KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV) – For most families, taking a summer trip to the lake means a relaxing weekend on the shore, but for Charlie and Shannon Schmalz, it means participating in the largest freshwater sailing race in the world.
This weekend is the 116th Annual Chicago to Mackinac Race, also known as the ‘Mac.’ It’s the longest sailing race in the world, spanning over 300 miles.
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The race includes over 3000 people and 3000 boats spanning anywhere from 30 to 50 feet.
Charlie said his daughter spent her childhood sailing with him on Lake Winnebago.
“Shannon started sailing with us when she could walk, maybe before,” Charlie said.
Her love for sailing came from her parents, and when Shannon graduated from college to find community, she joined the Chicago Yacht Club sailing team.
Shannon said she felt she naturally belonged.
“I just fell in love with it, with my team, Jahazi, and they invited me after a couple of years of casually racing to do overnight races and then the Mac.”
The team needed one more crew member for the race, and she knew exactly who to call.
“When we were short on crew, I said I would call my dad, and everyone was saying ‘oh, a father’s daughter,'” Shannon said. “Then, they met him and found out the value he brings.”
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Now, for the third year in a row, Shannon and her father are taking to the water together again.
“It just makes it all worth it to me, I don’t know if I would do it by myself, but having that experience with her has been a great time,” Charlie said.
