Details released for Chicago Mackinac

The Notice of Race (NOR) for the 2019 edition of The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is now available along with Safety Regulations (CMSRs) for both Monohull and Multihull competitors. Over 300 invitations to returning competitors are being sent shortly, and those interested in applying for an invitation should begin the Request for Invitation (RFI) process this month.

“There has been very little down time this year for CYC and the Mac Committee, ensuring that the Chicago Yacht Club is doing its best to prepare offshore sailors for the Mac Race start through hands-on safety clinics, seminars, and via coordination with Chicago Area Sail Racing Association (CASRA), US Sailing, industry leaders, and World Sailing,” said 2019 Race Chair Sarah Renz.

With the release of US Sailing’s on-line Safety at Sea courses, all boaters are empowered to educate themselves from their homes then participate in Safety at Sea Hands on Training (HOT) seminars available in spring and summer across the country.

New for the 111th CYC Race to Mackinac is the requirement for at least 50% of all crew have current safety at sea training. In addition, 100% of minors who participate in the race must hold a current safety at sea training course certificate.

“The Mac is a serious race with trying conditions. I’ve participated in both training seminars this winter and look forward to a warmer Chicago for our team to practice in variable weather to be sufficiently prepared for this July,” said Renz, who started her 17th Mac Race last July and also served as Chairman for the race in 2018.

Competitors are urged to carefully read the NOR and new requirements in the CSMRs and ensure their vessels and crews comply. The CMSRs provide safety equipment requirements, recommendations and safety resources for boats competing in the race. All new boats competing in the race are inspected prior to the start, and then boats are selected at random at the finish line for inspection to confirm compliance.

Race information – Documents – Facebook

Background: The 111th edition of the race will once again see competitors 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.