The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust together with the Storm Trysail Foundation is thrilled to invite competitors, families, friends, and the general public to a celebratory fireworks display at Mackinac Island State Harbor on Tuesday, July 22 at 9:45 PM EDT.

This special celebration will serve as the finale of the 2025 Race to Mackinac and a tribute to the shared values of safety, seamanship, and community that define both Storm Trysail and the Chicago YachT Club.

This year’s Race to Mackinac carries added significance as the Chicago Yacht Club celebrates its 150th anniversary. Dubbed “America’s Offshore Challenge,” the Race has come to symbolize the Club’s legacy of excellence, seamanship, and leadership in offshore racing.

Storm Trysail’s support of the fireworks underscores its commitment to the offshore sailing community nationwide and its mission to promote hands-on safety education, the thrill and challenge of offshore racing, and the lifelong friendships forged on and off the water.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by sailors, for sailors, the Foundation advances offshore safety and seamanship through educational events–such as Adult and Junior Safety at Sea Seminars–as well as grants and grassroots initiatives for community sailing organizations.

“This year’s Race to Mackinac is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of our shared values and a milestone in the Chicago Yacht Club’s 150-year legacy,” said Race Chairman Winn Soldani. “We’re proud to work with Storm Trysail to cap off the race with a fireworks display that reflects the spirit of offshore sailing: challenging, inspiring, and deeply rooted in community.”

“The Foundation has been steadily expanding its reach across the country—including the Great Lakes region—for several years now and we’re excited to use this celebration as an opportunity to shine a spotlight (and maybe a few fireworks) on the incredible work our volunteers and members do to grow our sport through education and access,” said Rich duMoulin, President of the Storm Trysail Foundation.

Now in its 116th running, the Race to Mackinac is one of the most storied and challenging races in the world. This year’s fleet includes 305 boats, making it one of the largest in recent memory. The race covers 333 statute miles from Chicago to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, drawing top offshore sailors from around the globe to experience the beauty and unpredictability of racing on Lake Michigan. Dozens of Storm Trysail Club members race the Mac Race annually.

To learn more about Storm Trysail Foundation and get involved in its mission to advance safety, seamanship, and opportunity in offshore sailing, consider the following:

• Donate to support safety training, youth outreach, and community sailing grants at stormtrysailfoundation.org
• Host or volunteer at a Junior or Adult Safety at Sea Seminar to share your skills as a coach, mentor, or event supporter
• Spread the word—tell your sailing community about STF’s impact and how they can get involved.

For more information on the 2025 Race to Mackinac, including race tracking and updates, visit cycracetomackinac.com.