(from the mass email sent from CYC
December 5, 2008 (CHICAGO YACHT CLUB) -- Today, Chicago Yacht Club announced that it will offer a Double Handed Division in the 2009 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. 2009 marks the 101st running of 'the Mac,' the world's longest annual freshwater sailing distance race. The 101st Mac will start off Chicago's lakefront on Friday, July 17, 2009 and Saturday, July 18, 2009.

"We are committed to finding new and innovative ways to deliver great sailing events to as many people as possible," Greg Miarecki, chair of the 101st Mac, commented. "Our Double Handed Division will give sailors who enjoy shorthanded events the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Mac," Miarecki added.


Skippers and crews experienced in shorthanded sailing will be eligible to compete in the Double Handed Division, which will be limited to monohulls. Double Handed Division sailors will race under the Offshore Racing Rule ("ORR") and compete for the prestigious Harold L. Ashton Memorial Trophy, which is on display at Chicago Yacht Club's Monroe Street Station. Boats competing in the 101st Mac's Double Handed Division will start on Saturday, July 18, 2009 along with boats in the Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division, Mackinac Cup Division, and Multihull Division. Cruising Division entrants will start on the afternoon of Friday, July 17.

Participation in the 333 statute mile race from Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac Island, Michigan is by invitation only. Generally, if a sailor has competed in one of the last four Macs as a 'person in charge,' he or she will automatically receive an invitation to compete in the 101st Race. Sailors who are not eligible for an automatic invitation may request an invitation through the official Race website at www.chicagoyachtclub.org/racetomackinac.

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 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, please contact Amanda Matta, Race Coordinator at 312.861.7777 or at racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org. In particular, skippers interested in competing in the Double Handed Division are encouraged to send Ms. Matta a brief e-mail expressing their interest.


About The 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.


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Media Contact | Christie Denson | 312.861.7772 | denson@chicagoyachtclub.org

I am interested in exploring this opportunity. Is anyone else?

We already have a J/30 singlehanded sailor on Lake Michigan. (Longshot>)What if we could have enough boats to create our own J/30 section in this race - sailing One Design, double handed? That might be cool.

Would love to do it. Seriously thinking next year. Committed to anouther boat. I am racing my J30 in the Solo Mac June 20th if anyone is interested? That would be a great race to get several J30's on the line.

John
Madcap