Planning already underway for 100th running of the Bayview Mackinac Race
While the 99th annual running of the Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race is set for this July, sailors can already pre-register for the 100th running next year.
More than 160 boats are signed up to participate in the 2023 race, set for July 15.
“Registration for this year’s race is off to a strong start. Seeing the number of new and returning boats already registered is exciting. We have boats from Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, New York, and Ontario, Canada already signed up to race," Kevin Thomas, chair of the 2023 Bayview Mackinac Race, said in a statement.
In anticipation of the 100th consecutive running in 2024, officials said pre-registration is now open. By pre-registering, sailors will be allowed to register for the race a week before official race registration opens in early October 2023.
Large fleet expected for 100th running
“Planning for the 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race is going very well; we are looking at some exciting ideas for sailors and the public. We are expecting boats and sailors from all over the world to come to Michigan to participate in the 100th," Charlie Trost, chair of the 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race, said in a statement. “We expect a large fleet for the 2024 race, maybe the largest ever, and with limited dockage, berthing on the island will be at a premium. The goal in opening pre-registration so early is to secure boats who have been regular participants of the race and give new and out-of-town boats time to plan.”
New competitors need to ask for an invite
The 100th Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race will start on July 20, 2024. Current or returning competitors can register their boat record at www.bycmack.com. New competitors must complete a request for an invitation that can also be found on the official race website. Those with questions can email Trost at mackchair2024@byc.com.
“Anticipation for the 100th Race is building across the entire sailing community, and I believe you are seeing this reflected in the number of new and returning boats competing this year. I know I wouldn’t want my first Mackinac Race to be the 100th," Paul Hulsey, 2023 Bayview Yacht Club commodore, said in a statement.
The 2023 Race starts Saturday, July 15, with the first boats expected to cross the starting line at 11:30 a.m. on Lake Huron, just north of the Blue Water Bridge. The fleet races to the finish line at Mackinac Island on two courses: the shorter Shore Course (204 nautical miles); and the longer Cove Island Course (259 nautical miles).
Festival plans
The Blue Water Festival during Port Huron's Boat Week is set for July 12-15 this year. While event details have not yet been posted, prior years have involved carnivals, fireworks and street vendors, among other activities.
Traditional Boat Week events also include a parade on Wednesday, Family Night in the area of the 10th Street Bridge Thursday, and the city's biggest party during Boat Night Friday.
"It should be very similar from last year with the street fair, mannequins, carnival, concerts, food, and boats," Port Huron DDA Director Natacha Hayden said in an email. "I don’t have all the music line up yet, but I am planning on having entertainment on Saturday as well to complement the week."Contact Liz Shepard at lshepard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Planning already underway for 100th running of the Bayview Mackinac Race
