New Record Set in Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

Eclipsing the former Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac race record held by Roy E. Disney (a grandnephew of Walt Disney) by more than an hour, Maverick took home a record win at this year’s event. The 20-member crew completed the 289 nautical-mile course in 22 hours, 24 minutes, 23 seconds and were awarded the Royono Trophy winner (the first racing monohull to finish).

Although it was one of the fastest races ever, a storm ripped through the course on Saturday evening, causing a lot of damage to masts and prompting a successful man overboard recovery.

“What a race,” says Winn Soldani, chair of the 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust. “With 10% of the fleet and 20% of the sailors doing their first Mac, we’re not going to tell them it isn’t always like this. In all seriousness though, this Race has been one for the books — such incredible record-breaking downwind conditions and what I believe truly sets this special race apart, the camaraderie of our sailors, the team at Chicago Yacht Club and on Mackinac Island. The Mac really is America’s Offshore Challenge and I congratulate every sailor, supporter and follower for joining us on this epic adventure this year.”

Visit cycracetomackinac.com for more information.