[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 15472] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHICAGO TO MACKINAC RACE ______ 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. ____________________