S/V Pandora

First sunset of the 111th Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac. We’re dreaming of the Mediterranean and dining on meat pies, spinach pies and falafel. Tethers are now on and we’re ready for the first night.

The excitement is building! The 111th Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac starts Saturday! Follow us here or on Twitter

Welcome Mac Racers! Racers from all over the globe are arriving in Chicago with high spirits. We walked the dock to meet them and learn what they were looking forward to most fo...

Provisioning for the return.

Celebrating our finish.

Hey guys! here’s a little update on Pandora! Looks like we’re in the lead with 217 NM to go! Will post Pandora’s position in the morning!

It’s looking like boots and full foul weather gear for the Mac Race start. We’re in section 6. Follow along on the (free) Yellowbrick App! And on Twitter: (boat)

Today is the day we’ve been working and waiting for. It’s better than prom.. or graduation.. or her wedding. It’s the day of her first Mac. She’s ready and capable with a steadfast crew. Good luck and Godspeed Pandora. Happy Mac day.

Mac prep is hot and heavy.. but there’s always time to celebrate a beloved crew members birthday. Shhhh...he’s getting old, but please don’t tell him that!

Do you have a crew member who’s under 25? If so, make sure they are signed up for this awesome Harken Blockhead competition and award for the 1st under 25 Mac competitor to make it to the island!

Harken Blockheads

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/devos-isler-enjoy-challenges-of-chicago-to-mackinac-race/2018/07/18/2690e3e4-8ad4-11e8-9d59-dccc2c0cabcf_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.7c9e1c29c94d

DeVos, Isler enjoy challenges of Chicago to Mackinac race Doug DeVos remembers sailing along “fat, dumb and happy” under spinnaker in 15 knots of wind on Lake Michigan in last year’s Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac when his 86-foot maxi Windquest suffered a knockdown punch.

Shopping and cooking today. Baked Day 2 lunch (ham & cheese rolls) & grilled day 3 lunch (cheeseburgers). All are now in the freezer and ready to warm up on the race. Why is it that I only eat pringles on a boat? Hmmm...

Crew Profile

Gayle Dieck - Jib Trimmer/Spinnaker Trim

Gayle owes her love of sailing to her Uncle Jim, who used to take her sailing on his Sunfish on Lake Poygan. Since then she has continued to grow in the sport & profession, working as crew, then skipper and instructor. She loves racing and has lots of experience on numerous buoy races and port-to port races. She will add a knowledgable presence and eye for detail at mid boat.