2021 Race To Mackinac Island Begins After Last Year Canceled Due To COVID-19 – CBS Chicago

CHICAQGO (CBS) — Friday introduced a spectacular sight at Navy Pier as dozens of boats lined up for the Chicago Yacht Membership’s Race to Mackinac Island Michigan started.

The cruising division received underway Friday afternoon, and sailboats start Saturday earlier than crusing throughout Lake Michigan.

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The Race to Mackinac began in 1898 with simply 5 boats. Greater than 120 years later a whole lot of sailors are prepping to set sail as soon as once more.

“I’ve most likely received 12 Chicago Mac races, 20 Trans Superiors, which is probably the most anybody has performed stated sailor Keith Stauber.

Will probably be exhausting to overlook Stauber and his crew from shore. Simply search for their matching pants.

“All people all the time teased him for it,” stated Madeline Stauber.

“I’ve worn them crusing for my complete life,” stated Keith.

“This 12 months we determined as a substitute of getting crew shirts, we determined to get Zubaz,” stated Madeline.

The staff spirit and the possibility to compete drew them from Duluth, Minnesota, and a whole lot from across the nation.

“We’ve seen individuals from so far as Rhode Island,” stated Madeline Stauber.

CBS 2 met sailors from Texas to Florida, the place crusing legend Gene McCarthy voyaged from.

“I’ve been lucky sufficient to sail 65 Chicago Mackinac sailboat races, and I’ve been tied with a fellow who just lately handed away,” stated McCarthy.

When he will get to the island, McCarthy will tie with the late John Nedeau for crusing Chicago’s race to Mackinac probably the most instances — an early birthday reward to himself.

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“I’m 92 proper now, and in 9 days I’ll be 93,” he stated.

He and everybody else needed to put their racing on maintain final 12 months for the pandemic.

“It’s disappointing, however I form of perceive,” he stated. “We’re counting on the wind. We’re counting on the climate. Everyone knows that climate modifications it doesn’t matter what you’re doing.”

In different phrases, adapting is the lifestyle for a sailor, which is why even with mild winds predicted to make a gradual race this 12 months, simply with the ability to compete is already a win.

69-yo Keith Stauber on the best has sailed 12 Chicago Mackinac races

“Our household wished to do it… I don’t know what number of extra of those I’ve in me, so we’re doing it!”

They’ll be exhausting to miss- simply search for the matching Zubaz pants👖🕺🏼@cbschicago @chicagoyc pic.twitter.com/nggqxz6urb

— Marissa Parra (@MarParNews) July 16, 2021

“There’ll by no means not be smiles on our boat,” Keith stated. “Our household wished to do it. I’m 69 years outdated. I don’t know what number of extra of those I’ve in me, so we’re doing it.”

There are 240 boats set to take sail on this race to Mackinac Island.

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The perfect place to observe them as they head out is the tip of Navy Pier from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.