To date, there are only 237 members, far fewer than the number of astronauts who have orbited earth, or climbers who have scaled Mt. Everest.  Within our ranks, you will find the true spirit of singlehanded sailing, a spirit which is not defined by age, gender, or boat type.  You will find competition on the race course, as well as assistance.  Annual meetings, scheduled social functions as well as impromptu get togethers, ensure that the camaraderie developed on the race course is allowed to grow into lifetime friendships.

Does this echo within your spirit? If so, then perhaps you have discovered a new course on your sailing horizon.  The GLSS would be delighted to help you achieve your solo sailing dreams, and assist you in earning one of the commemorative medallions that you will receive for successfully completing a Singlehanded Challenge and being granted membership in the GLSS. Towards that end, we are happy to answer any of your questions, and address your concerns.  Please feel free to contact us if you need any further information.

 

 

A Few Frequently Asked Questions...

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I'd like to become a member of the GLSS - how do I join?
The only way to become a member of the GLSS is to successfully complete one of the following Solo Challenges: the Port Huron to Mackinac, Chicago to Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth, or the Lake Erie Solo Challenge. Successful completion of one of those events entitles you to lifetime membership, and annual membership dues are currently $30.

When I look at a page on your website, it doesn't display properly. Is there something wrong with the site, or is it my computer?
It could be either, read the suggestions that are already posted. If you think a screen should be displaying information that isn't there, please let us know!

What are the boat length requirements to participate in your events?
Generally speaking, boats between the lengths of 25' and 50' are eligible. Exceptions to the length requirements may be made on a case by case basis by the GLSS Board of Directors, or one of the individual race chairs. If you do have a boat that falls outside of the realm of conventional design, or doesn't fit within the normal length requirements, you would be well advised to submit the information early as it will take some extra time to make the determination. Additional guidance may be found on the individual race web pages by referring to the required equipment lists.

Can I stop by your club and talk about singlehanded sailing?
The GLSS doesn't have a physical headquarters, per say. Most of our members are also members at area yacht clubs that offer their facilities to us on an as needed basis. Our annual Open Houses for example, are held at either Columbia Yacht Club or the Chicago Yacht Club, and either North Star Sail Club or the Great Lakes Yacht Club in the Detroit area. These Open Houses provide the opportunity to discuss all aspects of singlehanding, and to listen to selected topics presented by member speakers and invited guests. They are generally held in March - please check the GLSS Calendar of Events for the next scheduled Open House. Lastly, check us out at Strictly Sail Chicago, January 31 - February 3, 2008. We'll have a booth, and members will be there to answer your questions.

How do you sleep during a race that may take days to complete?
Sleep patterns have to be altered, and most skippers take many "mini-sleeps" of 15 to 25 minutes at a time. Various alarms are used to awaken the skipper, and upon wakening, the routine is to check for traffic, check boatspeed and trim, make a check of navigation and boat condition, and then back for another sleep cycle. It is repeated during the race as necessary. This is a hot topic at our Open Houses, so if it is convenient, make plans to attend one in either the Chicago area, or metro Detroit. See the Calendar for upcoming Open Houses & Safety Seminars.

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How can I comply with the liferaft requirement for the Solo Macs, the Trans Superior Solo, or the Lake Erie Solo Challenges?
There are several ways to comply with the liferaft requirement. The cheapest and easiest of the methods is to simply borrow one from a fellow sailor. As long as it has been serviced within 40 months from the start of the race, you are good to go. Something to consider though, if you intend to borrow a large 10 man (or bigger) raft from a crewed Mac racer - these rafts are designed to be used by the max capacity and part of their stability is dependant upon a lot of bodies in it. With just a solo sailor, in rough conditions, stability may be a concern. A smaller 4 man or six man is a better fit for the solo sailor, and you are able to brace yourself much better in a smaller raft. There are rafts for rent, just for the duration of the race, and the cost is in the neighborhood of $210, and up. The classified sections of sailing magazines usually has such info in them, and alternatively if you're unable to find the info on your own, we'll try to help. If your pockets are deeper, and you wish the security of having your own raft, they may be purchased from Winslow or Switlik, to name a few. Bottom line, get the right size, and make sure it has been inspected within 40 months of the race.

If I complete one of the other GLSS solo races, will I be able to use that as a qualifier to enter one of the Solo Macs, the Trans Superior Solo, or the Lake Erie Solo Challenge?
At the present time, the completion of the Lake Michigan Solo Scramble is the only other GLSS race that may be used as a qualifier for a future Solo Mac or Solo Trans Superior Challenge. Prospective skippers must document a solo passage of at least 100 statute miles, and covering a time of at least 24 hours. The Solo Scramble is 110 statute miles, and as long as it takes over 24 hours to complete, the skipper may use that as his documentation passage. If the event is completed prior to 24 hours, and the skipper wishes to use the passage as a qualifier, the skipper will have to continue sailing after the finish until the time requirement is met.

Are members available to answer questions I might have?
Absolutely! Members will almost universally go out of their way to help a new skipper contemplating a Solo Challenge. The GLSS will, at your request, even assign a mentor to become part of the process as you prepare for your first Challenge. Simply contact us with your initial question, and we'll take it from there, putting you in touch with a Member who has been there before!

How do I use PayPal™ from your website?
First off, look for the PayPal™ logo, which is really a link which takes you to a secure PayPal™ payment page. If you happen to be shopping in the Ship's Store, you would first add the items you want to your cart, and then click the "Proceed to Checkout" button. If you are already a PayPal™ member, simply log into your account and complete the transaction. If you are not a PayPal™ member, you may still utilize PayPal™ by paying with a credit card rather than a personal banking account. PayPal™ will offer you the opportunity to join, but you are under no obligation to do so. Either way, before submitting your purchase for payment by clicking the "Pay" button, please be sure to fill in any supplementary boxes such as "Guest's Name" or "Size Desired" - this will help greatly with the filling of your order. Lastly, PayPal™ doesn't cost you anything to use, it allows us to make a refund quickly and easily if need be, and greatly simplifies the record keeping - in other words, we can serve you much better! Please consider using it where you can.

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What kind of equipment do I need to compete in a Solo Mac Challenge?
Most of the required equipment is already on board your boat, mandated by Coast Guard regulations. A couple of the major items that are in addition would be an autopilot (beyond just lashing the tiller or wheel), and a life raft (which you may rent). Please refer to the complete required equipment list for all of the details.

I sent in my entry - how will I know if it was received and accepted?
Entries take some time to be processed, and if you are a first-time entrant, it must additionally be approved by the GLSS Board of Directors. When your entry has been approved, you will be notified by the Challenge Chairman via an email with a PDF file attached of your acceptance. If there are any deficiencies that need correcting, they will be noted in the email. If you are unable to view a PDF file, please notify the Challenge Chairman and alternate notification will be arranged. Additionally, a list of the entrants will appear on the Solo Challenge web page by about June 2. If you have not received an emailed acceptance by June 2, please email the Challenge Chairman.

Where can I dock the boat before and after the Solo Mac Challenges?
Since there are numerous harbors and marinas in the immediate vicinity of both the Port Huron and Chicago starts, it is left to individual skippers to make their own arrangements for dockage. From a convenience standpoint, it is nice to have your boat close to the location for the Skipper's Meeting. In Port Huron, Rum Runnerz Restaurant and Pub, 402 Quay St. is the location of the meeting, and is in close proximity to the Port Huron Municipal Marina (810.984.9746), several bridges up the Black River. This location allows for an easy walk along the river to the meeting and to other restaurants as well. Reservations are always recommended - the same policy applies as the DNR facility at Mackinac Island - see below. In Chicago, the Skipper's Meeting takes place at Columbia Yacht Club (312.938.3625). There is transient dockage available at Columbia, although you may be asked to raft off. Columbia Yacht Club has helped the GLSS since day one, and you'll find excellent service there. The handiest marina is DuSable (312.742.3577) - they do take reservations, but can be slow in confirming them; they begin accepting reservations on May 15. In the immediate Chicago area, fuel is available only at Burnham Harbor (312.747.7009) and it is best to top off prior to slipping your boat. You won't be able to obtain fuel on the day of the race in time to make the start, as they don't open until 0930 CDT.

Transient dockage is available on Mackinac Island at the DNR Municipal Marina. Reservations may be made on-line.  When making your reservation at Mackinac, be mindfull of the fact that if you haven't checked in by 5:00 PM on the date of your scheduled arrival, and have not called to inform them you are late, you will lose your entire reservation and forfeit your total amount paid. Call (906.847.3561) to extend the reservation and avoid the loss of both slip and money. This is yet another good reason to carry a cell phone on board, as the cell coverage is generally quite strong from the Manitou Islands northwards in Lake Michigan, and from Rogers City to Mackinac in Lake Huron.

Is the slip fee before and after the Challenge included in the entry fee?
No - you are responsible for all slip or mooring fees before and after the Challenge. It is also the responsibility of the skipper to make his or her own reservations, at the marina of choice, as far in advance as practicable to avoid disappointment when the favored slips may not be available. As in most things singlehanding, the skipper makes the final choice regarding the location of a slip, and for the desired dates.

How much time should I allot to complete a Mac Challenge?
For starters, it's generally wise to allow for at least a day on the front end of the Challenge to correct any last minute discrepancies, and to allow for some downtime to prepare yourself mentally and physically. If you have the luxury of coming to the starting city two or three days ahead of the Challenge, you'll be able to do a bit of exploring or sightseeing, and socialize with fellow skippers as well as taking care of last minute boat preparations. There is always the need, it seems, for one last trip to West Marine prior to the start! Starting the Challenge worn out is a poor idea, at best, so plan accordingly! If you check the race results for 2007 you will see that all finished during the third or fourth day of the Challenge on both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Some really light air years have found skippers finishing on day five of the Challenge. The Awards Luncheon on Mackinac Island is held at noon on the Wednesday after the start, and skippers generally start heading for home, or start a cruise that day or the following one.

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What is the fee to enter the Solo Mac Challenge?
The fee for the 2008 Solo Mac is $250 for non-GLSS members, and $200 for current dues paid up members. The 2008 Challenges will feature a Super Mac, and a Super Mac and Back - the entry fee for each is $300. A late fee of $50 will be assessed for entries received after June 1, 2008.

Are there any requirements for entering a Solo Mac Challenge?
Non-members must submit a sailing resumé which has to document at least 1,000 miles of sailing as a skipper. Additionally, prospective members must be at least 18 years of age, and complete a solo qualifier, on the boat to be used for the race. The distance covered must be at least 100 sm, covering a time of at least 24 hours, under sail. Here is the link to the complete resumé.

What does a Super Mac or a Super Mac and Back involve?
A Super Mac or Super Mac and Back Solo Challenge both start out the same as any regular Mac Challenge. You may start in either Port Huron or Chicago, and as you cross the first finish line at Mackinac Island, you will receive credit for completing the appropriate Mac Challenge. If you had started in Port Huron, you will continue by the same course the Chicago-Mac skippers took to Mackinac back down the lake to a finish in Chicago if you are completing a Super Mac. Chicago skippers continue past Mackinac Island back down the lake by the same course that the Port Huron skippers took to Mackinac to a finish at Port Huron, for the Chicago-Port Huron Super Mac. To complete a Super Mac and Back, skippers will round a designated point at either Chicago or Port Huron and return to their original starting point via the same course that they have just sailed. The time required to complete one of these marathons will obviously vary greatly depending on the winds encountered - the Super Macs are nearly 600 miles long and have taken as long as nearly a week to complete in the past. A Super Mac and Back could easily be double that.

What is the fee to enter the Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth Solo Challenge?
There are two entry fees to participate in the Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth Solo Challenge. First, you must submit a check to the GLSS, but payable to TSRC, in the amount of $250 ($230 if a US Sailing member). Secondly, you must submit a check payable to the GLSS in the amount of $75, which includes a commemorative medallion (awarded to successful finishers only), and a skipper's embroidered sweater. There are various options, and late fees do apply - please see the actual Trans Superior entry form for the complete details.

What is the procedure for locking through prior to the start of the Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth Solo Challenge?
The crewed and solo racers will lock through all at one time, with the crewed racers entering the locks first and tieing off on the lock walls. The solo racers will then raft off the others, and will get all the help they need from the crewed boats in terms of securing lines and fending off. After the boats are lifted, the raft-off is broken, and the boats motor out for the start of the race. It takes roughly an hour and a half to reach the start of the race near the Gros Cap light at the Upper St. Mary's River. Locking through is one of the more pleasurable aspects of the Challenge, and it offers an opportunity to converse with your fellow skippers, and watch crew being hoisted aloft for a photo op!

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Do I have to clear Customs to participate in the Trans Superior?
It depends on where you berth your vessel prior to the start of the Challenge. If you stay on the United States side of Sault Ste. Marie, and do not visit the Canadian shore (by boat) any time prior to disembarking in Duluth, there is no requirement to clear US Customs, even though you might have sailed in Canadian waters. The key is visited Canada. If on the other hand, you intend to stay in the Canadian Soo prior to the start of the Challenge, you must first clear into Canada via telephone when you disembark at Bondar Marina (as of this writing). They will give you a Customs ID number, which you will need to provide to US Customs upon re-entering the United States. Boats 30' long and greater need to purchase a recreational customs sticker. The details may be found here. Assuming that your first point of entry is Duluth, US Customs will be there to meet you and your vessel upon arrival. At the Skipper's Meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, you will be given a form to pre-fill prior to your arrival. If it has been completed, clearing Customs will be a very quick process. US Customs procedures are currently undergoing some changes, and although a passport is not required for re-entry into the United States from Canada, it may be required in the near future. If you have a passport, it is strongly suggested that you carry it to facilitate border crossings. For up-to-date information on US Customs procedures, please visit the US Department of State website. It is recommended that you check frequently with the above links as changes occur often.

Where can I dock before the start of the Trans Superior, as well as after I complete it?
If you want to avoid customs, the easiest is to stay at the George Kemp Marina on the U.S. side, and reservations may be made on-line. They have excellent facilities, and deep draft vessels can be handled with ease. It's a short walk from there into town, or to the Soo Locks. The pre-race festivities take place on the Canadian side of the Soo, so you'll need to find transportation over and back. Bring your passport to expedite border crossings! If you wish to stay on the Canadian side of the Soo prior to the race, the Roberta Bondar Marina is the place to stay. You can clear customs, get fuel and water, and are within an easy walk of a mall for last minute shopping and a variety of restaurants. The pre-race skipper's meeting takes place at the Holiday Inn, a very short walk from the marina. There's quite a current at the entrance to the marina, it's best to approach it heading upstream.

After finishing in Duluth, there will be free transient docking in a no longer commercially used freighter slip, known as Slip #2. It is located just to the west of the Aquarium & Race Headquarters, and it is a very convenient walk from there into downtown Duluth. There are no electrical hook-ups, nor fuel/water available there. Should you desire any of these, Barker's Island Marina, located in Superior, Wisconsin, is your best bet, and is just a short distance to the SE down Superior Bay. It's a great full-service marina, and is adjacent to the whaleback freighter museum, featuring the SS Meteor.

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