> MACKINAC THROUGH THE AGES

The Race to Mackinac is the oldest and longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world. Hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club, it has attracted thousands of sailors in its storied history. 1898: The first race is held. Five yachts compete. 1904: The second race is held. It becomes an annual event. 1905: The slowest race to date, with the winner taking 94 hours and 10 minutes. 1917 – 1920: The race is suspended due to the strains of the First World War. 1933: The Chimon from Toronto’s Royal Canadian Yacht Club becomes the first foreign vessel to win the race. 1998: Multihull record set with a time of 18 hours, 50 minutes and 32 seconds. 2002: Monohull record set with a time of 23 hours, 30 minutes and 34 seconds. 2011: Two sailors die when their boat capsizes in a storm. Outside of a fatal heart attack in 1980, these are the race’s first fatalities. 2015: The 107th Race to Mackinac Starts on July 11.