Unique Team Challenge Trophy this Year
A new team race challenge has been launched by Chicago Yacht Club. The race that is conducted by them to Mackinac would have a team race and a trophy called the Point Betsie. This new race is being sponsored by Storm Trysail Club.
Those who wish to take part will have three monohull boats joined which will race against other teams in similar three boat groups. The teams would have to gain best placement percentage in respective divisions. Among the conditions, the teams need to have boats that have raced in two monohull divisions at least. Also, a boat can only be of one team.
The sponsoring club committee members feel that Chicago-Mac race has been a competitive ground for many sailors and with team races the sense of community is strengthened whereby fellowship is extended to teams of boats.
The trophy organizers feel that the boats will focus not only on their own performance but also on their team boats. It would also heighten camaraderie between old and new friends who might be club members, college or high school teammates. The Point Betsie award was first given out when the 100th edition of the Mackinac race was run. Since then it serves as a challenge trophy of the yacht club and it now makes a transition to team challenges. The name Point Betsie has historical importance, being the first land sighted by racers who raced across Lake Michigan.
The 11th edition would be hosted this year, on July 12th and 13th. Competitors would start from Chicago Lighthouse and end at Mackinac Island.