CHICAGO YACHT CLUB ANNOUNCES 2027 RACE TO MACKINAC; REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
WORLD’S LARGEST ANNUAL OFFSHORE RACE RETURNS JULY 16–17; NEW WHITEHAWK DIVISION HONORS PETER THORNTON
Chicago Yacht Club today announced that registration for the 118th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust, the largest annual offshore race in the world, will open Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at cycracetomackinac.com.
Following a 2026 edition that drew over 250 competing teams, the 333-mile Race to Mackinac returns July 16–17, 2027, bringing sailors from across North America and beyond to Chicago. From the dramatic start against Chicago's skyline to the iconic finish at Mackinac Island, the Race continues to attract seasoned competitors and first-time teams alike for one of offshore sailing's great challenges.
“The Race to Mackinac has a remarkable ability to bring sailors together, whether they’re returning for their 30th race or preparing for their very first,” said Race Chairman Kevin Foote. “As we look ahead to the 118th running, we’re excited to build on that tradition, welcome new competitors and continue evolving one of the world’s great offshore sailing events.”
Starting in 2027, race organizers have renamed the Cruising Division the Whitehawk Division. The new name builds upon the Whitehawk Trophy, donated by Peter and Marijane Thornton in 2023 to recognize the division's top corrected-time finisher. It also honors longtime competitor Peter Thornton, a veteran of more than 40 Mac Races. Thornton's 104-foot, Bruce King-designed ketch Whitehawk claimed line honors for the fifth consecutive year in 2026.
The announcement comes amid growing momentum for the cruising fleet, with participation increasing nearly 20% since 2024, from 37 to 44 teams. The Whitehawk Division aims to build on that momentum, attract more competitors and support the Race's broader efforts to grow participation across the fleet.
“My crew and I are incredibly proud to see the division carry the Whitehawk name,” said Thornton. “I've spent a lot of years racing in Chicago, and while the boats have certainly changed, the adventure of racing to Mackinac Island is just as special as it's always been. I'd love to see more boats on the starting line and more sailors have the opportunity to experience it for themselves.”
In a separate update to the Race’s awards program, the historic Vanenna Cup has been assigned to recognize the Mixed-Plus winners in each division.
Introduced in 2026, the Mixed-Plus Award recognizes top-performing crews with significant participation by women and youth sailors, reflecting the Race’s commitment to encouraging broader participation in offshore sailing. The awarding of the Vanenna Cup dates to 2008 and the cup is named for the winning yacht of the inaugural Race to Mackinac in 1898. From 2008-2022, it recognized the best corrected-time finisher in the Cruising Division.
Registration for the 118th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust opens December 1, 2026. For more information on entering the race, visit cycracetomackinac.com or email regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com.