Cruising fleets begin Chicago Mac Race

Chicago, IL (July 12, 2019) – The Cruising Division set sail today in better-than-forecasted conditions, a sign that the 266 entrants hope bode well for the 111th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac despite a light-air forecast.

Today’s sunny skies and a 10-13 knot Southeasterly breeze gave Peter Thornton’s stunning 104-foot ketch, Whitehawk, a chance to stretch her legs and glide north. Thornton transitioned to the Cruising Division this year after going out with a bang in the 2018 CYCRTM when his Volvo 70 Il Mostro took line honors after a grueling race.

The Racing Division begins tomorrow between 11 am and 1:30 pm, comprised of 10 sections designed to stagger out the speed differentials between the smaller boats like Tartan 10s and J/Boats, to the more-powered TP52s, Santa Cruz 70s, and the Multihulls.

Race information – Entry list – Tracker – Facebook

Background: The 111th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will see the 266 entries start from the Chicago Lighthouse, just off Navy Pier, for the 289.4 nm course to Mackinac Island. The Cruising Division will start on July 12 with the remaining fleets getting underway on July 13.

Source: CYC