Congratulations to the overall winners

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division - Lady K (Muskegon, Mich.) , owned by Mike Stewart
Mackinac-Cup Division – Flying Jenny VI (Annapolis, MD,), owned by David Askew
Cruising Division – Intangible (Chicago, Ill.), owned by Tom Falck
Multihull Division – Gamera (Chicago, Ill.), owned by Matt Scharl
Doublehanded Division - Skye (Chicago, Ill.) Bill Zeiler and Rich Stearns

Section Winners:

Beneteau 36.7 Class
1. USA 55367, Karma, Chicago Yacht Club, Lou Sandoval, Chicago, IL.

Beneteau 40.7 Class
1. USA 51587, Collaboration 2, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, Robert Vickery, Barrington, IL.

Cruising 1 Class
1. USA 52239, Intangible, Chicago Yacht Club, Tom Falck, Hinsdale, IL.

Cruising 2 Class
1. USA 6018, Journey, Chicago Yacht Club, Kurt Anderson, Barrington Hills, IL.

Doublehanded Class
1. USA 52901, Skye, Chicago Yacht Club, Bill Zeiler, Wilmette, IL.

GL 70 Class
1. USA 77984, Pororoca, Chicago Yacht Club, Gene McCarthy & Bob Zeman, Chicago, IL.

J105 Class
1. USA 390, Certare, Lake City Yacht Club, Mark Nichols, Lake City, MN.

J109 Class
1. USA 124, Lucky Dubie 2, Chicago Yacht Club, Len Siegal, Chicago,IL .

J120 Class
1. USA 25497, Carinthia, Bayview Yacht Club, Frank Kern, Grosse Pointe Park, MI.

Multihull 1 Class
1. USA 333, Nice Pair, North Cape Yacht Club, Bruce Geffen, Ann Arbor, MI.

Multihull 2 Class
1. USA 28, Gamera, Midwest Open Racing Fleet, Matthew A Scharl, Chicago, IL.

Section 01 Class
1. USA 482, Talisman, Little Traverse Yacht Club, Bruce Aikens, W. Bloomfield, MI.

Section 02 Class
1. USA 26, Renegade, Columbia Yacht Club, Thomas Papoutsis, Winnetka, IL.

Section 03 Class

1. USA 52902, Flying Jenny VI, Annapolis Yacht Club, David Askew, Annapolis, MD.

Section 04 Class
1. USA 38006, Eagle, Chicago Yacht Club, Shawn ONeill, Chicago, IL.

Section 05 Class
1. USA 405, Marianthe, Chicago Yacht Club, Eric Moore, Lake Forest, IL.

Section 06 Class
1. USA 3175, Challenge, Chicago Yacht Club, Ray Teborek, Chicago, IL.

Section 07 Class
1. USA 4, Lady K, Muskegon Yacht Club, Mike Stewart, Muskegon, MI.

Section 08 Class
1. USA 25138, HighLander, Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Jim Sorbie, Empire, MI.

Section 09 Class
1. USA 13191, Souvenir, Muskegon Yacht Club, Steven M Schiller, Muskegon, MI.

Sportboat Class
1. USA 110, Peerless, Muskegon Yacht Club, Brian Torresen, Muskegon, MI.

T10 Class
1. USA 410, Retention, Waukegan Yacht Club, Mark Croll, Deerfield, IL.

Turbo Class
1. HKG 1997, Beau Geste, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Karl Kwok , Hong Kong.

'These conditions rewarded well rounded boats that were well sailed,' said Ron White, Chief Measurer and crew aboard Nice Pair, a multihull that placed 3rd overall. 'The physical conditions were also spectacular. We saw a full moonrise with a simultaneous sunset in the Manitous.'

The light air made for very close and competitive conditions all the way to the finish. In the Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division, overall winner and Section 7 winner Lady K fought for the win with every boat length.

'At one point we knew we were in first place boat for boat, but when we turned can #3 [a racecourse turning mark], things got very slow as the breeze went behind us,' explained Aaron Scott (Grand Rapids, Mich.), crew aboard Lady K. 'There was a lot of calculation and tension and emotional stress trying the keep our time over Smokum Too.' Lady K finished with a corrected time of 46:53:05 less than 20 seconds over Smokum Too (Thornbury, On.) with 46:53:24.

'It was just a great race,' owner of Lady K, Mike Stewart, adds. 'We seemed to sail the boat well, with awesome crew and we just had a lot of fun. It seemed to work out for us. We take the sailing serious and we take the fun serious.' Stewart is from Muskegon Mich.

'This was a fantastic race with our second largest fleet, and every kind of sailing imaginable -- calms with files to 25 knots on the nose,' summed up Greg Freeman, Mackinac Committee Chair and crew about Salsa. 'With the early arrival of the fleet, everyone is looking forward to celebrating with a flute of Veuve Clicquot today at the Awards Ceremony and enjoying Mackinac Island.'

For a full listing of results go to cycracetomackinac.com

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac comes to a close this Tuesday, and the Race Committee had a busy night finishing all but 4 remaining boats last night and into the first light today. This is the first time in the last several years that almost all the boats are in and able to enjoy today’s festivities. The Awards Ceremony and Mount Gay Rum Party will be held today at the Grand Hotel.
Congratulations to the overall winners

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division - Lady K (Muskegon, Mich.)

Mackinac-Cup Division – Flying Jenny VI (Annapolis, MD,), owned by David Askew

Cruising Division – Intangible (Chicago, Ill.), owned by Tom Falck

Multihull Division – Gamera (Chicago, Ill.), owned by Matt Scharl

The results of the Doublehanded division are not official at this time.

Will have more updates with comments from the winners this afternoon.

Click Here for the current results of winners by section.

July 26, 2010 (Mackinac Island)--Monday evening of the 102nd running of the Chicago Yacht Club's Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, has hit a lull. Although today was a busy day finishing the first 113 boats, 229 are still racing.

The boats in section 9 are between 30 and 60 miles out, moving between 3 and 5 knots. The boats in the T-10 section are between 30 and 50 miles out, going between 2 and 6 knots.

Today’s light winds were best characterized by Mac Chairman Greg Freeman who joked, 'If I was just on a booze cruise it would be perfect.' Freeman is crew aboard Salsa, one of the remaining boats on the course.

When asked about his race, Shawn O’Neill, skipper of Eagle said, 'I’ve never had quite so many sail changes on the race.' The crew changed sails approximately 25 times. O’Neill, an Island Goat (someone who has done 25 or more Macs), is one of 4 goats on the boat now that crew member Bork Maronn just completed his 25th Mac. Congratulations to Bork and to Eagle who is the preliminary section 4 winner.

There is a cluster of boats that have made it under the Bridge and are currently heading toward the finish, however, conditions for this evening will remain light. For more race updates, photos, and videos see www.cycracetomackinac.com.

Cruising 1
1 Intangible
2 DogDayz
3 Tomorrow's Sunshine

Cruising 2
1 Journey
2 Hope
3 My Way

GL70
1 Pororoca
2 Nitemare
3 Thirsty Tiger

Turbo
1 Beau Geste
2 Runaway
3 Windquest

Section 2
1 Renegade
2 PeaceMaker
3 Flash Gordon

Race Tracking is an important part of the Race to Mackinac experience and we appreciate all of you who are following the Race as dedicated fans. Chicago Yacht Club and the Race to Mackinac Committee recognize that many of you are frustrated and we’ve been actively working with Ion Earth to make improvements to the system and debug the issues that have been reported. Even though your Race Chair Greg Freeman is racing around Gray’s Reef as I write this, he is aware of the feedback we have been getting from many of you who are having problems. He has asked me to convey that when he arrives on the Island we plan to have a full debrief and evaluation of the issues so they can be addressed. We appreciate your patience as we work to correct the problems and encourage you to keep tracking the boats and following our race updates, photos and video at Facebook, Twitter and Torresen Marine’s site chicagomackinac.com. If you have further questions or comments, please contact me and I will forward your comments to the Mackinac Committee.

Sincerely,

Christie Denson
Chicago Yacht Club
Communications Director
denson@chicagoyachtclub.org

Update from Ben 36.7 Tried & True -

'It was a great race until the air shut down at New Shoal light about 9:00 p.m. last night. It wasn’t until 7 am that finished – so that was a long 25 miles,' reported Philip O’Niel III, owner of Natalie J. 'This was the first time in my life we finished the race with a wind seeker.'

While the Turbos and GL70s are making their way under the bridge toward the finish – much of the fleet is sailing past Charlevoix and Little Traverse Bay. In Ben 36.7 Karma is in the lead going 6 knots. In the J105’s Sealark is leading at 5.8 knots. In Section 6 Challenge is leading. This group is about 50-70 nautical miles from the finish.

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.-- DogDayz skippered by Dan VandenBossche was first to cross the line in the Chicago Yacht Club’s 102nd running on the Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot. DogDayz, a Tartan 4100 TM CB, was part of the cruising division and finished a little after 7pm eastern time.

As part of the cruising division, DogDayz started their race on Friday, giving them an elapsed finish time of 52:06:28. Cruising Division boats are not eligible for the Trophy for the 'First to Finish.'

Skipper Dan VandenBossche called in from the Pink Pony as he was taking his first celebratory shot of scotch and said 'It was a great race. Very challenging with lots of weather. No snow, but everything else. We did a lot of reaching and chute work. The boat got wet early and never dried out, but we ate well and had lots of fun.'

Intangilble is the next cruiser expected to finish. DogDayz is awaiting to see if they will correct over them. Intangible, skippered by Tom Falck was the overall cruising division winner in 2009.

There have been software bugs reported, but there are some user errors too. Please double check this form to make sure you are using the system correctly before reporting an issue.

A few tricks - once you pick boats and add them, you can add more, but they won't show on the tracking path. Instead, you have to refresh your list and start over if you want to add more boats in your view. Also there is a max of 30 boats at a time. The time on the ping is in minutes from last ping - not time of day. so if you see 6:00:02 it means the tracker updated 6 minutes ago. If you see an error with the tracking path (i.e. you don't see the tag to click on) go to http://www.ionearth.com/2010/cycracetomackinac/mobile/ and see if they list the update on the mobile site.

Hope this helps. As I learn more, I will share.

July 24, 2010 (CHICAGO) – The 102nd Running of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, kicked off today despite the torrential rain that plagued the Chicagoland area for the last 12 hours.

'The Mac will sail on rain or shine,' explained race spokesperson Christie Denson. 'Crews prepare for these conditions by having proper foul weather gear, layers made of synthetic performance fabrics made to dry fast, as well and proper footwear and a change of socks.'

Despite having the right gear, sailors still scrambled to make their boat calls amidst flooded streets. Many boats had to register last minute crew changes with race officials, as sailors were trapped due to the havoc of the weather.

'Several boats had crew due to arrive from Michigan via train this morning. Due to flooding on the tracks, trains were shut down and they were unable to make the race,' explained Chicago Yacht Club’s Race Coordinator Amanda Matta.

This means many boats will be sailing lighter than anticipated, which can make for an added challenge to the 333 mile adventure up Lake Michigan.

353 boats made the starting line, and we will continue to monitor how weather impacts their race over the next several days. To track the boats, go to www.cycracetomackinac.com.

About the Chicago Yacht Club Founded in 1875, the Chicago Yacht Club and is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world and is one of the preeminent organizers of regattas, races and predicted-log events in the United States. These include the world famous Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac in its 102nd Running this year, the popular Verve Cup Regatta, the NOOD (National Off-Shore One Design) and the North American Challenge Cup, a regatta for disabled sailors. For more information please log onto www.chicagoyachtclub.org

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

MEDIA CONTACT | Christie Denson | 773-320-3642 | denson@chicagoyachtclub.org

As you know all boats in the fleet will be tracked by GPS transponders from IonEarth. To track the boats, go to cycracetomackinac.com and click on the Ionearth link on the top right hand corner.

The following link is a helpful how-to document, showing the different features of the tracking site. This will also be available on the help button on the tracking site. CLICK HERE FOR TRACKING HOW TO

Please forward this on to your friends and family!

For the second year, Sailing Weather Service will provide forecasts and other information that we believe CYC Race to Mackinac sailors and those following the race will find useful. Here are the highlights of what will be provided:

-Chris Bedford, head of SWS will be present at the morning and evening Skippers Meetings in order to provide a race forecast. All are invited to attend both meetings to see what Chris has to say. As many of you will recall, Chris was meteorologist for BMW Oracle during their recent America’s Cup Victory and is sure to present an entertaining, excellent forecast for us.

-There will be a website/portal for all to use at www.sailwx.com/CHIMAC. This portal will include basic data, like radar and satellite imagery, as well as surface observations, forecast models and GRIB files for use in routing software that you may use during the race.

We are excited to have Chris and Sailing Weather Service as a part of the Mac race in 2010. We hope all enjoy his work and the great data provided at the SWS portal throughout the race.

If you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Sincerely,

Winn Soldani
Vice Chair,
CYC Race to Mackinac

This message is to introduce a new Virtual Trophy Room where you can learn more about these trophies, and see who has won them over the years. This is the first comprehensive update of this information in over 30 years, but by maintaining it online, we hope to be able to update on an annual basis in the future.

Please visit our new online Virtual Trophy Room, and let us know what you think. We welcome corrections and new information. If you see a mistake, or have more information on any of the trophies, we welcome your input.

Enjoy!!

www.chicagoyachtclub.org/trophyroom

Prize and Perpetual Trophy Committee
Rick Lillie
Bork Maronn

CHICAGO--The week of Chicago Yacht Club’s 102nd Race to Mackinac has finally arrived! The festivities kicked off with fun for all ages at the Mac Family party Wednesday July, 22nd . The kids enjoyed some summer fun with classic BBQ, music, and games. Gutter races and other Mac themed activities were available for kids of all ages. And what’s a party without music? A performance by the youth band 'Derailed' kept all entertained. For pictures of this event click here.

Thursday, the club was bustling with skippers and crews coming to the Chicago Yacht Club from all over the country to start their Mac registration. Many were on the docks preparing their boats for the fast approaching big day. Thursday night it’s time for the Veuve Clicquot 'Warning Gun' Reception, which starts the race off with a bang, literally. A canon is fired to mark the start of the race for the skippers. Friday will see the club alive and buzzing with anticipation for the race start on Saturday July 24th. The Friday night pre-race party for race participants is a chance for the crews to celebrate the start of the race with their family and friends at the club. And Saturday it’s finally off to the races! Following the festive parade of boats at Navy Pier, the participants will take off on their 333 mile sprint up Lake Michigan to Mackinac, where the trophy and bragging rights await.

This year all the boats participating in the Mac are equipped with tracking devices to track the boat’s progress up lake Michigan. To start tracking boats on their race to the Island go to http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/ and click on the IonEarth icon.

TORRESEN MARINE 'RACE COURSE REPORTING' One of our Race sponsors, Torresen Marine, is sponsoring a Race Course reporting program. Please call in or text your race updates to 231-557-2872, or e-mail them to macupdates@chicagoyachtclub.org. This is a new number, so please update your address book. When providing updates, please provide your boat name and sail number. These updates will be posted at chicagomackinac.com. You may also access this link from the official Race website at www.cycracetomackinac.com. Torresen will man the 'race course reporting' number 24 hours a day, so please feel free to use it anytime and as often as you like. If you get voicemail, please leave a message with your updates.

TWITTER/FACEBOOK You can follow the Race to Mackinac on Twitter. If your boat has a Twitter account you can follow the Race and provide updates via Twitter at http://twitter.com/RacetoMackinac. You may also post updates to the Race to Mackinac Facebook page at www.facebook.com. Also, send us your photos and videos and we'll upload them to the Mac facebook page!

Please share these links with your friends and family members, and encourage them to follow your exploits as you travel north. See you on the Island!

The following is being sent to encourage your interest in supporting the Sail Yacht Racing Foundation: This year the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, will again be using the ORR Rule. The research and improvement in this VPP based handicapping system is based on work of the Sailing Yacht Research Foundation (SYRF).

SYRF is the extension of the work of the H. Irving Pratt Project and the research at MIT which brought to the sail racing world the concept of the VPP and its extension to yacht race handicapping called the MHS. The Pratt Project was sponsored by contributions from a group of knowledgeable yachtsmen in the mid 70’s.

Today another group of dedicated yachtsmen have established SYRF to provide resources to rule makers to keep science based (VPP) handicapping current with design trends in an effort to keep the playing field level.

An Endowment Fund has been established by SYRF to support this effort. There is challenge grant of $400,000 providing a matching amount of $400,000 can be raised. This is in addition to $500,000 that has already been contributed. The Endowment Fund is a restricted fund which only the earnings may be used for the foundations purpose.

Won’t you please consider joining other forward thinking yachtsmen by your contribution to SYRF? Your dollars will be doubled under the conditions of the challenge grant. Consider your contribution an investment in the future of Handicap Racing.

See details contained in a letter in your skipper’s packet. SYRF is IRS designated 501 (c) 3 organization.

The Board of Directors of SYRF

Best Regards,

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Today the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Committee received the following notice and a request that we relay this to all of our competitors and friends. Please note that we are relaying this information as a service to our sailors and to West Marine and have no affiliation with the product being recalled or with West Marine’s decision to recall the product.

It is our understanding that sailors participating in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac may exchange the recalled product on-site at CYC during Mac Week at the West Marine tent/trailer, at the West Marine store in Chicago, or at a local West Marine. All inquires should be made to Phil Cowley, Director of Engineering & Quality at the number below or by clicking on the embedded URL. Chicago Yacht Club is not able to answer questions about this issue.

Recall Notice follows:

Dear Race Participant,

On June 29th, 2010, West Marine voluntarily issued a recall on our West Marine branded ISAF tethers, SKU/Model number 9553512 and 9553504 when we became aware that the product release attachment may not function under the heavy loads that an emergency situation could generate. We have had new product manufactured using a stronger release attachment, which has been supplied (SKU/Model# 11878691 and 11878709) to race organizers for exchange before the event.

All previously manufactured West Marine ISAF tethers, which utilize a black release lanyard on the snap shackle are affected in this recall. Please immediately stop using the current generation tethers, and return it for exchange for one of the new products supplied, which utilize a white release lanyard signifying a stronger release mechanism.

ISAF Tether owners West Marine was able to retrieve contact information for received direct notification in the mail of this recall, and posters have been put up in local West Marine stores. Please help us notify all race participants that own and will be using an West Marine ISAF tether (Yellow in color, with blue anodized single or double hooks) to return it in exchange for a brand new ISAF tether which will be available from a West Marine representative before the race.

The official notice is available online here : http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomerServiceView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&nav=LeftNav&page=Product-Recalls-Safety-Tethers

The safety of our customers is, and will always remain, our primary concern. Thank you for your attention to this important safety issue.

Regards,

Phil Cowley
Director of Engineering & Quality
West Marine
831.761.6825
Recall Notice Ends

Best Regards,

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Once again in 2010, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac will provide satellite-based tracking of boats in the race as they progress up Lake Michigan in partnership with IonEarth. This note is to provide you with several important details on how to follow the race. Please forward it to friends, family or anyone who’s interested in watching the racing unfold.

There will be two ways to access the website. First, you may go to the main CYC Race to Mackinac site: www.cycracetomackinac.com. In the upper right corner of the page, you will see a button with the IonEarth logo. Clicking on that logo will bring you to the main tracking page.

The second way to access the website is directly. The URL is 'www.ionearth.com/2010/cycracetomackinac/.

There are several important notes for you to keep in mind while accessing the site:

1) Once you get to the site, which we believe will be very intuitive to use, your first step will be to select boats to track. A 'boat selector' screen will help you to do this. We believe you will find it easy to quickly narrow your choice to only those boats you are interested in. Only after you select boats to track will you be able to see any data on boat locations, progress, etc. You may select a maximum of 30 boats, which will allow you to view any complete section in this year’s race.

2) Once you have selected boats to track, the current position of those boats will come up. Mouse over any boat icon for information like the boat name, sail number, speed, heading and so forth. In addition, you can replay the race to see how the boats you are tracking arrived where they are.

3) Once you’ve selected boats, your selections will be stored on your computer. If you want to change your selection, use the button on the page that allows you to 'Click Here to Select Boats' to change the boats in your view.

4) Boat positions will be updated every 15 minutes throughout the race. This is a significant upgrade compared to the hourly updates in previous races and will, we hope, increase everyone’s viewing pleasure!

5) There will be a help button and support contact information on the website should there be any problems or confusion in using the site. We encourage you to use them.

6) The websites above should work on most web-capable phones. If they do not work on your phone, we suggest you use the mobile website to track the race www.ionearth.com/2010/cycracetomackinac/mobile (this site will come up shortly before the race begins). The mobile site will simply list boats and their distance to finish in a low-bandwidth format. To use this site, you’ll select a section, then the boats in that section will come up in table form.

SKIPPERS: As a reminder, you will pick up your trackers as part of registration at CYC Monroe. After you have completed registration in the Commodore room, you should head down the hallway, following the signs) to tracker pickup. Once there, you will be given your transponder and mounting/testing instructions. A copy of those instructions is located by clicking here. It is important that you install and test your tracker (by going to the website indicated in the instructions) as soon as feasible after you get it. You should allow time to contact IonEarth and correct the issue should your tracker fail to work upon installation.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Chicago and online, tracking the race.

If you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Best Wishes,

Winn Soldani
Vice Chair
2010 CYC Race to Mackinac

I am pleased to tell you that once again Arnold Transit will be providing a special late night ferry to/from St. Ignace from Mackinac Island. This will be very good news for those docking in St. Ignace Marina.

On July 26, and July 26, only, Arnold Transit will be running an 11:30 PM EDT ferry to Mackinac Island and a return ferry to St. Ignace at midnight (12:00 AM EDT). There will be discounted rates for sailors staying St. Ignace. A special discount coupon will be provide to each Skipper of a boat staying in St. Ignace at registration in Chicago before the race.

If you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Several documents are now available on our website: www.cycracetomackinac.com

The Sailing Instructions for the 2010 Race to Mackinac are posted under 'Documents'.

Two additional documents are also available under 'The Race' on the website.

The Chicago Visitors Guide is designed to enhance your time in Chicago. It contains our complete activity schedule as well as information on places to visit, grocery stores, bars and restaurants and other service providers that will be of interest to visiting yachtsmen.

The 'Trip Back' Guide is provided as a courtesy and provides contact information that returning Skippers may find useful as the transit Lake Michigan after the race. Remember, this information is provided as a courtesy and it is your responsibility to independently verify all information about harbor locations, navigational aids, etc. as you plan your trip back to your home port.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the start line on July 24, 2010.

Best Regards,

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

We are pleased to announce that the Preliminary Section Breaks and Start Times for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, are now available on the race website at www.cycracetomackinac.com. Click on 'The Race' for the start times and on 'The Boats' to see the Section Breaks. Remember these are preliminary and will be updated shortly.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

June 30, 2010

Dear Skippers,

Here is this year’s pre-race docking plan:

1. If you are from out of town, you may dock at our Monroe or Belmont facilities beginning on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. We will be using a Zone System in Chicago as we have in the past. Please follow the Dockmaster’s instructions. Just because a slip is empty does not mean you may take it. We need to raft boats of similar length, beam and draft together to fit everyone in.

2. Docking is complimentary, but you MUST make a reservation by e-mailing dockmaster@chicagoyachtclub.org. Please title your e-mail Docking Reservation, and include the following: your boat's name and sail number; your name; a cell phone contact for the boat's skipper in Chicago; choice of location (Monroe or Belmont); and estimated date and time of arrival in Chicago.

3. Reservations are due no later than July 11, 2010 but we encourage you to get us your reservations this week if possible. This will help our pre-Race planning.

4. We will also be offering limited touch and go docking to boats moored in Monroe Harbor. If you are berthed in Monroe and would like further information about touch and go docking, please notify our Dockmaster via e-mail to dockmaster@chicagoyachtclub.org.

5. Docking in Chicago (and in Mackinac Island, for that matter) is NOT on a first come, first served basis. All docking locations are assigned by our docking staff. Please follow their directions, and instruct your crew members to do the same. I have asked our docking staff to immediately report violations/refusals to cooperate directly to me. Failure to cooperate with our docking staff may result in cancellation of entry, disqualification, and not being invited to future Races. (Last year, several boats were not invited for violating docking procedures.)

NOTE: Dry Ice can be purchased on Saturday Morning from the ice truck. No reservation required, cash only, 10lb block increments are sold at $15.00 for one 10lb block.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the start line on July 24, 2010.

Best Regards,
Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

C: 312-203-9383
freeman.g@sbcglobal.net

Starting on July 1, 2010, Chicago Yacht Club Foundation will be auctioning off a unique, once-in-a-lifetime cruise up Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island aboard the tall ship Unicorn. We're auctioning off this 5-day sail for 6 to raise money for the Foundation. One unique aspect of this sail up the lake is that the winning bidder can choose to crew or cruise. While there is a comfortable aft salon that offers an informal gathering space for group gatherings or a place to just relax with a good book, the lucky person(s) that win the online auction may choose to be working crew or pampered guests. Bidding will start at $4,000. Buy it Now $10,000.

http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=chicagoYCFoundation

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

C: 312-203-9383
mailto:freeman.g@sbcglobal.net

P-A-R-T-Y!

Just a reminder to sign up for your race tracker for the 2010 Race to Mackinac. Race trackers are required by the Notice of Race and sign up is quick and easy.

To complete the tracker registration:

Step 1: Log into your account at the CYC Mac Race Website. Click on Documents, and the click on Maintain my Information. Enter your User Id and Password

Step 2: Click on link that says ‘Race Tracking Registration’

Step 3: You will be taken to a registration page set up by our tracking partner IonEarth. The form will be pre-populated with your information

Step 4: Enter the other information requested.

Step 5: If you desire, please note that a ‘track back’ service is available. This optional service allows you to keep your tracker after the race so that you or your family can follow its return. Check this box if you would like this service for a fee of $175.

Step 6: Follow the ‘check out’ instructions. Enter the required information on this secure site. Read and agree to the terms and conditions and enter your credit card information and proceed. NOTE: Rest assured that there are no shipping charges, even though the site mentions shipping. As in years past, you will pick up your trackers at registration.

Step 7: Click on ‘Place Order’—you will be taken to the ‘exit’ screen which will confirm completion of your order.

Race tracking is a great way for your friends and family to follow your adventures on the race, and brings not only our race, but our sport of sailing to thousands of viewers worldwide, so sign up now!

Very truly yours,
Jay Muller
Chairman, Race Tracking Sub Committee

The deadline for submitting rating certificates for ORR and GLMRA, without application of a late fee has been extended to June 25th, 2010. There is a substantial backlog of certificates in process, so don't delay submitting your rating application to the appropriate authority. Your rating certificate must be recieved by Chicago Yacht Club by no later than June 25th.

Please review the NOR for addtional details regarding all documents and conditions of entry.

Ron White

Chief Measurer

Dear Skippers,

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac will be providing position trackers to all competitors in the 2010 race.  Tracking is required and is provided at no charge to the competitor. This note provides details for how to sign up for your tracker.  Please note that this must be completed by June 18, 2010. (Note: this is a one week extension of the deadline published in the NOR. This extension applies to tracker sign-up only.)

 As part of this process, you will be required to enter a credit card number in our secure system.  This number will be held as a deposit on your tracker.  There will be no charges made against this credit card unless you opt for the track back service (described below) or if you fail to return your tracker or damage it.  If your tracker is not returned, or if it is damaged while in your control, there will be a $500 charge.

To complete the tracker registration:

Step 1:  Log into your account at the CYC Mac Race Website. Click on Documents, and the click on Maintain my Information. Enter your User Id and Password

Step 2:  Click on link that says ‘Race Tracking Registration’

Step 3:  You will be taken to a registration page set up by our tracking partner IonEarth.  The form will be pre-populated with your information

Step 4:  Enter the other information requested.

Step 5:  If you desire, please note that a ‘track back’ service is available.  This optional service allows you to keep your tracker after the race so that you or your family can follow its return.  Check this box if you would like this service for a fee of $175.

Step 6:  Follow the ‘check out’ instructions.  Enter the required information on this secure site.  Read and agree to the terms and conditions and enter your credit card information and proceed.  NOTE:  Rest assured that there are no shipping charges, even though the site mentions shipping.  As in years past, you will pick up your trackers at registration.

Step 7: Click on ‘Place Order’—you will be taken to the ‘exit’ screen which will confirm completion of your order.

After you have completed this process, you will receive an email receipt from the system.  Please keep this for your records.  In addition, note that after you fill out these forms, your tracking record in the CYC Race to Mackinac system will show ‘pending’ until credit card authorization is complete—at that time it will change to ‘completed.’  We suggest you log back in after 24 hours to check and ensure the status has changed to completed.

We are very excited to once again have 100% tracking included in your entry to the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Presented by Veuve Clicquot.  We hope your registration process will be effortless, but should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Chicago Yacht Club.

Sincerely,
Jay Muller
Chair, CYC Race to Mackinac Tracking Subcommittee

Best Regards,
Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Skippers and Sailors,

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is pleased to once again offer the ‘Bus Back from Mac’ for this year’s race. The bus back has become an increasingly popular way to get home after the race.
   
The bus back costs $75 per person if you sign up before July 4, 2010. The form is located on the CYC Mac website under the ‘The Race’ tab. The form can be e-mailed, scanned, mailed or faxed to the Chicago Yacht Club. The bus will leave Mackinaw City – Arnold Dock, promptly at 10:30 AM EDT on Wednesday, July 27, and will stop at CYC Monroe, with additional stops at Belmont Harbor and Ogilvie Metra. A midday lunch stop is also included.
   
Don’t delay – get your reservation in today. The bus will fill up quickly. Tickets are transferable but not refundable. If you have questions, please contact racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Dear Skipper,

The Start of the 2010 Mac Race is 59 days away. More importantly the deadline for submission of your ORR Certificate is June 11, 2010. If you already have your updated certificate, please send it to racecoordinator as soon as possible. If you have not yet applied for an update please do so immediately by contacting US Sailing. Contact information is included in Section 7 of the NOR.

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac committee is once again offering its very popular 'Adopt-a-Skipper' program for this year’s race. Greg Freeman, Race Chair said, 'We have well over 50 new Skippers in this year’s race and I’m sure each one has a thousand questions.
This program teams interested first-time Skippers with experienced racers who can provide insight and perspective on being part of the Race to Mackinac.'  Interested Skippers can sign-up by contacting racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Sailing season is around the corner, and the 102nd Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac will be here soon! In support of the race and the racers, the Chicago Yacht Club has once again partnered with Chris Bedford of Sailing Weather Service, www.sailwx.com, to be the official weather services provider for the Race.

Chris has extensive experience in forecasting for sailing and sailboat racing, at the highest levels, including 8 America's Cups, 3 Volvo Ocean Race/Whitbread races, and 4 US Sailing Olympic campaigns. Most recently, he was team meteorologist for BMW ORACLE Racing in their victory in the America’s Cup. Chris has also provided forecast services for many top finishers in Chicago-Mac races in 25 years of forecasting the race.

On July 23, at the skippers’ meetings for the Mac, Chris will prepare and present a forecast for the race that will be insightful, informative, and relevant to racers. Importantly, he will brief at both the morning skippers’ meeting and the evening skippers’ meeting. All sailors are invited to attend the briefings at both meetings if interested.

In addition, Sailing Weather Service will be providing online resources for sailors. A website portal, sailwx.chimac.com, will be built and updated that will include:

High resolution model forecasts of wind speed and direction over Lake Michigan
Text and graphical forecasts for the race area
Satellite and radar imagery
GRIB files for routing software

We’re excited to have Sailing Weather Services and Chris Bedford as part of our event. Weather is one of the most important variables in the race and a key safety concern, and we are glad to have one of the best sailing weather forecasters in the world on our team for the Mac race.

Should you have any question or comments, please contact the Chicago Yacht Club Race Coordinator, Amanda Matta at: racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

Winn Soldani
Vice Chairman
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

I want to remind all Skippers that once again this year we will be including the Yacht Club Challenge as part of the race. Your Club is encouraged to participate and there is no fee to enter. Entrants may choose one yacht club that they will represent. Any yacht club having five or more boats sailing under its name is eligible for the Challenge, provided that the club had at least two competitors racing under its name in last year's Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. Eligible yacht clubs wishing to participate in the Challenge may enter by having one of its Commodores send an e-mail to racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org on or before the Late Entry Deadline. The e-mail shall contain the club's name, the Commodore's name and rank, and the words 'Yacht Club Challenge Entry.' There is no entry fee for the Challenge. Refer to NOR 15.2 for specifics on entering and scoring. Last year's winner, Little Traverse Yacht Club is looking to repeat so enter now and put your challenge on record.

Also of interest may be a podcast about this year's Mac Race which was recently posted. Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/mad-mariner. As always, if you have any question, contact racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

'We are very pleased that the race continues to have such a wide appeal across the region and nationally. We are especially pleased that we could open up the race to more boats in 2010 to meet the increase in demand,' said Greg Freeman, Race Chair.

Boats that want to enter the race may ask to be put on the wait list. Interested skippers should contact the Chicago Yacht Club at the e-mail address below.

'There are always boats that drop out and we’ll do our best to accommodate as many of the wait listed boats as we can. We encourage them to submit their entries as soon as possible since the wait list will be managed on a first come, first served basis,' Freeman adds

One design fleet requests for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac need to be submitted by Friday, April 9, 2010.

The Schedule of Events for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is posted on the race website at www.cycracetomackinac.com

For more information please contact racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

About Chicago Yacht Club: The Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Today, the club boasts a membership of nearly 1500 boating enthusiasts, and is one of the preeminent organizers of regattas, races and predicted-log events in the United States. The club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities, including fine dining and full-service catering at both its Monroe and Belmont stations.

About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac: At 333 miles (289.4 nautical miles), the Race to Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. ‘The Mac’ starts at the Chicago Lighthouse, just off Navy Pier and continues to Mackinac Island. Competing boats cross the finish line between the lighthouse on Round Island and a fixed mark on Mackinac Island. 2009 marked the 101st Running of the Race to Mackinac in which 350 boats competed.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

-ENDS-

Every boat has stories and traditions that make it special and interesting. I'm sure you do on your boat just as we do on ours. We like to have those stories in our data base so that we can use them for reference and more importantly, so that we can use them to write an article about your boat and crew when you win the Race this summer. Please take a minute or two to update your story on our website. Just click on Documents, then Maintain Your Information and after you enter your user id and password, Click on Update My Information. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and enter or update your story in the box under Tell Us About Your Boat and Crew. Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks for your help.

Best regards, Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Skippers, Crew and Friends:

The 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is filling up fast. With over 340 boats already signed up, we’re approaching our limit and will need to close entries and start a waiting list soon. If you’re thinking of entering the race, don’t hesitate, sign-up now. If you’ve entered but haven’t paid yet, please do so to ensure you place in this year’s race.

Mac Stories Night – Women of the Mac is also generating a lot of interest. Featuring ten women who are part of Mac Race lore, we’ll hear stories from first time crew, women skippers, women Island Goats and we’ll cap the evening with the story of Evelyn Wright, the first woman to skipper in the Mac, double-handed, in 1905. Light dinner (cup of soup, salad and sandwich) will be available in the $12 -$15 price range. Cash and Credit Card accepted. For dinner reservations, call the Chicago Yacht Club at 312.861.7777.

For more information on all upcoming Mac related events, visit

http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010-Mac-Schedule-of-Events.pdf

As always, if you have any questions, you can reach us at

racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Veuve Clicquot

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

Skippers and Friends:

Entries in this year’s race topped 200 late last week. This response is very gratifying and we’re really looking forward to a great race and a lot of great activities that come along with the race. Remember, if you’ve entered but have not paid your fee, you are not officially in the race per the NOR. I encourage you to pay as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

Invitations to first timers will go out on March 1. We have a list of over thirty boats that are eagerly awaiting their invitation and another thirty boats that are in various stages of having completed the request process. If you’re in the latter group, we encourage you to complete your request as soon as you can. The sooner you complete your request the sooner we can review it and either help you complete it or get your invitation ready to e-mail to you. If you need assistance, let us know.

Speaking of all of the race events we have planned, the Schedule of Events has been posted on the website. Click on ‘The Race’ and then ‘Schedule of Events’ or just click on this link

http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010-Mac-Schedule-of-Events.pdf

As always, if you have any questions, you can reach us at

racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Veuve Clicquot

The entries for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, are flowing in. We’ve been accepting entries for less than two weeks and already have over 160 boats entered. Remember, you’re not officially entered until you also pay the entry fee. Most of you have done that already and have ensured your place in this year’s race.

Invitations to new skippers, or those who haven’t raced in at least one of the last four races, will go out on March 1. The list of people asking for first time entries is growing every day. If you’re considering racing this year I encourage you to go to our website www.cycracetomackinac.com and click ‘Request Entry’ Please read the instructions carefully as you fill out the forms.

First time skippers will want to attend our First Mac Race seminar on March 27, at Crowley’s Yacht Yard, as part of Yachtapalooza – more details to come.

Everyone is welcome at Mac Stories Night on March 26, at CYC’s Belmont Harbor Clubhouse. The evening features 'Women of the Mac' telling their stories. We’ll conclude the evening with the story of Evelyn Wright who sailed double-handed with her cousin Sarah Carey in the 1905 race, finishing second in the sloop class. Reservations are encouraged at 312-861-7777. For more information go to this site: click here.

We hope to see you at one or both events. As always, if you have any questions, contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

The entries for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, are flowing in. We’ve been accepting entries for less than two weeks and already have over 160 boats entered. Remember, you’re not officially entered until you also pay the entry fee. Most of you have done that already and have ensured your place in this year’s race

Invitations to new skippers, or those who haven’t raced in at least one of the last four races, will go out on March 1. The list of people asking for first time entries is growing every day. If you’re considering racing this year I encourage you to go to our website www.cycracetomackinac.com and click ‘Request Entry’ Please read the instructions carefully as you fill out the forms.

First time skippers will want to attend our First Mac Race seminar on March 27, at Crowley’s Yacht Yard, as part of Yachtapalooza – more details to come.

Everyone is welcome at Mac Stories Night on March 26, at CYC’s Belmont Harbor clubhouse. The evening features “Women of the Mac” telling their stories. We’ll conclude the evening with the story of Evelyn Wright who sailed double-handed with her cousin Sarah Carey in the 1905 race, finishing second in the sloop class. Reservations are encouraged at 312-861-7777. For more information go to this site: www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/Mac-Stories-Night-2010.pdf

We hope to see you at one or both events. As always, if you have any questions, contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Veuve Clicquot

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

You're Invited to the Dave Perry Seminar

The afternoon session will be:
Building a Winning Team - an in-depth look at how to put together a winning team, and how to operate as one. Through humorous role plays and extensive scenario analysis, Dave fleshes out the key roles on a boat, and shows how there are roles for everyone. In addition, he shares proven communication and decision-making systems used by the top teams, and explores the interpersonal dynamics which can often mean the difference between success and disaster.

Call 312.861.7777 for reservations

New for 2010, Chicago Yacht Club is proud to introduce Veuve Clicquot as presenting sponsor. 'This is a fabulous pairing,' stated Mac Chairman Greg Freeman, 'as both Veuve Clicquot and Chicago Yacht Club are known worldwide for their history of excellence and quality - in fine champagnes and in yacht racing.' Chicago Yacht Club will also offer 100% tracking coverage included, at no extra cost to the competitor. GPS tracking has enabled friends, family and colleagues to watch the race online, and brought more than 250,000 unique visitors to the Race website last year. The 2010 race entrance fee is $13 per foot, the same as it was in 2008.

Sailors who want more information should read the 2010 Notice of Race and Safety Regulations available on the Race website at www.cycracetomackinac.com. Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is an invitation only race. If you wish to enter the race for the first time, or after an extended absence, you will need to complete the Request for Invitation (RFI) process. Only RFIs that are complete and have been approved by the Mac Race Selections Committee will receive an Invitation. If you have any questions about this process, contact our Race Coordinator at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

About Chicago Yacht Club: The Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Today, the club boasts a membership of nearly 1500 boating enthusiasts, and is one of the preeminent organizers of regattas, races and predicted-log events in the United States. The club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities, including fine dining and full-service catering at both its Monroe and Belmont stations.

About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac: At 333 miles (289.4 nautical miles), the Race to Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. ‘The Mac’ starts at the Chicago Lighthouse, just off Navy Pier and continues to Mackinac Island. Competing boats cross the finish line between the lighthouse on Round Island and a fixed mark on Mackinac Island. 2009 marked the 101st Running of the Race to Mackinac in which 350 boats competed.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

The Mackinac Safety Regulations, both Monohull and Multihull are also available on the website under Documents, Monohulls, or Documents, Multihulls. The direct links are: http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010_MSR_Monohull.pdf

http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010_MSR_Multihull.pdf

Invitations to the 2010 Race will start going out next week. Invitations to returning competitors will be issued on February 2, 2010. Any exceptions have already been notified. Invitations to those entering for the first time or returning after an absence of more than four years will start going out the week of March 1, 2010. The Mac Race is an invitation only race. If you wish to enter the race for the first time, or after an extended absence, you will need to complete the Request for Invitation (RFI) process. Only RFIs that are complete and have been approved by the Mac Race Selections Committee will receive an Invitation. If you have any questions about this process, contact our Race Coordinator at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

I hope to see you all at Strictly Sail this weekend. Don’t forget the ‘What’s New with the 2010 Mac’ seminar at 2:15 PM in Room 327, the ‘First Mac, New Crew?’ seminar at 11:45 AM, also in Room 327 and the annual Pink Pony Party, presented by Veuve Clicquot, at our Belmont Harbor clubhouse starting at 6:00 PM. Spend some time with fellow sailors on a cold January weekend.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Speaking of Strictly Sail, our ‘ First Mac? New Crew? This One’s for You’ Seminar will be on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:45 AM in Room 327. If you have new crew or if you are new crew, send them to this fun, informal seminar conducted by ‘Mac Rookie of the Year’ Loren Kokenes. Everyone is welcome. Room 327.

At 2:15 PM please join us for ‘What’s New with the Mac for 2010.’ We’ll officially introduce Veuve Clicquot to the Mac Race community as our Presenting Sponsor. We’ll also talk about what else is in the works for the 102nd Mac. Join the Mac Committee in Room 327 for this informative seminar.

Once you’ve attended the seminars and kicked a few keels, come up to CYC’s Belmont Clubhouse for the annual Pink Pony Party presented by Veuve Clicquot. The party will feature special Pink Pony themed drinks. There will be a live band, good food, special give-away items and of course, the Pink Pony will be there. The fun starts at 6:00PM and runs until at least midnight. Party like you’re at the Pink Pony and celebrate our new sponsor – Veuve Clicquot.

There is a lot more being planned for the Spring and Summer. We’ll give you a look at our plans at the seminars. Join us as we kick off the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Presented by Veuve Clicquot.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

January 22, 2010 (CHICAGO) -- Chicago Yacht Club is excited to announce a new multi-year sponsorship with champagne house Veuve Clicquot. We are proud to be one of the foremost yacht clubs in the world, and this strategic alliance will elevate the luxury of Chicago Yacht Club events year-round.

Veuve Clicquot will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 and 2011 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, held July 23-24, 2010, and will also present the Pink Pony Party, the Club’s first official Race to Mackinac event, which kicks off January 30, 2010 at Belmont Station.

'We are delighted that Veuve Clicquot will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac,' stated Greg Freeman, chairman of the 102nd Race to Mackinac, 'This is a fabulous pairing as both Veuve Clicquot and Chicago Yacht Club are known worldwide for their history of excellence and quality - in fine wines and in yacht racing.'

'We're thrilled to be a part of the Race to Mackinac as part of our 2010 Veuve Clicquot Social Season,' says Christine Kaculis, Director of Communications for Veuve Clicquot. 'Veuve Clicquot has a long tradition of being involved in the most prestigious and stylish events around the world, so sponsoring this renowned sailing race is a natural fit for our brand.'

Chicago Yacht Club is committed to supporting corporate sponsorships that better serve our members and event participants. For more information about Chicago Yacht Club, go to www.chicagoyachtclub.org. For more information about Veuve Clicquot, go to www.veuve-clicquot.com.

About Chicago Yacht Club: The Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Today, the club boasts a membership of nearly 1500 boating enthusiasts, and is one of the preeminent organizers of regattas, races and predicted-log events in the United States. The club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities, including fine dining and full-service catering at both its Monroe and Belmont stations.

About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac: At 333 miles (289.4 nautical miles), the Race to Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. ‘The Mac’ starts at the Chicago Lighthouse, just off Navy Pier and continues to Mackinac Island. Competing boats cross the finish line between the lighthouse on Round Island and a fixed mark on Mackinac Island. 2009 marked the 101st Running of the Race to Mackinac in which 350 boats competed.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

It’s January, there’s snow on the ground and the Bears are not in the playoffs (again). Unless you’re one of the lucky few heading to Key West, this month this can be quite depressing. And the start of the Mac is still almost 200 days or 7 months away.

But there is something to look forward to. Strictly Sail returns to Navy Pier on January 28, through January 31. The Mac Race team will be there with two Seminars. Please join us for ‘What’s New with the Mac’ on Saturday, January 30, at 2:15 PM to learn about the 102nd running of the Mac Race. Earlier that same day, at 11:45 AM, join us for ‘First Mac? New Crew? This One’s for You!’ presented by 2009 Mac Race ‘Rookie of the Year’ Loren Kokenes. This seminar will be an informal and fun look at the Mac from the perspective of a first-timer. A great seminar for those who will be rail-jockeys for the first time. Everyone is welcome, of course.

Also, on January 30, at 6:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight at the Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Harbor Clubhouse is the Pink Pony Party. The first party of the Mac Race season returns with special drinks, food, a hot band, and give-aways. The Pony will be here again this year. Celebrate the upcoming sailing season as if you were on Mackinac Island in the Pink Pony.

Also, coming up on Friday, March 26, at Belmont – Mac Stories Night featuring ‘The Woman of the Mac’. All stories will be presented by women speakers. On Saturday, March 27, the ‘First Mac Seminar’ for first time Skippers will be presented in conjunction with Crowley’s Yacht Yard’s Yachtapalooza. More details will follow.

So stay warm and think about racing to Mackinac Island this summer.

Watch the Mac website for more updates. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

I hope to see you at Strictly Sail.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

I'm pleased to tell you that the 2010 Request for Invitation process is now open and ready to use. Remember, you only need to request an invitation to the race if this is your first time or if you have not raced in at least one of the last four years. If you have raced in any of the last four races, you'll get an automatic invitation in the early part of 2010. If you know of someone that is interesting in enter the race, please pass this information along.

Those of you using the RFI process should know that we'll look at your application soon after it's received and alert you to any issues or concerns. However, we will not process your RFI in full until after the automatic invitations go out. This is planned for mid- to late January. Rest assured, you'll have plenty of time to get ready for 2010's race.

The Mac Committee is hard at work on the Notice and Conditions of Race and other race documents. Look for the NOR in mid-January, 2010. We also expect to be able to make several very exciting announcements at Strictly Sail, which is January 28 - 31, 2010. We'll have two seminars - one will focus on ‘What's New with the Mac in 2010’ and the other will be a less formal seminar for ‘new crew’. Please join us at one or both.

And don't forget the Pink Pony Party on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Chicago Yacht Club's Belmont Harbor station. It's a great way to party with fellow sailors and kick-off the 2010 ‘Mac Season.’ The Pony will be there and so should you.

Until then, best wishes for a safe and happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Best regards,

Greg Freeman

Chair 2010
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

I'm pleased to tell you that the 2010 Request for Invitation process is now open and ready to use. Remember, you only need to request an invitation to the race if this is your first time or if you have not raced in at least one of the last four years. If you have raced in any of the last four races, you'll get an automatic invitation in the early part of 2010. If you know of a sailor who is interested in requesting an invitation, please pass this information along with our thanks.

Those of you using the RFI process should know that we'll look at your application soon after it's received and alert you to any issues or concerns. However, we will not process your RFI in full until after the automatic invitations go out. This is planned for mid- to late January. Rest assured, you'll have plenty of time to get ready for 2010's race.

The Mac Committee is hard at work on the Notice and Conditions of Race and other race documents. Look for the NOR in mid-January, 2010. We also expect to be able to make several very exciting announcements at Strictly Sail, which is January 28 - 31, 2010. We'll have two seminars - one will focus on

It's less than two weeks since the 2009 Mac Race officially closed it's books with the Mac Awards Dinner on November 7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. If you weren't there, you missed a great evening with over 400 friends, winners all, gathering to celebrate their achievements in the 2009 Race to Mackinac. Also at that event, Greg Miarecki, who has been Chairman for the past two years turned over the reins to me for 2010. I'm delighted to have been asked to take on this challenging assignment and look forward to a fantastic race in 2010. I've already put in a request for more wind.

Some of you are already coming to this site looking for information about the 2010 race. Some of you are looking to submit your Request for Invitation (RFI) for 2010 or to update the one you already submitted. We're glad you're excited about the 102nd Race. At the moment, however, the site has been restricted while we make some necessary changes to the system that handles the RFIs. We plan to have this done in about two weeks so please check back after Thanksgiving. If you've submitted information already, we have it and it's safe. We'll reopen access as soon as the needed changes are in place.

Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. If you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Best regards. Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

Tomorrow night, many of you will join us at the Chicago Hyatt Regency to toast the winners of the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. The 101st Race, the second largest in Race history, was one for the history books. It featured extremely challenging weather conditions, and rewarded those of us who exhibited perserverance and the intestinal fortitude to stay well west of the rhumb line. Win or lose, we hope that you enjoyed the 101st Race as much as we did. Thanks to my fellow committee members and our world-class Race Committee for making it happen.

Tomorrow's dinner will mark the transition from the 101st Race to the 102nd Race, which will leave Chicago on Friday, July 23 (for our cruising division) and Saturday, July 24, 2009 (for the remaining divisions.) We hope you will decide to join us for another helping of history, adventure, competition, and friendship.

Tomorrow night will also mark a 'watch change' of sorts. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Race Chairman for the past two years. Tomorrow, I will be turning over the helm of the Mackinac Committee to Greg Freeman, who has served as Vice Chairman for the 100th and 101st Races. Winn Soldani will join Greg as the new Vice Chairman. Greg has been a fantastic Vice Chairman, and I know that he and his team will put on spectacular Races in 2010 and 2011. You will see communications from Greg and Winn regarding the 102nd Race in the coming weeks.

Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable off-season. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago next July.

Regards,

Greg J. Miarecki
Chair
2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

We are putting the final touches on the 2009 Mackinac and Offshore Awards Dinner, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation on November 7, 2009. We have already received over 400 reservations, and expect a sellout crowd next Saturday. If you plan to join us, please make your reservations through our Front Desk at 312-861-7777. Tickets are $80 per person, and the reservation deadline is Tuesday, November 3 at 6:00 PM. Complete details regarding the event are available by clicking here.

Please join us in toasting the winners of the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. We look forward to seeing you next weekend!

Regards,

Greg J. Miarecki

Chair

2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is proud to host the 2009 Mackinac and Offshore Awards Dinner. We look forward to a great evening on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. We have already received over 250 reservations for this year’s dinner, and are on pace for another sellout event. If you have not already done so, please access your electronic invitation and information sheet by clicking here. Tickets are $75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, if you reserve your place by October 24 ($80 after October 24). Please make your reservations today by calling the Front Desk at 312-861-7777.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about the Foundation. Consider this:

We all agree that it’s a great feeling to be out on the water, with a great boat and crew, perhaps competing in a regatta. Wouldn’t it be nice to help others learn about the sport and give them opportunities to participate? The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) does exactly that. We are:

' ……an organization that promotes an awareness and appreciation of the nautical arts and traditions to the Chicagoland community through education and activities, as well as through support of like-minded charitable organizations.'

Your donation can help us fulfill this mission. We support the North American Challenge Cup, Sea Scouts, and Jr. Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. We provide sailing school scholarships help kids attend national and international regattas. We run educational classes and assist organizations relating to nautical interests. We have a vibrant civic outreach program that provides special opportunities to those less fortunate in our local community. This program includes lectures about maritime history, book readings, visits to nautical sites, as well as opportunities for on the water activities.

Our work has tangible results. For example, this year, one of our junior sailors won the US Sailing Youth Championship on the East Coast. Two of our other junior sailors won the Trofeo Rizotti International Regatta on Italy’s Lake Garda – an extremely challenging sailing venue. Please help us continue to make a difference by making a donation to the CYC Foundation. Your donation will be put to good use, and you will know that you have helped others participate in what we have been so privileged to enjoy. Simply call our Front Desk (312-861-7777) and ask to make a donation to the CYC Foundation via credit card. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to seeing you on November 7!

W.G. Vartan
President
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation

Greg J. Miarecki
Chair
2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

October 12, 2009 (CHICAGO) – The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Mac Photo Contest. We’d like to thank everyone who participated. With almost 100 boats submitting photos to the contest this year, it was a very difficult decision. The winners are:

Best Artistic Photo, 50 Free, Nick Masters
Best Funny Photo, Willie J, Lexi Petter
Best Photo of Another Boat, EDGE, Jordan Anderson
Best Photo Passing a Mac Landmark, Big Storm, Michael J. Teodecki
Best Photo of Own Boat or Crew, Nautilus, Susan Norvich
Best Photo of Sunrise or Sunset, La Tempete, Michael R. Lucas
Best Teamwork Photo, Chance, Jim Allen

The winning photographer in each category will receive a prize valued at $100 from one of our contest sponsors, Lands’ End Business Outfitters, Crowley’s Yacht Yard and Mount Gay Rum. The awards will be presented at the Mac Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency. All the finalist photos in each category will be posted at www.chicagoyachtclub.org in the Photo Gallery.