Race to Mackinac: Hundreds of boats set sail from Chicago on 290 nautical mile journey

CHICAGO - The Chicago Yacht Club’s most famous event is back this weekend with thousands of sailors departing for Mackinac Island on Friday and Saturday.

The Race to Mackinac is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world and debuted in 1898 as an informal race between five boats.

According to the Chicago Yacht Club, the second race wasn't held until 1904. Since then, the race took place intermittently until after World War I and with the exception of 2020, it’s been held each year since 1921.

Now in its 114th year, this edition of the race is known as America’s Offshore Challenge.

On Friday, the Chicago Yacht Club was buzzing with excitement as participants were making final preparations for the lengthy trip.

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Mapped at roughly 290 nautical miles, it usually takes most of the fleet between 40 and 60 hours to finish.

The race is comprised of two divisions: cruising and racing.

On Friday afternoon, cruisers took off beginning at 3 p.m., with boats departing every 10 minutes until each group had crossed the start line near Navy Pier.

"We’ve got what we call the cruising division heading off today, they’re the boats that don’t have all of the highest tech sails and they’re frankly out there for pure enjoyment and friendship. Tomorrow, there’s some people out there that are going for blood," said Rick Lillie, chief inspector for the Race to Mackinac.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, the racing division will get underway and spectators can see boats taking off in 10-minute intervals until 3 p.m.

This year, more than 250 boats are in the running.

The length of the race varies, but the fastest time on record for multihulls is just under 19 hours and was set in 1998. The monohull record stands at 23 hours, 30 minutes and 34 seconds, and was set in 2002.

"What has come along with technology today is boat tracking, a satellite signal that they all carry that broadcasts their position, their speed and their direction about every 15 minutes," said Lillie.

Spectators and fans can track the boats they’re rooting for online by clicking HERE.

The race draws returning and new competitors each year.

Back again this year is Warrior Sailing – a nonprofit that provides sailing education to wounded, ill and injured veterans. 

The nationwide program has graduated more than 650 veterans over the last 10 years.

"It is therapeutic. The sailing community is really welcoming and it’s a really great activity to do as a group, so it really works well with the military and the veterans and so getting everybody together, it’s not really about sailing as much as it is about starting something, finishing something as a group, and seeing where it goes," said Ben Poucher, national director, Warrior Sailing. "We don’t have as much experience as other groups, but we have a bunch of fun and we’re learning every time we’re out on the water and I get to introduce everybody to the sailing community. It’s life-changing."

Warrior Sailing provides maritime education and outreach to veterans free of charge.

To learn more about the organization’s mission, or to donate, CLICK HERE.