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 a committee of active Chicago Yacht Club member-volunteers. The committee represents the club as the Race Organizing Authority and is led by the chairman. The committee planning process is a 12 months long and accounts for thousands of volunteer hours.
The chairman of the Mackinac Committee is appointed by the Commodore of Chicago Yacht Club and approved by the flag officers. The chairman has extensive on-the-water experience with offshore yacht racing. Other Committee members are appointed by the Chairman.
The 2024-2025 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Committee consists of the following members of the Chicago Yacht Club:
Winn Soldani, Chair
Kevin Foote, Vice Chair
Shawn O'Neill, Selections Chair/Documents
Ron White, Head of Technical Committee
Jennifer Dorsch, DRO/YB Tracking
Leif Sigmond, PRO/Documents
Clark Pellett, Selections
Rick Lillie, Inspections/Safety
Helle Getz, Scoring/Awards
Steve Sickler, YB Tracking
Lloyd Karzen, Island Operations
Lindsey Duda, Communications
Claire O'Neill, Communications/New Entries
Adam Collins, Communications/Growth
Jerry Gurthet, Technology
Tom Falck, Technology/Entry Management
Mike Evans, Technology/Ratings
Sam Veilleux, Past Chair/Judges/Documents
Frank Jaeger, Growth
Ivy Williams, Social
Chris Thomas, Sponsorship
CYC Staff:
Chuck Nevel, CYC OTW Director
Patrick Burks, CYC Regatta Manager
Keith Brennan, CYC General Manager
Abbie Wilson, CYC Communications
Media:
Laura Muma, Media Director
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