Race to Mackinac Transitioning to the Nautical Cloud Race Management System
Other Race News
Posted Apr 23, 2024
On May 1, 2024, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will be transitioning to the Nautical Cloud race management system. We’ll be halting access to the existing system at noon on April 25, with the new system coming online May 1.
In keeping with the Mac Committee’s goal of an improved user experience for current and new competitors, this transition will also provide enhancements to the Race’s online management. Rest assured, this migration has been carefully planned for minimal impact and a seamless experience for all participants, and all will benefit from a more intuitive registration and information management system.
To help competitors prepare for this transition, the Mac Committee has prepared this landing page. This is a living page that will be updated to include FAQs, instructional videos, and more to help answer any questions when the new system comes online.
This change puts the Race to Mackinac on par with other prestigious offshore races that also use the Nautical Cloud software, such as Rolex Fastnet, RORC Caribbean 600, Newport Bermuda Race and others. We are thrilled to add Race to Mackinac to that list.
As always, should you need any further support don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing us at regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com at any time. We are dedicated to ensuring that all of you have the best experience possible.
Thank you,
The Mac Committee
TIMELINE
April 23: Transition Announced
April 25, Noon: Current race management system shutdown
May 1: New Nautical Cloud race management system launches
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Please check back soon for instructional "how to" videos
FAQ
Why are you moving to a new system?
Nautical Cloud offers a streamlined way to manage our race. We believe that there will be fewer technological headaches when using this system – and numerous benefits for everyone using the system.
Why now rather than after the Race?
The decision to transition to the Nautical Cloud race management software stems from our commitment to delivering the best possible experience for all of our participants. By implementing this system now, we aim to streamline the registration process and optimize the event management for this race well in advance rather than waiting another year to recognize the benefits. This will ensure a smoother and more efficient entry, registration, and race day for everyone involved in 2024.
What happens with all of my registration data?
It will be transferred over to the new system. All you will have to do when the system goes live on May 1 is sign up on the Nautical Cloud platform using the same email login you currently use for Race to Mackinac. You will be prompted for a password and get a verification link via that email. Click on the link, sign in, and all of your existing data will be populated in the new system.
We will be sending out detailed how-to guides and videos when the new system launches to make the change as simple as possible.
What other races use this system?
There are other prestigious races that use this platform such as Rolex Fastnet, RORC Caribbean 600, Newport Bermuda Race, and more. Learn more about Nautical Cloud here.
How has this impacted the data I need to enter?
It won’t! This will have a very minimal impact on the data you will need to enter. In fact, fewer fields will be “required” to enter the race than before, making the race easier for new boats and crew to enter.
If I already entered, what do I need to do?
You will need to claim your entry by accessing your account on Nautical Cloud. We’ll provide step-by-step written instructions and video tutorials when we go live on May 1.
Will the Notice of Race, Sailing iInstructions, and/or CMSRs be different this year because of the system change?
There will be changes in our documents due to the system change, but we don’t anticipate they will be dramatic. The new system uses some different terminology, plus simplifies some requirements. Overall, it will streamline, improve, and modernize the Race.
We will issue amended documents when the new system goes live on May 1. The Sailing Instructions will be issued, as is normally the case, shortly before the event.
Will my information carry forward to next year’s race?
Yes. Even better, if you plan to enter any of the other prestigious races Nautical Cloud supports, your info is already in the system (as either as skipper or crew!).
What happened to the historical races?
We will be tackling historical results, data, and other elements of the history after this year’s race. Please be patient with us until then.
How will my crew and I enter our MOB drill certification?
This will be clearly spelled out in the system, and will be available closer to the race, when you will need to finalize your entry.
What are benefits to this system (as a spectator / fan)?
With the new system, it’s even easier for friends and family to follow along during the race! Nautical Cloud fully integrates with the YB Tracker which will show Live leaderboards filtered by class, real-time standings, including corrected times, and predictive results.
How can I reach out with other questions?
The best way to reach out is via email. Contact us at regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com and we will strive to reply to you within 24-48 hours.