Chicago - The sailors and boating enthusiasts several ports of Chicago, Chicago Yacht Club Mackinac race day in Iceland, where 355 boats running in Michigan, Mackinac Iceland.

In her 103 years old, has attracted fresh water in the world's oldest race of several hundred people, some standing on picnic tables at the Navy Pier, see the boats that sail thrust to catch Lake Michigan as they prepare for nearly 300 miles north of climbing.

Mariners can quickly arrive within 24 hours, but most take between 40 to 60 hours on the streets Mackinac, where the winners were then tropical reached during the official ceremony.

Boat after boat fleet Pierre endless parade will end near Chicago Harbor Lighthouse lined up to start faltering, which began on Friday and Saturday.

For some members of the crowd, races, starting with five ships in 1898, became a tradition in the summer months families.

Driving from Dyer, Indiana, Lynn Quandt and his family owned a boat show for their annual picnic in the heart of Chicago at Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain and other attractions to visit - the 35-year tradition of its own.

"For the grandchildren, he is part of the summer," said Quandt, a boat from the Navy Pier, which is far from Lake Michigan observed.

Kelly Boersma, daughter Quandt, race and the Boston Marathon than the surrounding atmosphere.

"Every runner knows, the Boston Marathon, and every seaman knows Makino race," he said.

When families begin their annual journey Boersma especially remember racing scene, and both he and his brother jumped in a small pier with a small pier for a closer view of the last ships to berth.

"Nothing of this magnitude," said Boersma. "Navy Pier but not so great."

Stephanie and Dale saw Weathington boat parade during a trip to Hong Kong for family reunion.

"Being in Hong Kong, we have a lot of ships, sail boats, but not see - there are like that," said Stephanie Weathington.

Junk boat, usually recognized by the three red screen, similar but not see them often, the ship sailed, that harbor a point in Chicago, said Dale Weathington.

"I am pleased that we can see," he said, getting on the fencing to the side of Navy Pier to get a better idea. "It is amazing great fun .."

While many in the crowd was just happy to see the boats, some of them are interested in racing results.

Participating member Danny Hamilton racing shirt with "Hurricane" is right, the name of his ship, printed on the front. Hamilton is also a dog Louie, 2-year yellow Labrador, in his shirt.

His wife, Lisa Hamilton, 46, was greeted with others, but acknowledge my husband is still a long way to nervous.

"But if this is the worst of the handicapped, I do not care," he said.

Looking at the track year after year by Austin Hamilton's nephew Danny Haak, removed 14

"I thought it was cool," he said. "I want to try again."

Of course, it adds: "I have to learn to swim first."

Weather cloudy in Chicago this morning, but not hard. But WGN-TV meteorologist Tom skilling has been warned that some storms can appear on the northern tip of the lake on Sunday night and Monday.