HISTORY - Chicago to Mackinac Sailboat Race - Ep 11 - Historsea

Welcome aboard for an exhilarating voyage into the captivating history of the Chicago to Mackinac Sailboat Race! 🌊⛵️

🔸 Overview:
In this gripping video, we delve into the origins, evolution, and triumphs of the renowned Chicago to Mackinac Sailboat Race. From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world, we uncover the stories of fearless sailors who have undertaken this epic challenge year after year.

🔸 Unraveling Legends:
Witness the transformation of the race from its inception in [insert founding year] to the grand spectacle it is today. We bring to life the tales of daring adventures, unexpected twists, and remarkable achievements that have shaped the race into a legendary maritime tradition.

🔸 Historic Footprints:
Follow us as we trace the footsteps of trailblazing sailors and the magnificent vessels that have graced the Great Lakes, taking on unpredictable waters and unpredictable weather. This historical journey will highlight the race's most iconic moments and the impact it has had on sailing communities across the globe.

🔸 Celebrating Diversity:
Discover how the Chicago to Mackinac Sailboat Race transcends cultures and unites sailing enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. It's not just a competition; it's a celebration of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of human exploration.

🔸 The Future Beckons:
As we bask in the glorious memories of the past, we also ponder what lies ahead for this iconic sailing event. With advancements in technology and a new generation of sailors taking the helm, the future of the Chicago to Mackinac Race promises to be filled with even more excitement and maritime marvels.

[BobbyArrow]

I did the race 4 times on a Tartan 10--generally the smallest and cheapest boats on the race. One year, we were transporting the boat back to Chicago, leaving Mackinac Island when "Windquest" the giant 88-footer (at the time, previous version of the boat shown at 8:31) came up behind us. As they were passing, we yelled to her delivery crew, "hey Windquest, our captain is so cheap he won't buy us beer! You got any?" They gave us a thumbs up and the 88 foot Windquest did a 360 around our little boat, came up on the starboard side, and threw us a 12-pack of Bud Light.

[maggispartz]

Nice history of the Mac Race. Enjoyed seeing so many boats I know and was surprised to see myself near the end in the Island Goat section of the video. My Dad got me and my siblings started sailing as kids. I've been blessed to excel and continue in the sport, thanks to friends!

[VixCrush]

I was a cboe market maker and uses to race j24s out of Wilmette in Chicago. Our boat captain worked for Steve Fossett so he told us all the stories about him.

[jackwalby]

As a 35 total Mac vetern is always nice to see other input and discussion about the race. The lightning on the 2011 race was unbelievable. You got freaked out when it went dark. My wife (also an old goat) actually put her sunglasses on. Last year was pretty close to same lightning wise. Having satellite weather really has been a game changer for most boats.
The slow races are equally challenging, fighting the urge to turn on the engine and go! Mind you you've been eaten by lake flys for about 20 hours.

[Colleentfay]

I loved this one as well. Yet another plea for you to cover the story of the Pride of Baltimore: a re-creation in the 20th Century of a 19th Century privateer' The "Pride" was lost at sea in a storm of Puerto Rico in 1986. A sad, but great story.. Thanks

[Belegnole]

I fell in love with sailing in the early 70s when introduced to a friend of the family that raced the Chicago-Mackinac. I believe he was the 1971 winner on a C&C 43.

[williamstreet]

I watch this with special interest. I was just selected yesterday as crew for my first Chicago to Mackinac. I'll be on an Olson 34. At 72 years, I sometimes wonder if I have always been crazy. Then my friends remind me that this is only a knew insanity that aligns with my earlier insanities. What can I say? A friend offered an opportunity. I highly recommend that your response to any opportunity should be. 'Yes!'

[louisfbrooks]

Great episode. Can you cover the J Class please. Such beautiful boats.

[Bubbasco]

I am actually the 911 dispatcher that was working in Leelanau County the night of the Wingnuts incident in 2011. It was a warm and humid day, and overnight we had a very violent and fast moving storm system sweep into the county from the northwest over Lake Michigan, slamming straight into the participants of the race. We initially had no idea the racers were off of our shore at the time, and the first indication we had was a 911 call I received from fellow racers near Leland, MI who reported the capsized sailboat to us. We dispatched local fire departments to get boats in the water, and then got a hold of the US Coast Guard who then launched their chopper out of Traverse City as well as some water assets. I remember the search continued throughout the rest of the morning hours until the end of my shift. I was sad to learn of the loss of 2 of the crew members. We certainly did all we could to mobilize everyone possible. I do know the fellow racers were also a huge help during those frantic hours that morning.

[capnsalty]

Great Video I loved it. I was raised in Racine WI I did not get into sailing until I was living in Chicago in the late 60s I was the skipper of a Sea Scout Ship. We sailed the Chicago Sea Scout boat "Sea Witch" from Belmont Harbor to Michigan City. I have been interested in the Mack Race from that time on. Again loved your video and your videos. Thank you keep up the good work,

[markhoene]

Hey Tim, when are when getting another episode? You got me hooked now.

[nathanreed]

An Idea for a future video: The Canadian Weatherships Quadra and Vancouver. The vessels maintained a 24/7 watch at Station P (Papa) in the North Pacific. In 1979 or 1980 the Quadrs recorded the largest wave ever recorded. It was a 100 foot rogue. There is a lot of history with those old girls. I know, I was an oiler on the Quadra. If you would like details, let me know... I'll keep an eye out for your reply.

[saltydogfarm]

doing great Tim! very interesting and inspiring!

[bobmeining]

Enjoyed the history of the Chicago side of the race and did not realize there were fatalities. Mainly follow the Port Huron to Mac race. In my younger days 1975 I believe I took part in this race as crew. Great experience. Did a few overnight races in preparation. Sail changes at night were not great but in the Mac race went really well.. we did 3 sail changes in 15 minutes.. practice make perfect.

[RobertMatichak]

@historsea
Cruising the lower St. Lawrence this summer, I had the pleasure of visiting a museum dedicated to the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. I think this would make a interesting video.
One fact that I learned is that there was a crew member who survived both the sinking of the Titanic AND the sinking of the Empress of Ireland!
Talk about a horseshoe up you know where! Lol
Great videos. Thank you.
Montreal.

[kylejazwiecki]

Nice video on a great race. It's a shame that race doesn't get more attention. Sailing Sweet Ruca had some good videos about it from when they crewed for the overall win in 2019 and came back the next year to transport some boats and race again.

[thomasweaver]

Im a life long resident of Michigan city. In my youth the " tri state " was the highlight of the summer .. once mcyc shut down . The tri state never came to the city again .. also at one point the city was the host to the largest in water boat show .. have you seen any historical info on these events ?

[andresteenkamp]

I owned and raced "Mufassa" a Kiwi 35 in Florida and California in the 90's -- Wingnuts had been fitted with a heavier mast and the keel bulb weight had been reduced. These modifications made Wingnuts more dangerous to sail -- the original design is safer. The hull shape or wings did not create the dangerous stability issue -- it was bad choices made by who ever decided to modify the boat.

[SuperIceman]

The Trans Superior race is longer at 350 miles, runs from Sault Saint Marie to Duluth on the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior

[krockpotbroccoli]

Never heard of this before. Quite interesting.