competition we think you’d like to hear about. If you are new to the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, and interested in learning more about how to enter the race, please visit our new FAQ page. 

CHICAGO and MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., July 24, 2023 – The dreaded “light and variable” wind forecast has descended upon the boats still racing in the 114th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust, stalling the fleet in northern Lake Michigan. 

CHICAGO and MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., July 23, 2023 – Racing into the Mackinac Straits, the majestic 104-foot ketch Whitehawk had every sail raised and every trick out of the bag to overtake Eagle One, the sleek 65-foot cruising boat that had led the entire fleet since the start. Trailing Eagle One for 288 nautical miles, it took until the final mile for Peter Thornton’s Whitehawk to overtake and clinch line honors of the 114th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust.

It’s been a full day of boat preparations for the 230 sailboats competing in the 114th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust. Now, registration is complete, the skippers meeting attended, and for the Cruising Division – the race to Mackinac Island has already begun.