The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust is one of the world’s largest annual offshore races, drawing top-notch sailing talent from around America and the world. Known as ‘The Mac’ to everyone in the region, the ultimate test of Great Lakes navigation starts each July just off Chicago’s Navy Pier. Passing through some of the most beautiful coastal waters in the world on the 333-statute mile (289nm) race route, the fleet faces the storms, reefs, calms and competition that truly make it "America’s Offshore Challenge."
From Friday’s Cruising and Saturday’s Racing starting cannons to the finish line just on the other side of the iconic Mackinac Bridge, fans can follow every racer via the live Race Tracker, while keeping tabs on their favorites on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Learn more at cycracetomackinac.com.
Trophies recognizing achievements in this race are on display in the cases and on the walls of the Monroe clubhouse. Division and first-to-finish awards recognize the best of the best, awarded for being the winner of their division, or the fastest boat regardless of handicap. Section trophies recognize winners of the individual sections, often consisting of one-design fleets. The Island Goat Awards recognize endurance, with a minimum of 25 Mackinac races, and speed, with the fastest goat to the island receiving recognition.
Every trophy has a story and a history, ranging from the Mackinac Cup purchased in 1906, to the series of cups named after geographical landmarks that were added in 2008 for the 100th running of the race. Here you will find photos and histories. But to really appreciate these trophies, take a close look next time you visit the Club.
List of Winners by Boat Name
DIVISION AND FIRST TO FINISH AWARDS
SECTION AWARDS
Section awards were first offered in 1940. Trophies were initially designated for a particular section but that soon became problematic as yacht design changed, new boat types were developed and some boat designs fell out of favor. It has been the policy of the Mackinac Committee in recent years to rotate the assignments of the 24 available section trophies giving every skipper a chance of winning each one.
ISLAND GOAT TROPHIES
These trophies are displayed at Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Station but belong to and are maintained by the Island Goat Sailing Society. An “Island Goat” is a racer, either captain or crew, who has started 25 Chicago Yacht Club Races to Mackinac. Membership in the society is strictly limited to this standard. It should be noted that the slang reference to an Island Goat is “Old Goat”, often based on the cantankerous personality of someone who has done 25 Macs, not always as a winner and not always as a finisher. It is also advisable to stay upwind of an “Old Goat” as they disembark at Mackinac Island until they have showered. With a drink in hand after the race, their personalities reach the peak of charm and their stories can be quite entertaining, taking full creative license with factual matters. While two Island Goat trophies are awarded on the basis of perseverance, one is awarded for speed.