Byline: Preston Anderson
Looking to continue its growth, in 2024 the Race is breaking new ground, celebrating first-time competitors. The initiative – created by The 115th CYC Race to Mackinac Committee– is designed to identify potential barriers to entry and then create new incentives to assist first-time racers getting to the starting line. This new program includes waiving partial entry fees for new competitors to help offset the cost of required safety equipment, and having designated celebratory events and souvenirs post-race.
“It's our responsibility as a yacht club and as a race to bring more people to the water and to involve more people in sailing,” said Winn Soldani, Chair of the 115th Race. “We just felt like there’s a lot of people who step up and do this race for the first time and while we have done such a good job with the traditions and people who have done it so many times, it’s a really big deal to do it the first time and we want to celebrate that too.”
These new competitors, dubbed “First-Timers,” will also be celebrated with a new award: the Mark H. Baxter Memorial Trophy. Named after the first Race chairman in 1972-73, the trophy has already had a long history. It was previously owned by US Sailing, which, at the request of Mark’s children, graciously transferred ownership to Chicago Yacht Club to use for the Race to Mackinac. The trophy will be awarded to the fastest corrected time finish for a first-time boat/skipper in each division.
“As third-generation Island Goats [sailors who have completed 25 Macs or more], both John and I are thrilled to have Dad's trophy in this race,” said Janet Baxter, daughter of Mark H. Baxter. “He was always getting new people into the sport, including his children, and worked hard to keep the race fair and safe for everyone.”
This year’s class of First Timers represent a wide spectrum of sailing experience, including several who grew up in the Chicago Yacht Club Junior Program. Maya Mahoney is one of those juniors who rose through the ranks and is currently competing at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Mahoney gives the Club’s junior program a lot of credit for helping her prepare for her first Race to Mackinac.
“The CYC junior program helped me grow my love of sailing. Before high school, I had little to no sailing experience. I grew up enjoying water sports and team ball sports, but joining the CYC junior program strengthened my desire to sail, built my communication skills and understanding of reading wind,” said Mahoney. “I have also had a number of great coaches who emphasize the importance of paying attention to details, mental preparedness and moving past mistakes. I believe these skills will translate well to this race and being part of a team.”
There are also those first-timers who just recently learned how to sail. John Budde participated in Chicago Yacht Club’s “CrewU” program in the summer of 2023 and has been sailing on the boat GWhiz, a Beneteau 10R, ever since. Budde served in the Army reserves for over 30 years and, as he transitioned out, found a passion for sailing which takes up much of his time.
“I’m retiring from the Army Reserve after 32 years of service and I’ve reached a point of reflection wherein cruising-sailing satisfies the romanticized ideal of adventure and exploration,” Budde said. “I was not expecting but was pleasantly surprised at the camaraderie and esprit de corps that one finds in keelboat racing. Sailing helps me both experience new adventures and be part of a team focused on a common goal.”
The 115th edition of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust kicks off on July 12. Friends, family and fans are invited to follow along on the Race to Mackinac social channels (Facebook and Instagram) and can track the Race via www.cycracetomackinac.com and the YB race tracker. Tickets to post-race celebrations for First Timers can also be purchased online and are available to all competitors on the island.