How to Enter
Race Starts July 12, 2024
About the Race
Welcome and thanks for your interest in entering your boat in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac! We’re glad you’re here.
From the iconic start in front of the Chicago skyline to the beautiful arrival at Mackinac Island, the Mac Race is truly an experience like no other and we are excited to help you enter.
We want to make entering the race as easy as possible! You can find below a road map for entry as well as answers to frequently asked questions. If you are interested in only crewing for the Mac Race, please add your information to our Crew Finder.
Please also feel free to reach out to us directly at: regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com.
2024 New Entry Incentive
Are you considering entering the Race to Mackinac for the first time?
We know there are costs to get your boat “race ready” for the first time. To help, in 2024, the Mac Committee may refund a portion of your entry fee (the first 26 feet – the race's minimum vessel length) if you are truly a new competitor.
Please note, an established entry that simply changes the invited competitor to a crew member, spouse, etc., is not in the spirit of this effort, and will not qualify. The selections committee will review all requests, and their decision will be final.
New competitors should request an invitation, and complete the registration (with full payment) as usual. Please email selections@cycracetomackinac.com after you are complete, and they will respond as soon as possible.
How To Enter The Race
Before entering the race, please take a moment to review the vessel and safety qualifications to ensure your boat qualifies to compete. Any questions, please contact regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com
Entry to the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is by invitation. When requesting an invitation, race organizers will need to know basic information about the boat and experience of the crew.
Once registration opens February 1st, please create an account by clicking here and request an invitation. Contact regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com with any questions.
Once an entry’s request for invitation is approved, the next step is to officially register for the Race which begins your formal entry.
It’s now time to prepare your boat and crew to compete. Below are recommendations to help guide you as you get ready for the starting line!
- Safety
- Logistics:
Please see below FAQ for information on dockage, accommodations, shore bag service, and island transportation.
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Resources:
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac FAQs
Qualification is based on your vessel meeting design and safety criteria (listed above). At a minimum, all vessels must be 26 feet long (24 feet if a multihull).
You can find the full list of this year’s safety requirements HERE. (Coming Soon)
Yes. All entries must satisfy all safety requirements. These requirements have been developed according to national and international standards for offshore racing as well as 114 years of racing to Mackinac Island on Lake Michigan.
If you don’t have an ORC rating, you can search the ORC database. If there is still no record of a rating for your vessel, please contact the regatta manager: regattamanager@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.
Yes. The race organizes a number of seminars in the months leading up the race that competitors are welcome to attend. If there’s not a seminar offered that matches your need, please contact the race and we’ll be happy to help!
In addition to required safety equipment, some suggested items to plan for are meals, hydration, basic kitchenware, layered clothing, foul weather gear including offshore boots, and sun protection. We recommend contacting experienced teams to learn best practices.
Skippers/Owners typically provide food for the team that will last through the race. Many teams opt for premade meals that can quickly be heated or individual dehydrated meals. The race provides a catering service each year for competitors. Please contact the race to inquire.
Race registration will open February 1.
Yes! We provide trackers to each entry which transmit your location during the race. It’s always fun for family and friends to watch the competition unfold during the race!
Please contact Chicago Yacht Club and inquire about availability and recommendations at both the Monroe and Belmont Harbor Stations. Many competitors choose to reserve transient dockage with the Chicago Harbors.
At Mackinac Island, docking assignments are assigned by race management with priority given by order of race entry. Due to limited dockage, some vessels will be directed to the docks at St. Ignace on the mainland, a short ferry ride away. If you choose to stay on Mackinac Island, accommodations are at your discretion. We advise contacting hotels on the island as soon as possible to ensure you have a place to stay upon arrival.
There are several ways to get home from Mackinac Island. You can arrange for your own private transportation by car from Mackinaw City/St. Ignace. There is also a private airfield on the island that competitors will use for small group flights. The majority of competitors have friends or family drive a vehicle up to the island during the race to shuttle delivery gear, personal items, and provide a return trip.
The Chicago Yacht Club also arranges for return transit each year by private bus. These spaces fill up fast so please keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale.
Of course, many competitors also depart the island on their vessel and enjoy a beautiful delivery back often stopping at ports along the way.