Your race-week guide to following the world’s largest annual offshore race.
Everything you need to follow the world’s largest annual offshore race — from the Chicago start and live race tracking to social updates, onboard stories and the finish at Mackinac Island.
Watch in Chicago
The Race to Mackinac begins on Chicago’s lakefront, giving fans one of the best opportunities to see the fleet up close before boats head north for Mackinac Island.
The Cruising Division starts Friday, July 10 at 3:00 p.m. The Racing Division starts Saturday, July 11 beginning at 11:00 a.m., with starts continuing into the afternoon.
This year’s race again features the Skyline Sprint, a spectator-friendly opening leg that brings the fleet closer to the city. Weather permitting, boats will race north along the lakefront toward a turning mark near Montrose before continuing up Lake Michigan.
Recommended viewing areas include the lakefront from Navy Pier north toward Diversey, Belmont and Montrose harbors.
Track the Fleet
Follow the Race to Mackinac in real time with YB Tracking.
Each boat carries a tracker, allowing fans to follow the fleet as teams make their way up Lake Michigan, through the Straits of Mackinac and toward the finish at Mackinac Island.
Use the tracker to follow your favorite boat, watch tactical splits develop across the lake and see when teams are approaching the finish.
Follow on Social
Follow the Race to Mackinac on Instagram and Facebook for race-week coverage from Chicago, on the water and Mackinac Island.
Expect start-line updates, daily race update videos, photos, video, tracker highlights, onboard moments, finish coverage and stories from across the fleet.
Get onboard updates
Want the story behind the tracker?
Sign up for Race to Mackinac email updates to receive race-week coverage, onboard stories, key moments, finish updates and ways to follow the fleet as teams race north.
Whether you are following a specific boat or discovering the Mac for the first time, email updates are one of the best ways to stay connected throughout the race.
watch from mackinac island
The Race to Mackinac finishes at Mackinac Island, with boats crossing the line between Windermere Point and Round Island Lighthouse.
For fans on the island, Windermere Point is one of the most recognizable places to watch boats complete the race. Finish times vary widely based on weather, boat speed and race conditions, so the best way to know when boats are approaching is to follow the tracker and Race to Mackinac social channels.
As boats arrive, watch for finish coverage, dockside moments and celebration updates from Mackinac Island.