Chicago’s lakescape will fill with the sails from 350 boats as they set off for the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac– the world’s longest freshwater sailing race.

Spectators can see the boats entered in this year’s race before they tackle the challenging 333-mile course to Mackinac Island, Michigan, during the Parade of Boats on Saturday, July 18, from 10 AM until 2 PM. Best viewing is at the east end of Navy Pier, where you can wave to racers including Island Goats – sailors who have completed 25 Mackinac races – and watch as boats head out to designated sections to wait for the cannon fire which signals the start of each section.

Want to experience the wind and the waves as you watch the starts? The 77-foot tall ship schooner Red Witch offers two 3-hour sailing tours which will put you close to the action for this historic and thrilling event.

Then you’ll be able to follow your favorite boats throughout the race via online tracking.