MACKINAC ISLAND, MICH., July 20, 2025 – Whitehawk, the beautiful wooden 104-foot ketch owned by Peter Thornton, is the first boat to finish the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust, finishing Sunday at 12:51 p.m. ET / 11:51 a.m. CT for an elapsed time of 1 day, 20 hours, 31 minutes.
Due to Whitehawk’s rating, it is unclear where it will place in the 41-boat Cruising Division.The boats are assigned a handicap rating, which corrects their finish time to ensure a fair race among boats of various speeds and sizes. As of press time, Whitehawk’s competitors were still racing.
With the Cruising Division beginning on Friday, Thornton said they lucked out in finding the gap in the weather. “On the radar we saw the rain moving toward us to the north and south of us, but we lucked out into a great weather window with the clear skies and more importantly, good breeze.”
He did say the winds waned to 3-4 knots at times but they always had breeze, which was not the case for the boats behind him. The rest of the fleet is currently struggling to get through the Manitou Passage.
Thornton estimates he’s done at least 40 Mac Races and his advice to first timers is simple. “Enjoy it. Every one of these is different and has its special moments,” said Thornton. “One of my grandsons was on board for his first race this year and couldn’t get over the incredible starry sky, and watching all the crew work that goes into making our boat go fast.”
As of 8 p.m. ET, only the second boat (also in the Cruising Division) – Cynthia Lyn – has crossed the finish line.
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!
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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.