Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac draws over 260 boats

The 117th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Wintrust, will see more than 260 boats depart the Chicago lakefront this week. The 333-mile offshore race runs from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Michigan, and is described as the largest annual offshore race in the world, attracting thousands of sailors. The Cruising Division starts at 3 p.m. Friday, July 10, while the Racing Division goes off at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11. Spectator-friendly sailing includes the Skyline Sprint, with boats racing north along the Chicago lakefront toward a turning mark near Montrose Harbor before continuing up Lake Michigan. Fans can follow live tracking via YB Tracking and get updates, photos and videos on Instagram @racetomackinac and the race Facebook page. Additional information is available at cycracetomackinac.com.