Current Race Records
The monohull record is 22 hours, 24 minutes, and 23 seconds set in 2024 by Sanford Burris & William Kinney’s Andrews 80 Maverick
The multihull record is 18 hours, 50 minutes, and 32 seconds set in 1998 by Steve Fossett’s 60-foot catamaran Stars and Stripes
Course Description
The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust begins in Chicago, Illinois, right in front of the city’s iconic skyline, offering a dramatic and breathtaking view as the fleet sets sail. From this spectacular start, teams embark on a 333 statute miles race up Lake Michigan, navigating a course that presents a series of strategic decisions, testing both skill and judgment.
As they head north, teams must choose whether to commit to sailing along the Wisconsin or Michigan shorelines. For those who take the Michigan route, they will pass by the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes, towering 400 feet above the water’s surface, providing a stunning backdrop. Further up the lake, competitors face another critical decision when approaching the Manitou Passage—whether to sail inside or outside the Manitou Islands. These islands are steeped in maritime history, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and are notorious for their shipwrecks, adding an element of mystery and danger to the course.
After passing the Fox Islands and Beaver Island, teams make their way to the Grey's Reef Light where they turn and race down the Straits of Mackinac. The finish line lies just beyond the towering Mackinac Bridge, which the fleet passes under, the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere connecting Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas. As teams cross the finish line between Windermere Point and Round Island Lighthouse, they are greeted by the charm of Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark known for its Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and timeless beauty—making it a perfect destination for the race’s thrilling conclusion.
Approximate Main Course Distances
Chicago to Point Betsie, Michigan – 178 NM
Point Betsie to Manitou Passage – 23 NM
Manitou Passage to Grey’s Reef Light – 56 NM
Grey’s Reef Light to Mackinac Island – 23 NM