Organizers of the 116th edition of the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac have announced a new registration policy for the coming edition of the race. Breaking from tradition, rather than issuing invitations, registration will open to all yachts after December 1, with a non-refundable deposit. Coveted docking assignments will be issued to completed entries in order encourage early entry completion, and entries will be capped at 325.
The 2025 edition of the race, which will begin July 18 and commemorate the founding of the Chicago YC in 1875, will coincide with the running of the “Ultra Mac,” which provides competitors an opportunity to connect July’s Bayview Mackinac Race from Port Huron, Mich., to Mackinac Island with a continuing leg to a finish Chicago. The Ultra Mac has only been held once in the past 25 years.
“The Race to Mackinac is a bucket-list race for sailors across the country and around the world, and we want to bring as many competitors together to celebrate this special running of our iconic race in honor of the Chicago Yacht Club’s legacy,” said Race Chairman Winn Soldani, in a news release.
In honor of CYC’s 150th Anniversary, new entries (those who have not previously entered the race) may qualify for $150 off their entry fee. According to Soldani, all competitors and fans of the 2025 Mac Race should expect an unforgettable, milestone event complete with many more special events and awards yet to be announced, and culminating in a firework display at Mackinac Island to punctuate the momentous occasion.
“We’ve designed this year’s race to be unforgettable and we hope to welcome sailors to a special running of one of the greatest races in the world,” Soldani said. “Whether you’ve competed in the race before or you’re thinking about trying it out for the first time, this is the year to do it and we want to do everything we can to help you get to the starting line.”
