West Marine to Sponsor the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac®

#AmericasOffshoreChallenge Begins July 20-21

Watsonville, CA, July 16, 2018 - West Marine, the world’s premier retailer of boating, fishing, sailing and paddling gear, proudly announced today their corporate sponsorship of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac® presented by Wintrust, which celebrates its 110-year anniversary this year. In this elite sailing event, participants race 333 statute miles (289nm) from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Mich.

More than 2,500 sailors from all over the world will participate in the racing and cruising divisions and West Marine is pleased to offer free shuttle service to their Chicago location at 1160 North Halsted Street to all race attendees. The store is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

West Marine will give each of the 306 skippers participating in the race a $100 skipper card (equating to $32,000 in event support). Skippers will also have the chance to win $1,000 in Rigging Services just by stopping by the Chicago store. Throughout the week, all shoppers can “Spin the Wheel’ to win a variety of prizes and the chance to win a Helly Hansen jacket and a $50 West Marine Gift Card daily between July 19-22.

Racers can swing by the West Marine Rigging Truck onsite at Chicago Yacht Club for any of their racing needs. The truck will be available July 19-21.

“It is an honor to be here and support such a prestigious race,” says Tim Winget, West Marine District Manager. “Sailors have been competing in it for over 100 years and we are ready to support all of the participants who depend on the merchandise and expertise we offer to compete on the water,” he adds.

“It’s a thrill to meet the racers from all over the world right here in our own backyard,” says Gary Sibilsky, Store Manager of the West Marine Chicago location. “Being able to sponsor the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac demonstrates West Marine’s commitment to sailing.”

For more information about West Marine visit www.westmarine.com

About West Marine

Each person has a unique connection to the water. At West Marine, our knowledge, enthusiasm and products prepare Waterlife adventurers to foster that connection and explore their passions. With more than 250 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading Waterlife Outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. Since first opening our doors in 1968, West Marine associates continue to share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun. To learn more about West Marine, please visit the West Marine website at westmarine.com

Media Contact

Margo Donohue | press@westmarine.com | 917.679.6945