Excitement at the 116th Mackinac Race

Victory Amidst Challenging Conditions

A team of sailors from Austin, TX successfully participated in the historic 116th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. In a remarkable feat, they skillfully navigated Joel Rosinbum’s Corsair F-27 along Michigan’s scenic western coastline, finishing the race at an impressive time of 1:36 a.m. on Monday, July 21. This accomplishment awarded them the first place in the six-boat multihull division, highlighting their tenacity and strategic prowess. Their total elapsed time clocked in at two days, 11 hours, 36 minutes, and 21 seconds, with a corrected time of 2D 07:30:24.

A Memorable Experience

Rosinbum described the race as both better and harder than anticipated, expressing that it encompassed every possible sailing condition, along with a series of problem-solving challenges. He began his sailing journey in 2020 with the purchase of Trinity and reflected on the incredible adventure that followed. His determination points to a future return to the Mackinac race.

Navigational Strategies and Winds

After catching an offshore breeze shortly after the 2 pm start on Saturday, July 19, the crew set their sights northeast. As night fell, they raised the spinnaker, only to face a wind shift from south to north around 1 a.m. The first night proved challenging as they rallied from a lackluster start.

Rosinbum, who doubles as a software engineer and the team’s navigator and tactician, emphasized the importance of executing their strategies without tactical errors. The plan was straightforward: stay on the rhumb line and sail at maximum speed. Recognizing a potential for a podium finish late Saturday night, they decided to push their boat to the limits.

Key Moments During the Race

Utilizing three sails throughout most of their journey, the team introduced the Reacher on Sunday afternoon, showing remarkable adaptability. By 5 p.m., they were positioned north of Manitou Island and took full advantage of an 11-knot breeze, racing at speeds of 12-15 knots with one hull briefly out of the water before making a crucial turn at Grays Reef at 11 p.m. Notably, a staggering 80 percent of their race involved upwind sailing.

As they approached the Mackinac Bridge, the crew meticulously looked for markers to gauge their position. Raising the Reacher sail allowed them to overtake five boats before reaching the finish line, creating an exhilarating experience for all involved.

The Spirit of Teamwork

Rosinbum’s crew, which included Todd Benning, Chris Cherry, and Nick Oney, shared the driving duties, rotating every three hours to maintain optimal performance. Benning, now in his fourth year of sailing, expressed excitement for the event on Lake Michigan, emphasizing their extensive preparations for various conditions. Their collective confidence in one another set the foundation for the success they enjoyed.

As sailors in a close-knit multihull community, they cherished the chance to exchange stories with other crews, discussing lessons learned and triumphs experienced. The views of the breathtaking Michigan shoreline only enhanced the camaraderie forged during the race, with promises to return in the future.

The Thrill of the Lake

At the start of the race, sailors could admire Chicago’s iconic skyline, while by sunrise on Sunday morning, they found themselves on the Michigan side of the lake—a scenic transformation that reinforced the beauty of the adventure. With three miles remaining in their race, the crew was grateful for favorable conditions, celebrating the absence of storms during their journey.

Competitive Highlights

Chris Tuckfield, aboard his 30-foot Seacart named Morticia, celebrated an early finish at 17:16:12, receiving a sixth-place correction time of 2D 14:31:27. Following closely was Matt Scharl, who crossed at 18:35:23 with a second-place corrected time of 2D 11:45:39. Alan Moore from Longwood, FL on Blue took third place, followed by Peter Pattullo and Rory Cumming with their respective boats, showcasing a highly competitive environment.

Pattullo played a pivotal role in organizing the multihull class, which had been dormant since 2019, resulting in 10 registrations with two dropping out prior to and during the race.

Challenges Along the Route

Tuckfield described the demanding nature of sailing through Manitou during the night, where the technicality of navigation was amplified by winds ranging from 15-18 knots and waves of four to five feet. These conditions pushed the crew as they performed vigorous upwind sailing, facing relentless competition.

Reflecting on his 26th Mackinac Race, Scharl remarked on the fine line between victory and defeat. His team’s strategy revolved around managing waves and minimizing upwind challenges while understanding the critical phases of the race, particularly around the Manitou and Grays Reef area.

Exploring New Waters with GetBoat.com

The exhilarating experiences shared during the Mackinac Race remind us of the compelling allure of sailing. For those wishing to have a taste of such adventure, GetBoat is your gateway to the ocean. By providing an extensive selection of vessels—ranging from yachts to sailboats—and allowing clients to tailor their choices according to personal preferences, budget, and style, GetBoat ensures that every moment spent at sea is unforgettable. The platform offers a simplistic method to review boats with comprehensive details including make, model, and ratings, necessitating transparency in every booking process.

Summing Up

The thrill of participating in events such as the Mackinac Race offers sailors a unique glimpse into the dynamics of competitive yachting while maintaining a sense of community amongst peers. The experience extends beyond just sailing, but also cultivates appreciation for the culture, nature, and rhythm of life by the water. Planning the next seaside adventure? Don't forget to consider renting a boat, as each inlet, bay, and lagoon holds stories waiting to be discovered, akin to the local delicacies and landmarks. For a seamless boating experience, consider exploring GetBoat.com.

Whether it's a peaceful day on a lake or racing across the ocean, sailing can help you connect with nature, enjoy vibrant cultures, and create lasting memories.