104th CYC Race to Mackinac releases NOR and Safety Regulations

The 104th Chicago Yacht Club (CYC) Race to Mackinac Notice and Conditions of Race (NOR) and Mackinac Safety Regulations (MSR) have now been released. These documents reflect a series of changes implemented by the committee to enhance the safety of the Race for all participants.

'The committee has been hard at work over the past six months in collaborating with naval architects, US Sailing’s offshore committee and other race organizers,' said Lou Sandoval race chairman. 'The changes we have instituted compliment the approach to organizing a quality and safe race that have always been a part of the rich tradition of the Race to Mackinac.'

'Sail boat racing is a dynamic sport and sailors learn to be versatile in their approach to life,' said Sandoval. 'There has been a high level of Interest in the 104th Race, which has been consistent with previous years.'

Among the changes implemented for 2012 is the issuing of a minimum stability for a boat’s eligibility to compete in the race. The handicapping rule used for the Race to Mackinac (Offshore Racing Rule-ORR) has adopted a new version of the Stability Index, as discussed in the US Sailing report of the 2011 Race.

After consulting with naval architects and the Offshore Office of US Sailing, the committee established a minimum Stability Index of 103, as reflected in the NOR. Additional changes were also made in personal and boat safety equipment, continuing sailor education and the vessel inspection process.

The NOR defines the criteria that will be used for boats who will be returning to compete in the race as well as new entries that would request invitation to participate. The MSR provides the specific safety provisions needed for the boats racing in the 'Mac.' The NOR and MSR are available for download from the Race’s website, under 'Race Documents.'

The 104th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Presented by Veuve Clicquot will start on July 21, 2012.

Participation in the 333-mile race from Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac Island, Mich. is by invitation only. Invitations for returning competitors will go out in the upcoming weeks. Requests for new invitations are currently open. 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 104th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, please contact the Chicago Yacht Club Race Coordinator at 312.861.7777 or 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. 'A tradition of yachting excellence' is a fitting description of a club that has dedicated itself to promoting the sport and perpetuating the values of camaraderie and community since 1875.

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. 2011 marked the 103rd Running of the Race to Mackinac, in which 355 boats competed in the fourth consecutive sellout of the Race.

The 103rd marked the third largest fleet in the history of the race with almost 3500 sailors participating. The Race has also amassed a strong following using technology and social networking; it can be followed virtually using Facebook, Twitter and its Race tracking interface. The 103rd race and yacht club site was visited by over 300,000 website visitors. Our Facebook page has been visited by well over two million visitors to date.