Hundreds Sail Bayview Mackinac Race from Port Huron to Mackinac Island

The 101st Bayview Mackinac Race is set for July 12, 2025, starting in Port Huron, Michigan, and finishing at Mackinac Island, featuring two non-stop courses: the 259-nautical-mile Cove Island course and the 204-nautical-mile Shore course. This race is part of the Blue Water Festival and allows spectators to view boats along the Black River, though participation numbers have dipped from last year's record. Additionally, the race marks the beginning of the Ultra Mac marathon, a rare 548-nautical-mile offshore challenge connecting Port Huron to Chicago, organized as part of the Chicago Yacht Club's 150th anniversary celebrations. The Chicago Yacht Club's Race to Mackinac, starting July 18–19, boasts its largest fleet in recent years with nearly 300 boats and introduces the "Skyline Sprint," a new spectator-friendly leg near Chicago’s lakefront. Many boats will compete in both the Bayview Mackinac Race and the Chicago to Mackinac Race, highlighting the strong tradition and evolving nature of these Great Lakes sailing events. Weather concerns include possible showers and storms in Port Huron during the race weekend, and local authorities have warned about parking difficulties due to the influx of spectators.