Only monohulls will be eligible to race in the new Double Handed Division. 

While multihulls are not eligible to compete in the Double Handed Division, they will have the option to sail in a double handed configuration within the Multihull Division. 

Skippers and crews wishing to compete double handed (in either the Double Handed Division or the Multihull Division) must seek approval from the Race’s Selections Committee. In addition to the normal Race prerequisites, double handed applicants must document the following: 

• Skipper has completed 1,000 nautical miles of sailing as a skipper of the boat to be entered, or a similar boat design;
• Skipper has completed a non-stop passage or race under sail of not less than 100 nm and not less than 24 hours;
• Crew has completed 1,000 nautical miles of sailing, either as a skipper or crew member sailing on the boat to be entered, or a similar boat design; and
• Both skipper and crew have significant racing experience.

These are minimum requirements. Most, if not all, successful applicants will far exceed these requirements, and will be able to demonstrate significant short handed racing experience.

Full text:

Today, Chicago Yacht Club announced further details about opportunities for sailors wishing to race double handed in the 2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. 2009 marks the 101st running of ‘the Mac,’ the world’s longest annual freshwater sailing distance race. The 101st Mac will start off Chicago’s lakefront on Friday, July 17, 2009 and Saturday, July 18, 2009.

Only monohulls will be eligible to race in the new Double Handed Division. Monohulls at least 27 feet LOA will be considered for entry in this division, as will monohulls that are: 1) at least 21 feet LOA; 2) designed and optimized for short handed distance sailing; and 3) have an ORR positive stability index of 110 degrees or greater. All boats competing in the Double Handed Division must comply with the 2009 Mackinac Safety Regulations (”MSR”). The 2009 version of the MSR, which will be published within 30 days, will contain several items applicable only to double handed entrants. This division will be scored using the Offshore Racing Rule (”ORR”), and will start on Saturday, July 18, 2009.

While multihulls are not eligible to compete in the Double Handed Division, they will have the option to sail in a double handed configuration within the Multihull Division. This year, the Multihull Division will require a minimum crew of two, and a minimum LOA of 24 feet. (Multihulls less than 26 feet LOA entered in the 101st Mac must sail in a double handed configuration.) All Multihull Division entrants must meet the requirements of the 2009 MSR for multihulls. Double handed entrants within that division must additionally meet MSR requirements applicable only to double handed sailors. If sufficient multihull double handed entries are received, the Mackinac Committee will create a double-handed section within the Multihull Division. All multihulls will race under the rules of the Great Lakes Multihull Racing Association (“G LMRA”).  

Skippers and crews wishing to compete double handed (in either the Double Handed Division or the Multihull Division) must seek approval from the Race’s Selections Committee. In addition to the normal Race prerequisites, double handed applicants must document the following: 

· Skipper has completed 1,000 nautical miles of sailing as a skipper of the boat to be entered, or a similar boat design;
· Skipper has completed a non-stop passage or race under sail of not less than 100 nm and not less than 24 hours;
· Crew has completed 1,000 nautical miles of sailing, either as a skipper or crew member sailing on the boat to be entered, or a similar boat design; and
· Both skipper and crew have significant racing experience.

These are minimum requirements. Most, if not all, successful applicants will far exceed these requirements, and will be able to demonstrate significant short handed racing experience. The Selections Committee pays especially close attention to the experience portion of each competitor’s profile. Applicants wishing to sail in a double handed configuration must ensure the individual crew profiles are as specific, complete, accurate, and compelling as possible, and fully demonstrate compliance with the MSR requirements applicable to double handed entries. In particular, applicants should include specific information concerning relevant passages.

Participation in the 333 statute mile race from Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac Island, Michigan is by invitation only. Generally, if a sailor has competed in one of the last four Macs as a ‘Person In Charge’, he or she will automatically receive an invitation to compete in the 101st Race. Returning competitors seeking entry in a double handed configuration should update crew profiles as appropriate, and then e-mail with a note asking to be considered. Sailors who are not eligible for an automatic invitation may request an invitation through the official Race website at www.chicagoyachtclub.org/racetomackinac

Chicago Yacht Club looks forward to staging a world-class sailing race for skippers and crews. Should you have any questions about participating in the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, please contact Amanda Matta, Race Coordinator at 312.861.7777 or at

Race To Mackinac Committee announces:

I am pleased to announce that Chicago Yacht Club will have a booth at the Chicago Strictly Sail boat show this year. Additionally, we will be hosting a presentation at the show outlining our plans for, and answering your questions about, the 101st Race to Mackinac.

The presentation will begin on Saturday, January 31st, 2009 at 11:45 AM in Room 323 on Navy Pier. Please join us for this presentation and/or stop by our booth at the show.

Race To Mackinac Committee announces:

And, on the evening of the 31st, Chicago Yacht Club will host the annual Pink Pony Party at its Belmont Station. The party will begin at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome.

The Club will serve a casual dinner (entrees range from $12 to $15, inclusive of tax and gratuity), and will offer a live band and numerous giveaways. The Pink Pony itself reportedly will be making the trip down from Mackinac Island to join the fun. Please contact the Front Desk at the Monroe Station (312-861-7777) to make your dinner reservations.

after racing 100’s of miles…

Fog 26219, Stingray 250 and Tango 258 – Beneteau 36.7’s

racing within boatlengths of each other through Grays Reef and Straits of Mackinac

…and only miles to go to finishing!

www.first367.com

Steve Pelke is the proud new owner of Stingray, a Beneteau 36.7.

We expect Stingray will be very competitive in the growing 36.7 one-design section.

Congratulations, Steve!

The Beneteau 36.7 North American Championship will be held in Chicago this year.

The 2008 NA’s take place September 2 – 6, 2008, hosted at Chicago Yacht Club by the Lake Michigan Beneteau 36.7 Fleet.

on tv right now…

Dirty Jobs – “Bridge Painter”

Mike Rowe and the Dirty Jobs crew travels to Michigan to work with the Mackinac Bridge Authority on one of the world’s largest suspension bridges. Mike goes to great lengths, and heights, braving 50 mile per hour winds while helping paint the bridge. -Discovery Channel

2008 Proposed Area III Schedule

5-17 Jacobs Day 1 / BPYC
5-18 Jacobs Day 2 / BPYC

5/24 Reinholtzen / CCYC
5/25 Olympic Cup / CCYC

5-31 Chicago – MC (or distance substitute) / ColYC
6-1 MC – Chicago (or distance substitute) / BPYC

6-7 Colors Regatta / ColYC (non Area III)
6-8 Colors Regatta / ColYC (non Area III)

6/13 NOOD / CYC (non Area III)
6/14 NOOD / CYC (non Area III)
6/15 NOOS / CYC (non Area III)

6-21 Chicago – Waukegan / WYC
6-22 Waukegan – Chicago / GLYC

6-28 Hobelman / CCYC
6-29

7-5 Kaczmarek – CCYC
7-6 Mayor Daley / ColYC

7-12 Lutz / JPYC
7-13

7-19 Mac / CYC (non Area III)
7-20

7-26
7-27

8-2 Commodore’s / ColYC
8-3 Fran Byrne / ColYC

8-9 Zukasky / BPYC
8-10 Horton / BPYC

8-15 Verve / CYC (non Area III)
8-16 Verve / CYC (non Area III)
8-17 Verve / CYC (non Area III)

8-23 Lukemia Cup / ColYC (non Area III)
8-24

8-29 Chicago – St Joe / ColYC
8-31 St Joe – MC / MCYC
9-1 MC – Chicago / JPYC

9-6
9-7 Commodore’s / CYC

9-13 Clark / CYC
9-14

9/20 MORF Open / MORF
9/21 MORF Open / MORF

Reportedly, the J105 and T10 fleets have decided NOT to sail to Michigan City in the 2008 Tri-State Regatta, opting instead to sail home to Chicago on Sunday.

Stay tuned for Chicago Mackinac race photos, coming soon…

Raven suffered a tiller failure on Mackinac return delivery, which was fixed. The boat was in Chicago to race Sunday.

Jahazi was seen in Muskegon at Torreson’s last weekend, appearing to have keel damage which was repaired.

Karma ran aground during Chicago Mackinac race and withdrew.

Regardless is rumored to have run aground.

Barracuda and her keel were recovered and transported to Manistee, where her fate remains to be decided. Hopefully she will be repaired and racing again soon.

The Island House awards party for Chicago Mackinac race may be dead, also. By all accounts, the Grand Hotel party was superior in all respects.

We are sad to report Barracuda suffered keel damage and sank on the Mackinac return delivery. The keel struck the bottom repeatedly during heavy seas in shallow waters before failing. After the keel was lost, water filled the hole and Barracuda sank within minutes. Three people were rescued, according to accounts from eyewitnesses, and no injuries or casualties have been reported.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to owner Steve Pelke and crew chief John Boyle, and all crew on board. We hope for the sound recovery of Barracuda.

Source: Sailing Anarchy forum thread – click here

New wiki page added:
2007 Chicago to Mackinac Sailboat Race