2026 Chicago to Mackinac Campaign
2026 Chicago to Mackinac Campaign
LCSC has arranged entry into the 2026 Chicago to Mackinac race on Lake Michigan, one of the great American races. The Mac is a 300nm run across a challenging and potentially lively body of water. 2026 is the 151st running of the race.
We have arranged to charter a unique and accomplished race boat for the Mac. Her name is Tango in Blue, and she is a Nelson Marek 40. In 2018, she won her division in the race. Our friends at Great Lakes Youth Sailing Academy have kindly agreed to charter her to LCSC
To prepare for the Mac, we will be running this like a miniature Fastnet campaign. The total cost for the mission includes a club race training with coaching the weekend of April 11/12, followed by entry into the RORC Myth of Malham race May 23-25.
These preparations will ensure the crew is gelled and ready for the Mac, which can be a hairy race. The Great Lakes are notorious for sudden and dramatic changes in the weather. This will be a unique and potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Corinthians that join
By signing up for this event, the crew is committed to the following:
- April 11/12th, club race training
- May 23-25th, Myth of Malham Race
- July 8th, Crew mobilization in Chicago
- July 9th, Practice day aboard Tango in Chicago/social events at Chicago Yacht Club
- July 10th, Final preps, social events at Chicago Yacht Club
- July 11-13th, Chicago to Mac Race
- July 13, Expected arrival on Mackinac Island
- July 14, Regatta party/awards ceremony
- July 15-18th, Cruise back to Chicago (likely via Beaver Island/Wisconsin coastline, but may change depending on conditions)
- July 19/20th, Crew demobilizes in Chicago
Important disclaimers:
- Our return date to Chicago may slide to the morning of July 18th, plan to fly out of Chicago on Sunday July 19th in the evening (most flights work out this way) to be safe.
- The price for this campaign covers only boat charter and assorted event fees
- You will be responsible for flights to and from Chicago on your own
- You are likewise responsible for your own visa/travel authorizations to the US
- You are also responsible for your own health insurance valid in the United States
- Price does not include fuel or provisioning for any of the three events
- There may be some additional shared crew costs for ashore accommodations, to be worked out amongst the crew closer to each of the three events.
Cancellation policy: for this event, we cannot guarantee money back for any withdrawals after April 10, 2026. In the event of a withdrawal after that date we will do our best to find a replacement.
Costs: A 400GBP deposit will be due upon confirmation of crew selection, followed by two additional payments to cover the remainder over the following two months. The total cost of the campaign will be confirmed shortly but is expected to fall between 1500-1700GBP.
FINAL DISCLAIMER: On the basis of safety, crew signups for this event are not "first-come first serve." The skipper will review those who sign up and select the crew from that pool based on skill and experience. Those who are not selected will be offered a spot on the waitlist.
The Race Committee will be in touch after 6th February to confirm if you've been selected or placed on the waitlist.
By booking onto this event you are confirming you have read, understood and accepted the Offshore Terms and Conditions, with the caveat above to the Cancellation policy + Final Disclaimer.
Please contact Matt Bodner with any questions: matt.bodner@lcsc.org.uk
Last updated 6:15pm on 3 March 2026