Safety is the top priority of the Chicago Yacht Club as it organizes the Race to Mackinac each year. As one of the longest freshwater races in the world, the Mac Race demands careful preparation and adherence to the highest safety standards. The Chicago Mackinac Safety Requirements (CMSR) are at the heart of this effort: comprehensive, annually amended guidelines that align with best practices in offshore sailing for both monohulls and multihulls.

Each year, the Chicago Yacht Club reviews the latest US Sailing Safety Equipment Requirements (SER) when publishing the CMSR, ensuring the Race reflects current safety expectations and technological advancements. The CMSR covers a wide range of safety protocols, from personal flotation and offshore safety certification for crew members to communication, navigation, and emergency procedures. All participating boats must be prepared for rigorous safety inspections both before and after the race to ensure full compliance with these standards.

The Chicago Yacht Club continually updates the CMSR to reflect evolving safety norms and lessons learned from past races. These updates are made in collaboration with safety experts and experienced offshore sailors to maintain the integrity and safety of the race.

For those considering competing, the Race provides CMSR Quick Reference Guides (both monohull and multihull versions) that are linked below to assist teams in preparing their vessels and crews.