Midwest Acorn Program

OC68 "Sagamore"

 

Midwest 2027

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 an eighth summer of Midwest programming and it will be the biggest to date. The bonus of having a larger boat for summer 2027 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. 

 

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.

 

Note: An International Safety at Sea Certificate is required for all participants of the Midwest Program unless pre-approved. The May 15 & 16  Safety at Sea at Oakcliff is included for all participants in the Midwest Program, Sapling, Offshore I and Offshore II with tuition and paperwork submitted. 

 

Midwest 1: Bayview Mackinac Race 

July 6-15, 2027

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 to Chicago. 

Midwest 2: Chicago Mackinac Race 

July 12-20, 2027

Cost: $1,225

 

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.   

Midwest 3: Ugotta Regatta

July 20-25, 2027

Cost: $950

This will be the first time Oakcliff has brought OC68 to Harbor Springs, but we will make this stop for tight inshore racing before the Trans Superior. 

Midwest 4: Trans Superior Race

July 25- August 11, 2027

Cost: $1,225

Oakcliff’s first Trans Superior Race in history. We will bring the 68 through the Soo Locks to the start of the Trans Superior, racing from Sault Ste. Marie Michigan to Duluth, Minnesota in one very challenging yacht race. 

Midwest 5: Midwest Cruise 

    August 11-18, 2027

Cost: $1,225

Take the freeze dried off the boat. We will be creating a good menu and an even better itinerary, cruising back from Duluth, Minnesota to Algonac, Michigan, stopping at Isle Royale National Park, Alpina Michigan, covering 600 nautical miles of some of the most beautiful parts of the Great Lakes. 

Midwest Sapling: 

    July 1-Aug 18, 2027

Cost: $5,000

The best way to get 2,000 nautical miles and 4 separate premier Great Lake regattas covering 3 of the most challenging racing the lakes have to offer. Start in Detroit or Oyster Bay and join the team through it all learning everything from engines to dip pole gybes in the GL70 Fleet. 

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