Race to Mackinac competitors and crew,
We are less than six weeks away from the start of the 113th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. The Manitous, Gray’s Reef and the Mighty Mac are calling, but first we have a few important updates and reminders.
Late Entry Deadline is Wednesday, June 15
If you have not yet completed your registration or know other boats that are thinking about racing the late entry deadline is 23:59 on Wednesday June 15. Please ensure that your entry has met all of the minimum requirements by the deadline.
On the Water Man Overboard Exercise and Demonstrations Offered
The Chicago Yacht Club Mackinac Safety Subcommittee has organized three on the water man overboard exercises. Participants will learn to identify and observe on their navigation equipment an AIS man overboard signal. Additionally, each participant will be able to practice navigating to the AIS signal source and to employ search and spotting techniques when approaching. A separate part of the exercise will allow participants to witness a man overboard DISTRESS CALL made from the command ship using its VHF radio. Participants may also hear U.S. Coast Guard personnel transmit during the drill. There are three opportunities to participate:
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Approximately 2 nm off Belmont Harbor entrance
MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Wednesday, June 22, 2022: Monroe Station 6 p.m.
Approximately 2 nm off Monroe Harbor entrance
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Sunday, July 10, 2022: Monroe Station 11 a.m.
Approximately 2 nm off Monroe Harbor entrance
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bus Back from Mac Tickets Now Available
Tickets for the return bus from Mackinac after the race are now available for purchase. The Chicago Yacht Club has partnered with Windy City Transportation to transport weary sailors from Mackinaw City to Chicago after the race and festivities. The motor coaches are comfortable, air conditioned and stocked with a supply of refreshments for your trip back to Chicago. All coaches will return to the Chicago Yacht Club's Monroe Station only and will make no personal stops other than one scheduled stop for lunch and a restroom break.
On Wednesday, July 27, four buses will depart from the Star Line dock in Mackinaw City at 10 a.m. with a later bus departing from the same locale at 2 p.m. You will be assigned a seat on a specific bus, and tickets are not transferable.
Chicago Yacht Club members can reserve a ticket for either time here.
Non-members can reserve a ticket for the 10 a.m. bus here.
Non-members can reserve a ticket for the 2 p.m. bus here.
Shore Bag Delivery Service
We are excited for the return of the Shore Bag Delivery Service, to transport your shoreside luggage from Chicago to the Island. All bags must be dropped off at the Chicago Yacht Club Monroe Station Front Desk on Friday, July 22 during regular club hours. When you drop your bag off at Monroe Station, the Front Desk Team will tag your bag(s) to your Mackinac Island hotel. Your bag(s) will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive. Everyone checking bags must be race participants.
As an exclusive benefit of membership, Chicago Yacht Club will transport one airline carry-on size shore bag from Chicago Yacht Club's Monroe Station to Mackinac Island for each member at no cost. Members can check one additional bag for $25. Non-Members can check one bag at $25.
Docking and Fueling Note
We are grateful that the Michigan DNR allowed us to return to historic numbers of boats docking at Mackinac Island State Harbor, after we were significantly restricted for last year’s race. To accommodate our request, the Michigan DNR has prohibited the fueling of boats from portable cans in the harbor. Additionally, no fuel cans may be carried on the docks. We can expect to see signage on the docks to this effect. Fuel is available from Island Hardware on the Coal Dock on Mackinac Island, and at Straits Harbor in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace Municipal Harbors. Please call ahead to confirm fueling hours.
Additionally, no swimming is permitted in Mackinac Island State Harbor, and shore power cords may not be run across rafted boats. Boats in a slip or directly adjacent to a pier may use shore power connections, if available. Boats may only be washed with biodegradable detergents.
We know this is a change, and it may be inconvenient, but following these rules will help us ensure we can continue to dock and raft in Mackinac Island harbor in future years. Additional information will be found in subsequent communications and the Sailing Instructions. We appreciate your adherence to the new rules.
See you on the water!