Record Number of Boats and Sailors Expected for 100th Bayview Mackinac Race

The 100th sailing of the Bayview Mackinac Race this summer is set to be a historic event with a record number of boats and sailors participating. The Bayview Yacht Club announced on Friday that 331 sailboats had already registered, surpassing the previous record of 316 set in 1985. With the registration deadline approaching on June 1, the final number of participants is expected to continue to grow.

Competitors from 16 states and Canada are already signed up for the milestone event, showcasing the widespread appeal of this popular Michigan summertime race. The Bayview Yacht Club has been hosting the annual sailing event since 1925, but the 100th edition has generated unprecedented interest from sailors, sponsors, and partners.

Michael Helm, the Bayview Yacht Club commodore, expressed his excitement about the overwhelming response to the 100th race, attributing it to the growing trend of people seeking outdoor activities and embracing Michigan’s natural beauty. The race is known for being one of the most popular and challenging in North America, attracting both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.

The 2024 Bayview Mackinac chairman, Charlie Trost, highlighted the importance of sponsors in ensuring the success of the race and expanding sailing to new audiences. This year’s race will see all competitors sailing on the 1925 Original Course, covering 204 nautical miles and offering a unique historical dimension to the event.

The race is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, in Lake Huron, just north of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. With over 2,500 sailors expected to compete, the Bayview Mackinac Race continues to be one of the longest consecutively run long-distance freshwater races in the country. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of adventure and competition on the water.