First Start Underway for Chicago Mackinac Race

Chicago, IL (July 22, 2016) – The Cruising Division of the 108th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust took off for Mackinac Island at 3:00 P.M. today. Forty-two boats started in a scorching 90 degrees and five knots of wind from the northeast.

Unfortunately, for the cruisers, they’re in for a long first 24 hours as light air is due to plague southern Lake Michigan. “The fleet won’t want to give up too many miles searching for wind along the Wisconsin shore, so you’ll see a bulk of them try to stay near the rhumb line,” said race meteorologist Chris Bedford.

Back at Chicago Yacht Club, the Racing Division is making final preparations for their start on Saturday, July 23. “The Race is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Race Chairman Don Maxwell. “After the boat work is done tonight, it’s time to eat a good dinner with the team and rest up for tomorrow.”

Spectators can enjoy the parade of boats at Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Ashore Thing presented by BMO Harris from the east end of Navy Pier starting at 10:00 A.M. on July 23.

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About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
At 333 miles (289.4 nautical miles), the Race to Mackinac is one of the world’s longest running freshwater distance races. ‘The Mac’ starts at the Chicago Lighthouse just east of Navy Pier and continues to Mackinac Island, MI.

Source: Chicago Yacht Club