The current official Chicago Mackinac Safety Requirements (CMSR) and any amendments are available on the Official Notice Board (via the “Race Dashboard” menu link).  We have also published CMSR “Quick Reference” guides, available here. If you are exploring your first entry in the Mac Race, or just want to learn more about all the safety requirements for competitors and crew, the Quick Reference guides are a good place to start.

Yes. All entries must satisfy all safety requirements. The safety requirements have been developed in accordance with national and international standards for offshore racing as well as our experiences from conducting annual races from Chicago to Mackinac Island dating back to 1898. These are minimum safety requirements for what is a serious and can be a very challenging race.

All monohulls are required to have a valid ORC International (ORCi) or ORC Club (ORCc) rating certificate. Most ORC International certificates will include a Stability Index. The minimum stability index required for monohulls is 103.  ORC Club certificates do not contain a published Stability Index. For certificates without a published stability index the Technical Committee will evaluate alternative means of compliance and contact the boats should additional information be required.

Boats with moveable or variable ballast must additionally comply with Appendix K of US Sailing’s Safety Equipment Requirements using the Coastal FKR.

If you are uncertain if your boat will meet the Stability Index requirement, email the Chief Measurer at chiefmeasurer@cycracetomackinac.com.

Only you can determine the answer to this question. However, we can say that these skills are honed over time and the race will provide several opportunities to learn about meteorology and navigation in the months leading up to the race. If you are still unsure, please contact the race and we can advise on additional skill development opportunities.

The Person-in-Charge, Reserve Person-In-Charge, and all minor crew (under age 18) must hold one (or more) of the following Safety at Sea Training Certificates that is valid through the start of the Race:

• US Sailing Offshore Safety at Sea

• US Sailing International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands-on Training

• Storm Trysail Club Junior Safety at Sea

• An equivalent valid Certificate issued by another World Sailing Member National Authority. (Such certificates to be reviewed by and at the discretion of the Race for compliance.)

In total, at least 50% of a boat’s crew must hold one of the above training certificates. Also, on or before Race Check-in, the PIC will be required to attest completion of safety training for which at least 75% of the crew, including the PIC and RPIC, shall have completed Crew Safety Drills as described in the CMSR.

We recommend at least two (2) members of the crew shall have completed a First Aid and CPR training recognized by US Sailing as meeting World Sailing first aid training requirements for Categories 1 and 2 offshore races.

CLICK HERE to view US Sailing's list of recognized First Aid/CPR training courses

Inspections are conducted both pre and post race. Our emphasis is on Pre-race inspections which are intended to be educational and help skippers ensure they meet the letter and spirit of the safety requirements. 

• The Race reserves the right to conduct an inspection of any competitor’s boat at any time. All boats are to be prepared and made available for inspection at any time between 1000 hrs on the Thursday prior to the start and the start.

• New entries (first time entered boat; first time skipper; returning skipper, different boat; returning boat, different skipper) MUST email inspections@cycracetomackinac.com to schedule a pre-race inspection between June 1 and the start. 

• Any skipper is welcome to schedule a pre-race inspection. Email inspections@cycracetomackinac.com.