Racers,
In order to provide the best experience for our competitors, we will be delaying the opening of registration until February 15th. We are putting the final touches on our brand new registration system and we need a little more time. Data from past races will be imported, but competitors will have to reset their passwords prior to completing entries or crew profiles. The Notice of Race and Chicago Mackinac Safety Requirements will be published as scheduled on February 1st on the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Website.
I’m pleased to announce that we will be hosting the Sailor’s Celebration and awards at Mission Point Resort. Mission Point Resort offers a spectacular family-friendly environment a short walk or carriage ride from Mackinac Island State Harbor. We will continue to host the Porch Party on Sunday at the Grand Hotel. We will have limited discounted rooms available at both hotels. More information on our hotel partners will be available soon.
In addition to our presenting sponsor, Wintrust, and returning sponsors Mt. Gay Rum and Team One Newport, we are proud to announce Crowley’s Yacht Yard as the official Safety Sponsor of the 113th race. Crowley’s will be providing discounts on safety equipment, including AIS MOB devices and complete crew safety packages to all race participants and will be assisting in our educational efforts throughout the year. Check out its Mac Safety Gear page for specials and be sure to use the code MACRACER for additional discounts at checkout.
Thanks to many of you for joining us at our two recent nautical education events. In case you missed them, you can check out the recordings on the CYCRTM YouTube Page, or by clicking the links below:
So You Want to do the Race to Mackinac - Whether you’re a new boat owner or an old salt, learn how to request an invitation and prepare your boat and crew for the race from experienced MAC sailors. With divisions including Racing, Cruising, Multihull, and Doublehanded, there are several different opportunities to participate!
Overview of the ORC Rating System - On January 15th, Dobbs Davis joined us to discuss the ORC rating system introduced to the race in 2021 and what it takes to get an ORC rating for your boat.
As mentioned previously, rafting at Mackinac Island State Harbor is back! We have reached an agreement with the Michigan DNR to accommodate the majority of the fleet on the Island. We will continue to use St. Ignace and Straits harbors for overflow. As a reminder, docking assignments will be prioritized based on the date a yacht completes its entry and pays its entry fee.
We hope to see you at the Pink Pony Party on February 5 at Chicago Yacht Club Monroe Station. RSVP is not required but is strongly encouraged. I look forward to seeing all of you out on the water next summer. In the meantime, if you have any race-related questions, please email regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com
Sincerely,
Sam Veilleux
CYCRTM Race Chair