News: 2020 Race

CHICAGO - The Chicago Yacht Club and the Race to Mackinac (CYCRTM) Committee announced today that it has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Race to Mackinac due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We would like to share a synopsis of the following important updates: 

• June 1 Entry Deadline: We have extended the June 1 Entry Deadline to June 30.
• June 15 Late Entry Deadline: We have extended the June 15 Late Entry Deadline to June 30. 

Please click here for the applicable NOR amendment #3 on the Official Notice Board and the exact procedures that will be in place moving forward.

The committee continues to monitor COVID-19 developments and how this is impacting our sailing community.  This remains a fluid situation.  We have contended all along that our ability to host the CYCRTM race this year will be  dependent on the alignment of three key items:

1. The ability to run a safe race with consideration of the safety, health and well-being of all of the participants and our volunteers.
2. The availability of equipment: the ability to have boats safely provisioned in time for the race in such a manner that we can inspect and check their compliance with CMSRs.
3. The proper clearance from governmental bodies: which include the States of Illinois and Michigan, the Cities of Chicago and Mackinac Island, and the USCG.

In an effort to be as transparent as possible with the planning of the 112th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust, we would like to share a synopsis of the following important updates: 

• April 1 Deadline: We have extended the April 1st Division Formation, One-Design Section Request and Early Bird Entry Fee deadlines to May 1st. 
• Cancellation Refund Policy: In the event that we cancel the race due to COVID-19, we will issue a full refund of 2020 entry fees paid.
• Withdrawal Policy:  If the race continues as planned and you, the Invited Competitor, decide to withdraw your entry for any reason, we will credit your paid entry fee toward your entry as an Invited Competitor in the 2021 CYCRTM. 

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments, and how this is impacting our sailing community.  The committee is targeting late May for a “go or no-go” decision on running the race. 

Planning for the 112th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac continues even under isolation.  Our organizing committee is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely, and while we are still a ways away from the July 17th and 18th start dates, I want to ensure you that we will be in communication with you regarding any changes to our plans. As a committee, we’re busy looking at how we can keep the race safe, and yet provide an opportunity to escape from what has been going on with COVID-19. That said, we’re optimistic at this time that we’ll be able to provide a world-class event for all of our racers, fans and friends in July. 

In 2019, The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust unveiled its inaugural team challenge trophy: The Point Betsie Trophy. Three boats, one from each Division, joined forces to win with the lowest cumulative team score. As this summer’s race approaches, the question lingers… will the 2019 Champion, Team “Red, White and Blue”, return to defend their title?

It is a pleasure to extend my personal welcome to the 112th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust. Race preparations are well underway by our committee members, volunteers and many of you as we look to warmer weather and sunnier skies. 

The CYCRTM Committee is very excited to present, along with this year’s race, a newly redesigned website. We hope this new look and feel enables you to more easily navigate the registration process, quickly find race-related items and other race-related information you might need.  

Invitations for this year’s event are being sent out, and the Notice of Race is now available on the Official Notice Board. If this is your first time entering, you will need to complete a Request for Invitation. If you have any questions about this process, or have not yet received an invitation you were expecting, please email regattamanager@chicagoyachtclub.org.

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac® presented by Wintrust (CYCRTM) is excited to announce that the event has been selected by US Sailing as the Double-Handed Worlds Qualifier in preparation for the 2024 Olympics. The boat selected for this US qualifier is the J/88, and the CYCRTM plans to host a special division for the Mixed Offshore Double-handed discipline, for both a one-design fleet as well as a rated ORC fleet in J-88s, in the 112th running of the race this summer. 

In keeping with tradition, Chicago Yacht Club formally announced their changeover in chairmanship for the 112th and 113th Race to Mackinac at the annual Awards Ceremony last month. Ex Officio chair of the 110nd and 111th races, Sarah Renz introduced Martin Sandoval at the completion of the awards ceremony that was attended by over 450 members of the sailing community and Chicago Yacht Club officers.

Mr. Sandoval previously served as vice-chairman of the 111th running of the race. He is a member of Chicago Yacht Club, has served on the committee for the 107th, 108th and 111th races, served on the board of directors, and chaired the Verve Regatta for three years. Mr. Sandoval has competed in nineteen races with over twelve podium finishes. 

"The committee has undertaken a strategic review of the 111th race over the past four months with the objective of continually improving upon the event experience," said Sandoval. "Safety will remain a focus as we strive to deliver a memorable race for all. It is an honor to be a steward of this storied club tradition."