[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 118 (Thursday, July 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHICAGO TO MACKINAC RACE

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2008

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor one of the Great Lakes' 
most hallowed traditions: annual Chicago to Mackinac Race, the world's 
oldest and longest freshwater sailboat race. Each July, nearly 300 
boats make the 333-mile trip to Mackinac Island in 2 to 3 days.
  This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the race, commonly 
referred to by sailing enthusiasts as simply ``the Mac.'' Although the 
first race was held in 1898, several years passed between the first and 
second running of the race. In other years, the race did not occur 
because of the United States' entry into World War I. Two other years 
also did not count toward the total number of Mackinac races, as the 
race did not terminate at Mackinac Island, but at Harbor Springs, 
Michigan. This year, however, will mark the 100th time that the regatta 
will make the trek from Chicago, north up Lake Michigan, following the 
shores of Michigan's Lower Peninsula to finally land on historic 
Mackinac Island.
  In the nautical world, the Mac is viewed by many as an outstanding 
test of sailors' skill, experience and sailing aptitude. Lake 
Michigan's volatile weather conditions can mean that the race 
challenges sailors' abilities. Despite the dangers and challenges of 
the Mac, there has never been a fatality and only one boat has been 
lost.
  The weather challenges presented to those who sail in the Mac are 
well documented. In July 1925, 21 yachts started the race. Within 12 
hours, six of the boats in the competition were blown back to Chicago. 
In 1937, sailors encountered winds with gusts up to 65 knots, or 75 
miles per hour. In that race, only eight boats finished what 42 
started. Mac enthusiasts refer to 1970 as ``the year of the big blow'' 
because a northerly wind blasted competitors in the race head on. Of 
the more than 160 yachts participating, more than half were forced to 
take refuge in safe harbor, crippled with shattered masts, torn sails 
and seasick crews.
  One of the most challenging Mackinac races in history occurred in 
1911. That year, 11 boats holding 142 crewmembers set forth from 
Chicago to Mackinac. Overnight, temperatures dropped to freezing, the 
breeze turned into a blustering wind and then became a gale. To add to 
the discomfort, a rainstorm began. As night fell, the gale escalated to 
hurricane force, with gusts peaking at 80 miles per hour. The wind, 
rain and waves played topsy-turvy with the yachts and the race of 1911 
ended with the loss of a legendary mahogany-hulled sail boat, by the 
name of Vencedor. The huge waves thrashed the boat mercilessly and 
plunged it between two boulders on one of the many Great Lakes reefs. 
Although the crew was rescued, the Vencedor was lost. Despite the 
terrible storm, all 142 men who sailed that regatta arrived safely 
ashore at Mackinac Island, showing once more the perseverance and 
determination of those who compete in the Mac.
  The race is sponsored by the Chicago Yacht Club and this year begins 
there on Saturday, July 19. The continued support of the Chicago Yacht 
Club and--since 1937--the Mackinac Island Yacht Club has been critical 
to keeping the Mac going these many years. The U.S. Coast Guard has 
provided tremendous assistance for the race over the years, working to 
ensure the safety of the sailors and rescue boats when necessary.
  Madam Speaker, there is great nautical history associated with the 
race and great personal pride among those who have participated. 
Sailors who have competed in more than 25 ``Macs'' are called ``Island 
Goats,'' a title they wear with pride and affection. There are various 
explanations for where the title ``Island Goat'' originates. Some say 
that the sailors who participated in the race smelled like goats when 
they completed their two- or three-day voyage from Chicago. Others 
claim that the title ``Island Goat'' is a reference to the unruly 
celebrations of the early sailors when they finally arrived at Mackinac 
Island. Regardless of where the term stems, those who are ``Island 
Goats'' are proud of this distinction and have even formed the Island 
Goat Sailing Society.
  Madam Speaker, this July, for the 100th time, those on the eastern 
shore of Lake Michigan will once again be able to gaze out upon the 
Lake and watch as an impressive regatta of hundreds of vessels race 
north toward Mackinac Island. As all of us from the Great Lakes observe 
the 100th anniversary of the Mac, I ask that you, Madam Speaker, and 
the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring the great 
tradition of the Mac and in saluting the thousands of men and women who 
have maintained this great race over the past century.

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