JULY 17, 2021

The 112th running of the Chicago Race to Mackinac was especially welcome this year after a one year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 231 boats participated in this nautical contest - the longest fresh water sailing competition - 333 miles from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Michigan.

The three cruising divisions started their journey on Friday, July 16 to give the slower boats a head start. The remainder of the fleets started on their way on Saturday, July 17, with staggered starts of the various sections.

The wind came from the Northeast which meant the boats needed to sail into the wind - tacking their way back and forth to the Island. The wind died for some along the way by the Manitou Islands which is frustrating when you're in a race!

Winner of the Mackinac Cup was Scott Seller's J111 boat, No Surprise. The Chicago-Mackinac Trophy went to Jerry and Greg Miarecki's boat, Providence.

Talisman forges ahead

Utah

Painkiller with Alice Martin at the helm

Rush

Erizo de Mar

Seahorse

Wired and Vayu tacking

Section 1 start with Windquest in the middle

Sailing Site: www.kihphoto,com