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Mac Solo Challenges



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Mac Solo Challenges

The next Mac Solo Challenges will take place on June 21, 2008.                                    

The documents for the 2008 Mac Solo Challenges are listed below - you may view them on-line, print them out directly from your web browser, or download and save them to your computer. They are all available as PDF files - if you don't have Adobe Reader™ installed on your computer, it is available as a free download by clicking the button below.

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The Challenges

The Mac Solo Challenges consist of the Port Huron to Mackinac Island (265 statute miles) and the Chicago to Mackinac Island (330 statute miles). The Challenges are held annually, generally taking place on the third or fourth Saturday in June. These two Challenges run concurrently, and feature a common finish line at Mackinac Island. The President's Cup Trophy is awarded to the first time finisher on each lake who has the fastest corrected time. An awards luncheon takes place on Mackinac Island on the Wednesday following the start of the Challenges, and non-member skippers who successfully complete either Challenge will be awarded lifetime membership in the Society.

This will be a Super Mac year, and it's enough of a challenge just to pass Mackinac and head down the lakes to complete a Super Mac. If the better part of a week on the water, swatting black flies and rolling in leftover slop with the rig banging around hasn't slaked your thirst for solo sailing, we're offering for the first time, a Super Mac and Back! See the Notice of Race for all the details...


Are you even remotely thinking at this point of participating in one of the Super Mac or Super Mac and Back Solo Challenges? If so, it is important that you make email contact as soon as possible with the Lake Michigan Vice Chairman, Matt Scharl. Matt has volunteered to organize this portion of the Solo Mac Challenges, and since the logistics of both the Super Macs and Super Mac and Back are wildly different from the regular Mac Challenges, a little extra help from you is needed. It is necessary for Matt to determine, as early as possible, from which city (Port Huron or Chicago) you will be starting, and whether or not you intend to enter the Super Mac or the Super Mac and Back Solo Challenge. Please include in your email to Matt whether you'll be competing in the monohull or multihull division, and your boat type. This information will go a long way to aid in planning the event. Send an email to Matt Scharl with your intentions. Thanks for your cooperation!


Still have a question about the Solo Macs? Answers to questions such as where to dock, does my entry fee include a slip, do I have to make a slip reservation, can be found by checking the Solo Mac FAQ before sending in your questions. Thanks!

2008 Mac Solo Challenge Documents

Changes for 2008

  • The flare requirement has been changed to conform to that of ORC. For 2008, required flares will be 4 SOLAS red parachute flares, 4 SOLAS red handheld flares, and 2 SOLAS orange smoke.
  • A VHF masthead antenna for the primary VHF marine radio telephone is now required.
  • A PHRF certificate issued within the previous three years is required for entry without a performance penalty. Skippers who do not wish to obtain the PHRF certificate will be assessed a 6 second/mile penalty.
  • No roller furling credits will be allowed.

Check out the latest news and updates for the Mac Solo Challenges!

Thanks to all who volunteered for the Mackinac Island Race Committee - it is now full! Please keep 2009 in mind as we will be looking for volunteers next year as well.


Resumé and Solo Passage Documentation - Non GLSS Members Only
Non-GLSS members who wish to enter either the Chicago or Port Huron to Mackinac Solo Challenge, must submit a Sailing Resumé and also a Solo Passage Documentation form to be considered for entry. Early submission of these documents will allow the GLSS Board of Directors ample time for review, and provide you with time to correct any deficiencies.