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Chicago to Mackinac race 2021
Chicago Yacht Club's most famous event is the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, which is the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world.
July 16 – 23, 20218 days
- Start
- Chicago, United States
- Finish
- Mackinac Island, United States
- Level
- Experienced
- Languages
- Russian, English
About the event
Chicago Yacht Club's most famous event is the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, which is the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world.
Starting in 1898 with a mere five boats, The Mac has evolved into a world-class sporting event. After the first race in 1898, the Race to Mackinac was not held for five years until the second race in 1904. Since 1921, the Race to Mackinac has run consecutively every year, remains the longest annual freshwater distance race, and is recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world.
Today, sailors from Maine to California make this race an invariable part of their summer. Moreover, each year the Mac hosts sailors from as far off as Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. Although the Mac remains primarily an amateur event, this race has a proven track record of attracting some of the finest sailing talent in the sport. The unpredictable weather and fickle winds on Lake Michigan make the Race to Mackinac a supreme test, which many competitors feel rivals any ocean race.
Itinerary
Chicago to Mackinac race
Location
Chicago, USA
Frequently asked questions
Yes, of course. There will be an experienced skipper and team members on the yacht. They will give you a role and teach you everything you need to know to be a useful team member and feel comfortable.
Yes, all team members will definitely try themselves in different roles to better understand each other. Standing at the helm is an integral part of training for beginners as well as setting sails, and helping the team during moorings.
As a rule, participants in the regatta live on the yacht. The boat has everything you need for a comfortable stay: nice beds, a kitchen, a shower with toilet. If you do not want to live on a yacht, then you can arrange to stay at the hotel onshore.
The crew decides altogether what kind of food they prefer to eat and makes necessary purchases. Simple dishes can be cooked, usually taking turns. Some regattas offer daily meals and intensive evening program for all crews.
We can make an invitation for a visa, but you need to apply for a visa by yourself.
Most people tolerate some seasickness easily. If you feel that you are starting to feel sick, it is best to get at the steering wheel or tune the sails. Get yourself busy, show your body that you don’t have time to get sick, you have to fight for victory in the race. There are also many quite effective medicines from sickness. If you start taking them in advance, then the probability of seasickness is almost zero.
Before each trip, we organize an online meeting where participants get to know each other and the captain. The captain will answer all your questions. The crew will have a group chat so you can get to know each other before the start of the regatta. Then you will meet in the marina.
The main rule is to dress comfortably and according to the weather.
Clothing:
- windbreaker and pants or shorts;
- shirt/jacket with UV protection (thermal underwear and fleece);
- adjustable hat/cap;
- gloves.
We recommend to purchase a long-sleeved jacket with UV protection in order to protect yourself from the sun and strong wind.
Yachting shoes should be:
- light, with non-slip white outsole;
- with the fixed heel;
- with a tightly closed nose.
During the sailing without shoes, you can fall or injure your fingers and feet on the deck. There are many protruding parts on the boat that are easy to catch. Unfortunately, even experienced sailors are not protected from unpleasant injuries when they ignore this simple rule.