November 5, 2011
Welcome to the official website of Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. 2012 marks the 104th running of this historic annual freshwater distance race. To date, over 400,000 sailors have shared in the legacy of the Race to Mackinac over a history that spans 113 years. The "Mac" has built a common bond through the new adventures we forge, the memories we relive every July ,and the rich traditions that happen on the 333 mile passage up Lake Michigan to Round Island Lighthouse.
We have all had plenty of time to reflect about what the "Mac" means to us over the past four months. There certainly has not been a shortage of reliving our most recent adventures. It may have given us reason to think about what the race means to us and why we do it, year after year. Whether this year will be your first or your 64th, one thing is for certain: once the "MAC" gets in your blood you are destined to come back!
Personally, it is an adventure unlike any other. The Mac is an escape from the confines of daily life, the hectic schedules and deadlines that make up our life on land. One thing is for sure- when you’ve finished the final bit of provisioning for your boat and you cast the last dock line from the cleat that binds you to life on land- the bond becomes very evident. The camaraderie shared with your crewmates- be they family or friends, lives on well past the time spent on the boat. It is a bond of fellowship- It is what we do!
It truly is an honor to serve as the chairman for the 104th and 105th Races to Mackinac. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would ever do the race, much less serve as chairman. I am thankful to Chicago Yacht Club for the opportunity to be a part of the history of this race. I am thankful for the partnership with our presenting Sponsor Veuve Clicquot who returns for third consecutive year. Their support has been an instrumental part of the growth and sustenance of the Mac. I’m thankful to our Mackinac Committee, our Race committee and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make this race possible. Most of all, I am thankful for you ,our sailing community and sailing supporters, because without you, we have no race.
So whether you will be doing your first Mac, your 64th, or somewhere in between- Welcome! This is your MAC, This is Our MAC. It IS what we do!
See you in Chicago on July 21st!
Yours in Sportsmanship,
Lou Sandoval
Chairman, 104th and 105th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac