CHICAGO – The Chicago Yacht Club will continue its tradition of hosting world-class regattas on Lake Michigan by hosting the annual Race to Mackinac presented by Lexus on Saturday, July 14, 2001. The Club has invited 300 yachts to compete in the world’s longest freshwater race, and expects to draw one of the largest, most competitive fleets ever for this offshore event.

In keeping with the goal of presenting an increasingly competitive race, the Chicago Yacht Club continues to encourage One Design Classes to participate and hopes to increase the number of yachts racing in this competitive class this year.

Other changes to "The Mac" include use of a new starting system adopted by US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing, and a new handicapping rule called Americap. Divisional winners based on the Americap system will be awarded "Brag" Flags at the finish, and if the system proves successful it may be adopted permanently by the Race. First place boats in each of the three divisions – Open, One Design, and PHRF (Performance Handicapped Racing Federation) – will receive Rolex Watches at the finish.

"We’re pleased to have Lexus join us as a presenting sponsor this year, and we expect this to be one of our most competitive races ever," said Shawn O’Neill, Mackinac Race Committee chairman. "The fleet continues to grow and get faster, and the new starting and handicapping systems should improve the flow of this challenging endurance event."

Other new additions to this year’s Race Day, Saturday, July 14, will include a Parade of Boats from Navy Pier to the starting line from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and sailing related activities at the Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Starts for the 333-mile Race to Mackinac will begin at noon on Saturday and will run until approximately 2:20 p.m. Press boats will be available to take reporters out to the starting line, 1.5 miles east of the Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Harbor Station. Early boats are expected to arrive at Mackinac Island as early as Sunday morning, depending on weather and sailing conditions.

Founded in 1875 with the goal of advancing the community’s knowledge, enjoyment and participation in boating and the nautical arts, the Chicago Yacht Club remains a valuable resource for its members and for the Chicago community. The Club has been a leader for more than 75 years in teaching children and adults how to sail, and is a preeminent organizer and host of regattas and races in the United States.