Midwest Acorn Program

 

Midwest 2026

Tone and Laura Martin generously donated their Nelson Marek 68 in 2024 and this year the boat is back!  The NM 68′ is a bit larger than the Farr 400 we sailed on the Great Lakes in 2023 and 2024, it allows us to offer a seventh summer of Midwest programming. The bonus of having a larger boat for summer 2026 is we can accommodate to teach even more trainees. While Oakcliff is on the Great Lakes we will also be able to spend some time doing outreach with local junior and community sailing programs. 

*Note we highly recommend athletes participate in all sessions but can be somewhat flexible in start and finish times.

Trainees will learn:

  • Project Management
  • Provisioning for offshore
  • Positions from driving to trimming to navigation
  • Serving as a first mate or boat captain
  • Leadership lessons and more

Email Training Director Ethan Johnson at training@oakcliffsailing.org for more information.

Midwest 1: Bayview Mackinac Race 

July 13-25, 2026

Cost: $1,225

Sailboats from across the U.S. converge each summer for the oldest, consecutively run freshwater yacht race in the world: the Bayview Mackinac Race. Hosted by the Bayview Yacht Club, this iconic race marks its, drawing top sailors to navigate the challenging waters from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. Recognized for its storied history and the stunning backdrop of Lake Huron, the Bayview Mackinac Race continues to captivate the sailing community. This program includes the delivery from Mackinac Island back to Detroit with a possible stop in Alpena, MI.

MidweST2: Chicago Mackinac Race 

PENDING

 

The Chicago Mackinac begins in front of Chicago’s magnificent skyline and finishes 289 nautical miles north on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, at Michigan’s iconic Mackinac Island. Over 150 registered boat entries represent almost every U.S state, as well as 16 plus foreign countries.   

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