The Manitou is a privately owned Beneteau 36.7 sailboat, named for two islands on Lake Michigan which form a major navigational point in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac – the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world.
Brand Strategy & Concept
“Since 1921, the Race to Mackinac has run consecutively every year, remains the longest annual freshwater distance race, and is recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world.”
— Chicago Yacht Club
The two Manitou Islands and the mainland shoreline mandate a slight bend to the right of the course. While this only encompasses 5% of the total distance of the race, every racer remembers the race in large part by where they were and what they were doing as they entered and exited this stretch.
The final logo makes use of modern, sans serif typography, and a simplified, modern icon full of symbolism.
Two red triangular flags represent the location of the Manitou islands in relation to the mainland, as well as implying burgee flags flying from the mast of sailboats beyond the horizon.
Undulating lines represent the course of the Chicago-Mac race and waves in the water, and form the shape of a stylized “M”.
A simple, nautical color palette and secondary, horizontal lockup round out the brand.