and accounts for thousands of volunteer hours. The first Mackinac Chairman was Mark H. Baxter (1972-73 & 1977-78). Since then there have been over twenty individuals who have led this venerable race. The Mackinac chairpersons have included some notables: At the age of 36, the youngest chairman ever to serve was Gregory J. Miarecki (2008–09), who coincidentally chaired the 100th running of the venerable race in 2008 along with Honorary Chair Roy E. Disney. The first "chairwoman" was Ms. Ann Moorman (1994–95). The first Hispanic to be appointed chairman was Louis Sandoval (2012–13). Two individuals who have served as chair have gone on to become Commodore of Chicago Yacht Club- Gregory J. Miarecki (2015-2016) and Louis Sandoval (2019-2020 ). Advances in race technology The Race to Mackinac has led in the use of technology in distance racing. In 2004, they debuted race tracking systems on select boats in the fleet. By 2006, with advances in technology and smaller sized components, trackers and race tracking interface using GPS transceivers became standard on each boat. Today, each boat is equipped with small palm sized messenger/trackers that allow two-way communication of each boat's position on the race course and limited messaging capabilities. Island Goats Sailing Society Sailors who have completed 25 or more of these annual races may apply for membership in the Island Goat Sailing Society and are referred to as "Old Goats" or "Island Goats". In 1959, the Island Goats Sailing Society was formed with 10 of these sailors to perpetuate and commemorate the Chicago to Mackinac Race, along with its legends and lore. By 2019, the society had grown to 390 members in good standing. References Notes Citations External links Chicago Yacht Club - Race to Mackinac Island Goats Sailing Society website Video Documentary of 100th Running of Chicago Mackinac Race Chicago Yacht Club Annual sporting events in the United States Recurring events established in 1898 Sailing competitions in the United States Sports in Michigan Yachting races Lake Michigan