Overview

• The cruising division will depart from Navy Pier at around 2:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, kicking off the first leg of the 333-mile freshwater race to Mackinac Island.
• For the first time, participating boats will follow a new Lakeshore Legacy Mark called the Skyline Sprint, staying close to shore through Montrose Harbor to enhance spectator viewing along the lakefront.
• A sendoff celebration is set for Friday evening as sailors finalize preparations ahead of the race’s traditional mix of leisurely cruising and high-speed competition.
• The racing division, featuring faster vessels aiming to complete the course in as little as 20 hours, is scheduled to launch on Saturday.
• Spectators can track all entrants in real time via a live race tracker on the Chicago Yacht Club website, and CBS News Chicago will stream Friday’s start on multiple platforms.