In the early morning hours, the sleek fleet of Great Lakes 52s sailed under the Mackinac Bridge and past the iconic Round Island Lighthouse to finish at Mackinac Island, completing their 333-mile journey in the 116th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust.
Beating the sunrise, Bob Hughes’ GL52 Heartbreaker was the first GL52 across the line in the 13-boat section, finishing at 2:53 a.m. ET with an elapsed time of 1 day, 13 hours, 3 minutes, and 4 seconds. Heartbreaker led the 52s from the start,
“I’m ecstatic,” said Hughes. “This is my favorite race in the world, and this year is the first time I’ve won not only the 52 section, but potentially, the entire racing division.”
“The team did such a phenomenal job. After the race was over, we realized nobody ever crossed our bow. I don’t know how that happened in such a competitive fleet. It’s the most talented big boat fleet in the country by far.”
Hughes continued, reflecting on the Race, which first sparked his passion for offshore racing many years ago.
“It’s such a special race––the beautiful coastline, the iconic finish, and the big, deep breath you take when you cross the line. It’s magic. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, that’s for sure.”
Hughes is on a hot streak. Last week, the Heartbreaker team won the GL52 class and the overall division at the Bayview Mackinac Race. It’s a feat that may be repeated this year in the 2025 Race to Mackinac.
As of press time, Heartbreaker sits atop the provisional standings for the Mackinac Cup, awarded to the top finisher among the big boats in the Racing Division.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of sailboats are each making the final turn at Grays Reef into the Straits of Mackinac. During this morning’s weather and race analysis, Race Chair Winn Soldani noted that many boats remain stalled in the Manitou Passage, where light winds and adverse currents are slowing their progress. Some teams are now gambling on an outside route beyond the Manitou Islands – a tactical move that could define their finish if it pays off.
HOW TO WATCH: Live Race Tracking and CYCRTM social media
Fans will be able to follow both the cruising and racing fleets via YB Tracking HERE.
Each boat is equipped with a satellite tracker that sends GPS information (location, speed, and direction) every 15 minutes and displays the location and track on the race course.
Social Media
Race organizers will be actively posting updates to Race to Mackinac social media. We encourage all fans to follow the race on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and stay engaged with the race as much as possible!
# # #
About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust
The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust is one of the world’s largest annual offshore regattas, drawing top-notch sailing talent from around North America and the world. Known as ‘The Mac Race’ to everyone in the region, the ultimate test of Great Lakes navigation starts each July just off Chicago’s famous Navy Pier. While passing through some of the most beautiful coastal waters in the world on the 333-mile race route (289 nautical miles), the fleet faces the storms, reefs, calms, and competition that truly make it “America’s Offshore Challenge™.” Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more at www.cycracetomackinac.com.
ABOUT CHICAGO YACHT CLUB: Founded in 1875, the Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Its mission is to encourage, promote, and develop knowledge, participation, and enjoyment of all aspects of yachting. To that end, the Club hosts many world class competitions and Predicted-Log events, including its signature Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac and numerous North American and World Championships. The Club is also recognized as a leader in sailing education, with one of the largest junior sailing programs in the United States. The Club is home to nearly 1500 members, including winning America’s Cup skippers, Olympic medalists and hopefuls, and outstanding boaters of all types, from ages 4 to 104. The Club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities, including fine dining, full-service catering, and year-round activities for its diverse membership at two locations on the city’s shoreline, at Monroe and Belmont Harbors. Learn more at chicagoyachtclub.org.