Skippers and Friends:

Entries in this year’s race topped 200 late last week. This response is very gratifying and we’re really looking forward to a great race and a lot of great activities that come along with the race. Remember, if you’ve entered but have not paid your fee, you are not officially in the race per the NOR. I encourage you to pay as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

Invitations to first timers will go out on March 1. We have a list of over thirty boats that are eagerly awaiting their invitation and another thirty boats that are in various stages of having completed the request process. If you’re in the latter group, we encourage you to complete your request as soon as you can. The sooner you complete your request the sooner we can review it and either help you complete it or get your invitation ready to e-mail to you. If you need assistance, let us know.

Speaking of all of the race events we have planned, the Schedule of Events has been posted on the website. Click on ‘The Race’ and then ‘Schedule of Events’ or just click on this link

http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010-Mac-Schedule-of-Events.pdf

As always, if you have any questions, you can reach us at

racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Veuve Clicquot

The entries for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, are flowing in. We’ve been accepting entries for less than two weeks and already have over 160 boats entered. Remember, you’re not officially entered until you also pay the entry fee. Most of you have done that already and have ensured your place in this year’s race.

Invitations to new skippers, or those who haven’t raced in at least one of the last four races, will go out on March 1. The list of people asking for first time entries is growing every day. If you’re considering racing this year I encourage you to go to our website www.cycracetomackinac.com and click ‘Request Entry’ Please read the instructions carefully as you fill out the forms.

First time skippers will want to attend our First Mac Race seminar on March 27, at Crowley’s Yacht Yard, as part of Yachtapalooza – more details to come.

Everyone is welcome at Mac Stories Night on March 26, at CYC’s Belmont Harbor Clubhouse. The evening features 'Women of the Mac' telling their stories. We’ll conclude the evening with the story of Evelyn Wright who sailed double-handed with her cousin Sarah Carey in the 1905 race, finishing second in the sloop class. Reservations are encouraged at 312-861-7777. For more information go to this site: click here.

We hope to see you at one or both events. As always, if you have any questions, contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

The entries for the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot, are flowing in. We’ve been accepting entries for less than two weeks and already have over 160 boats entered. Remember, you’re not officially entered until you also pay the entry fee. Most of you have done that already and have ensured your place in this year’s race

Invitations to new skippers, or those who haven’t raced in at least one of the last four races, will go out on March 1. The list of people asking for first time entries is growing every day. If you’re considering racing this year I encourage you to go to our website www.cycracetomackinac.com and click ‘Request Entry’ Please read the instructions carefully as you fill out the forms.

First time skippers will want to attend our First Mac Race seminar on March 27, at Crowley’s Yacht Yard, as part of Yachtapalooza – more details to come.

Everyone is welcome at Mac Stories Night on March 26, at CYC’s Belmont Harbor clubhouse. The evening features “Women of the Mac” telling their stories. We’ll conclude the evening with the story of Evelyn Wright who sailed double-handed with her cousin Sarah Carey in the 1905 race, finishing second in the sloop class. Reservations are encouraged at 312-861-7777. For more information go to this site: www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/Mac-Stories-Night-2010.pdf

We hope to see you at one or both events. As always, if you have any questions, contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Veuve Clicquot

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

You're Invited to the Dave Perry Seminar

The afternoon session will be:
Building a Winning Team - an in-depth look at how to put together a winning team, and how to operate as one. Through humorous role plays and extensive scenario analysis, Dave fleshes out the key roles on a boat, and shows how there are roles for everyone. In addition, he shares proven communication and decision-making systems used by the top teams, and explores the interpersonal dynamics which can often mean the difference between success and disaster.

Call 312.861.7777 for reservations

New for 2010, Chicago Yacht Club is proud to introduce Veuve Clicquot as presenting sponsor. 'This is a fabulous pairing,' stated Mac Chairman Greg Freeman, 'as both Veuve Clicquot and Chicago Yacht Club are known worldwide for their history of excellence and quality - in fine champagnes and in yacht racing.' Chicago Yacht Club will also offer 100% tracking coverage included, at no extra cost to the competitor. GPS tracking has enabled friends, family and colleagues to watch the race online, and brought more than 250,000 unique visitors to the Race website last year. The 2010 race entrance fee is $13 per foot, the same as it was in 2008.

Sailors who want more information should read the 2010 Notice of Race and Safety Regulations available on the Race website at www.cycracetomackinac.com. Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is an invitation only race. If you wish to enter the race for the first time, or after an extended absence, you will need to complete the Request for Invitation (RFI) process. Only RFIs that are complete and have been approved by the Mac Race Selections Committee will receive an Invitation. If you have any questions about this process, contact our Race Coordinator at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org.

About Chicago Yacht Club: The Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Today, the club boasts a membership of nearly 1500 boating enthusiasts, and is one of the preeminent organizers of regattas, races and predicted-log events in the United States. The club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities, including fine dining and full-service catering at both its Monroe and Belmont stations.

About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac: At 333 miles (289.4 nautical miles), the Race to Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. ‘The Mac’ starts at the Chicago Lighthouse, just off Navy Pier and continues to Mackinac Island. Competing boats cross the finish line between the lighthouse on Round Island and a fixed mark on Mackinac Island. 2009 marked the 101st Running of the Race to Mackinac in which 350 boats competed.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

The Mackinac Safety Regulations, both Monohull and Multihull are also available on the website under Documents, Monohulls, or Documents, Multihulls. The direct links are: http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010_MSR_Monohull.pdf

http://www.cycracetomackinac.com/pdf/2010_MSR_Multihull.pdf

Invitations to the 2010 Race will start going out next week. Invitations to returning competitors will be issued on February 2, 2010. Any exceptions have already been notified. Invitations to those entering for the first time or returning after an absence of more than four years will start going out the week of March 1, 2010. The Mac Race is an invitation only race. If you wish to enter the race for the first time, or after an extended absence, you will need to complete the Request for Invitation (RFI) process. Only RFIs that are complete and have been approved by the Mac Race Selections Committee will receive an Invitation. If you have any questions about this process, contact our Race Coordinator at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

I hope to see you all at Strictly Sail this weekend. Don’t forget the ‘What’s New with the 2010 Mac’ seminar at 2:15 PM in Room 327, the ‘First Mac, New Crew?’ seminar at 11:45 AM, also in Room 327 and the annual Pink Pony Party, presented by Veuve Clicquot, at our Belmont Harbor clubhouse starting at 6:00 PM. Spend some time with fellow sailors on a cold January weekend.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Presented by Veuve Clicquot

Speaking of Strictly Sail, our ‘ First Mac? New Crew? This One’s for You’ Seminar will be on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:45 AM in Room 327. If you have new crew or if you are new crew, send them to this fun, informal seminar conducted by ‘Mac Rookie of the Year’ Loren Kokenes. Everyone is welcome. Room 327.

At 2:15 PM please join us for ‘What’s New with the Mac for 2010.’ We’ll officially introduce Veuve Clicquot to the Mac Race community as our Presenting Sponsor. We’ll also talk about what else is in the works for the 102nd Mac. Join the Mac Committee in Room 327 for this informative seminar.

Once you’ve attended the seminars and kicked a few keels, come up to CYC’s Belmont Clubhouse for the annual Pink Pony Party presented by Veuve Clicquot. The party will feature special Pink Pony themed drinks. There will be a live band, good food, special give-away items and of course, the Pink Pony will be there. The fun starts at 6:00PM and runs until at least midnight. Party like you’re at the Pink Pony and celebrate our new sponsor – Veuve Clicquot.

There is a lot more being planned for the Spring and Summer. We’ll give you a look at our plans at the seminars. Join us as we kick off the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Presented by Veuve Clicquot.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Presented by Veuve Clicquot

January 22, 2010 (CHICAGO) -- Chicago Yacht Club is excited to announce a new multi-year sponsorship with champagne house Veuve Clicquot. We are proud to be one of the foremost yacht clubs in the world, and this strategic alliance will elevate the luxury of Chicago Yacht Club events year-round.

Veuve Clicquot will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 and 2011 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, held July 23-24, 2010, and will also present the Pink Pony Party, the Club’s first official Race to Mackinac event, which kicks off January 30, 2010 at Belmont Station.

'We are delighted that Veuve Clicquot will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac,' stated Greg Freeman, chairman of the 102nd Race to Mackinac, 'This is a fabulous pairing as both Veuve Clicquot and Chicago Yacht Club are known worldwide for their history of excellence and quality - in fine wines and in yacht racing.'

'We're thrilled to be a part of the Race to Mackinac as part of our 2010 Veuve Clicquot Social Season,' says Christine Kaculis, Director of Communications for Veuve Clicquot. 'Veuve Clicquot has a long tradition of being involved in the most prestigious and stylish events around the world, so sponsoring this renowned sailing race is a natural fit for our brand.'

Chicago Yacht Club is committed to supporting corporate sponsorships that better serve our members and event participants. For more information about Chicago Yacht Club, go to www.chicagoyachtclub.org. For more information about Veuve Clicquot, go to www.veuve-clicquot.com.

About Chicago Yacht Club: The Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Today, the club boasts a membership of nearly 1500 boating enthusiasts, and is one of the preeminent organizers of regattas, races and predicted-log events in the United States. The club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities, including fine dining and full-service catering at both its Monroe and Belmont stations.

About the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac: At 333 miles (289.4 nautical miles), the Race to Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. ‘The Mac’ starts at the Chicago Lighthouse, just off Navy Pier and continues to Mackinac Island. Competing boats cross the finish line between the lighthouse on Round Island and a fixed mark on Mackinac Island. 2009 marked the 101st Running of the Race to Mackinac in which 350 boats competed.

About Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin: Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on utilizing only the most distinct grapes from their vineyards for each bottle. Now, over 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to 'Be Clicquot': modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

It’s January, there’s snow on the ground and the Bears are not in the playoffs (again). Unless you’re one of the lucky few heading to Key West, this month this can be quite depressing. And the start of the Mac is still almost 200 days or 7 months away.

But there is something to look forward to. Strictly Sail returns to Navy Pier on January 28, through January 31. The Mac Race team will be there with two Seminars. Please join us for ‘What’s New with the Mac’ on Saturday, January 30, at 2:15 PM to learn about the 102nd running of the Mac Race. Earlier that same day, at 11:45 AM, join us for ‘First Mac? New Crew? This One’s for You!’ presented by 2009 Mac Race ‘Rookie of the Year’ Loren Kokenes. This seminar will be an informal and fun look at the Mac from the perspective of a first-timer. A great seminar for those who will be rail-jockeys for the first time. Everyone is welcome, of course.

Also, on January 30, at 6:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight at the Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Harbor Clubhouse is the Pink Pony Party. The first party of the Mac Race season returns with special drinks, food, a hot band, and give-aways. The Pony will be here again this year. Celebrate the upcoming sailing season as if you were on Mackinac Island in the Pink Pony.

Also, coming up on Friday, March 26, at Belmont – Mac Stories Night featuring ‘The Woman of the Mac’. All stories will be presented by women speakers. On Saturday, March 27, the ‘First Mac Seminar’ for first time Skippers will be presented in conjunction with Crowley’s Yacht Yard’s Yachtapalooza. More details will follow.

So stay warm and think about racing to Mackinac Island this summer.

Watch the Mac website for more updates. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

I hope to see you at Strictly Sail.

Greg Freeman
Chair
2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

I'm pleased to tell you that the 2010 Request for Invitation process is now open and ready to use. Remember, you only need to request an invitation to the race if this is your first time or if you have not raced in at least one of the last four years. If you have raced in any of the last four races, you'll get an automatic invitation in the early part of 2010. If you know of someone that is interesting in enter the race, please pass this information along.

Those of you using the RFI process should know that we'll look at your application soon after it's received and alert you to any issues or concerns. However, we will not process your RFI in full until after the automatic invitations go out. This is planned for mid- to late January. Rest assured, you'll have plenty of time to get ready for 2010's race.

The Mac Committee is hard at work on the Notice and Conditions of Race and other race documents. Look for the NOR in mid-January, 2010. We also expect to be able to make several very exciting announcements at Strictly Sail, which is January 28 - 31, 2010. We'll have two seminars - one will focus on ‘What's New with the Mac in 2010’ and the other will be a less formal seminar for ‘new crew’. Please join us at one or both.

And don't forget the Pink Pony Party on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Chicago Yacht Club's Belmont Harbor station. It's a great way to party with fellow sailors and kick-off the 2010 ‘Mac Season.’ The Pony will be there and so should you.

Until then, best wishes for a safe and happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Best regards,

Greg Freeman

Chair 2010
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

I'm pleased to tell you that the 2010 Request for Invitation process is now open and ready to use. Remember, you only need to request an invitation to the race if this is your first time or if you have not raced in at least one of the last four years. If you have raced in any of the last four races, you'll get an automatic invitation in the early part of 2010. If you know of a sailor who is interested in requesting an invitation, please pass this information along with our thanks.

Those of you using the RFI process should know that we'll look at your application soon after it's received and alert you to any issues or concerns. However, we will not process your RFI in full until after the automatic invitations go out. This is planned for mid- to late January. Rest assured, you'll have plenty of time to get ready for 2010's race.

The Mac Committee is hard at work on the Notice and Conditions of Race and other race documents. Look for the NOR in mid-January, 2010. We also expect to be able to make several very exciting announcements at Strictly Sail, which is January 28 - 31, 2010. We'll have two seminars - one will focus on

It's less than two weeks since the 2009 Mac Race officially closed it's books with the Mac Awards Dinner on November 7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. If you weren't there, you missed a great evening with over 400 friends, winners all, gathering to celebrate their achievements in the 2009 Race to Mackinac. Also at that event, Greg Miarecki, who has been Chairman for the past two years turned over the reins to me for 2010. I'm delighted to have been asked to take on this challenging assignment and look forward to a fantastic race in 2010. I've already put in a request for more wind.

Some of you are already coming to this site looking for information about the 2010 race. Some of you are looking to submit your Request for Invitation (RFI) for 2010 or to update the one you already submitted. We're glad you're excited about the 102nd Race. At the moment, however, the site has been restricted while we make some necessary changes to the system that handles the RFIs. We plan to have this done in about two weeks so please check back after Thanksgiving. If you've submitted information already, we have it and it's safe. We'll reopen access as soon as the needed changes are in place.

Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. If you have any questions, please contact us at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

Best regards. Greg Freeman Chair 2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

Tomorrow night, many of you will join us at the Chicago Hyatt Regency to toast the winners of the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. The 101st Race, the second largest in Race history, was one for the history books. It featured extremely challenging weather conditions, and rewarded those of us who exhibited perserverance and the intestinal fortitude to stay well west of the rhumb line. Win or lose, we hope that you enjoyed the 101st Race as much as we did. Thanks to my fellow committee members and our world-class Race Committee for making it happen.

Tomorrow's dinner will mark the transition from the 101st Race to the 102nd Race, which will leave Chicago on Friday, July 23 (for our cruising division) and Saturday, July 24, 2009 (for the remaining divisions.) We hope you will decide to join us for another helping of history, adventure, competition, and friendship.

Tomorrow night will also mark a 'watch change' of sorts. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Race Chairman for the past two years. Tomorrow, I will be turning over the helm of the Mackinac Committee to Greg Freeman, who has served as Vice Chairman for the 100th and 101st Races. Winn Soldani will join Greg as the new Vice Chairman. Greg has been a fantastic Vice Chairman, and I know that he and his team will put on spectacular Races in 2010 and 2011. You will see communications from Greg and Winn regarding the 102nd Race in the coming weeks.

Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable off-season. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago next July.

Regards,

Greg J. Miarecki
Chair
2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

We are putting the final touches on the 2009 Mackinac and Offshore Awards Dinner, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation on November 7, 2009. We have already received over 400 reservations, and expect a sellout crowd next Saturday. If you plan to join us, please make your reservations through our Front Desk at 312-861-7777. Tickets are $80 per person, and the reservation deadline is Tuesday, November 3 at 6:00 PM. Complete details regarding the event are available by clicking here.

Please join us in toasting the winners of the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. We look forward to seeing you next weekend!

Regards,

Greg J. Miarecki

Chair

2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is proud to host the 2009 Mackinac and Offshore Awards Dinner. We look forward to a great evening on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. We have already received over 250 reservations for this year’s dinner, and are on pace for another sellout event. If you have not already done so, please access your electronic invitation and information sheet by clicking here. Tickets are $75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, if you reserve your place by October 24 ($80 after October 24). Please make your reservations today by calling the Front Desk at 312-861-7777.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about the Foundation. Consider this:

We all agree that it’s a great feeling to be out on the water, with a great boat and crew, perhaps competing in a regatta. Wouldn’t it be nice to help others learn about the sport and give them opportunities to participate? The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) does exactly that. We are:

' ……an organization that promotes an awareness and appreciation of the nautical arts and traditions to the Chicagoland community through education and activities, as well as through support of like-minded charitable organizations.'

Your donation can help us fulfill this mission. We support the North American Challenge Cup, Sea Scouts, and Jr. Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. We provide sailing school scholarships help kids attend national and international regattas. We run educational classes and assist organizations relating to nautical interests. We have a vibrant civic outreach program that provides special opportunities to those less fortunate in our local community. This program includes lectures about maritime history, book readings, visits to nautical sites, as well as opportunities for on the water activities.

Our work has tangible results. For example, this year, one of our junior sailors won the US Sailing Youth Championship on the East Coast. Two of our other junior sailors won the Trofeo Rizotti International Regatta on Italy’s Lake Garda – an extremely challenging sailing venue. Please help us continue to make a difference by making a donation to the CYC Foundation. Your donation will be put to good use, and you will know that you have helped others participate in what we have been so privileged to enjoy. Simply call our Front Desk (312-861-7777) and ask to make a donation to the CYC Foundation via credit card. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to seeing you on November 7!

W.G. Vartan
President
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation

Greg J. Miarecki
Chair
2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

October 12, 2009 (CHICAGO) – The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Mac Photo Contest. We’d like to thank everyone who participated. With almost 100 boats submitting photos to the contest this year, it was a very difficult decision. The winners are:

Best Artistic Photo, 50 Free, Nick Masters
Best Funny Photo, Willie J, Lexi Petter
Best Photo of Another Boat, EDGE, Jordan Anderson
Best Photo Passing a Mac Landmark, Big Storm, Michael J. Teodecki
Best Photo of Own Boat or Crew, Nautilus, Susan Norvich
Best Photo of Sunrise or Sunset, La Tempete, Michael R. Lucas
Best Teamwork Photo, Chance, Jim Allen

The winning photographer in each category will receive a prize valued at $100 from one of our contest sponsors, Lands’ End Business Outfitters, Crowley’s Yacht Yard and Mount Gay Rum. The awards will be presented at the Mac Awards Dinner on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency. All the finalist photos in each category will be posted at www.chicagoyachtclub.org in the Photo Gallery.