Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race

GPS Tracking System, click here to view the boats

CLICK HERE for Port Huron and other race events

On Saturday, July 25, the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race will begin – recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater sailing races in the world. Join the excitement as boats sail Michigan's Great Lakes from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. It’s all Pure Michigan from start to finish!

Celebrate the start of the race in Port Huron. Once the boats head north, travel along the shores of Michigan’s eastern coast and join the festivities at the finish line on Mackinac Island. The hospitality and celebration on the island is always second to none.

And wherever you are on race day, visit our online GPS tracking page for boat location updates. For the first time in this historic race, GPS tracking devices will be placed on all boats. Pure Michigan is exclusively hosting the new online system, allowing web users to track the progress of each boat on the course.

    

Maps

    

Sail Boat Racing - Pure Michigan Minute

Sail Boat Racing - Pure Michigan Minute
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The Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race is a unique combination of Michigan's most valuable resources and Great Lakes traditions. Photojournalist and Michigan's adventure travel expert, Byron Goggin, reveals the competition that is the Port Huron to Mackinac boat race.

Port Huron Boat Night

Port Huron Boat Night
Come to Port Huron on the clear emerald waters of Lake Huron to share an extraordinary adventure. Celebrate the start of the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race along the riverbank in downtown Port Huron with great food and music. Experience pre-boat race events with family and friends, join in the party and find out what the fun is all about.

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Pure Michigan Sailing

Pure Michigan Sailing
Sailors from around the world can enjoy the sport of sailing on Michigan's Great Lakes. The magic of Michigan summers attracts thousands of people each and every year. Come experience the natural beauty and freshwater resources that are unique to Michigan.

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Bayview Yacht Club - Detroit, Michigan

Bayview Yacht Club - Detroit, Michigan
Bayview Yacht Club, widely regarded as the premier sailing club in Michigan, was founded in 1915 and established the Port Huron to Mackinac boat race in 1925. This year marks the 85th sailing of the race from Port Huron to the majestic Mackinac Island.

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

"Up North" – From Port Huron to Mackinac Island

"Up North" – From Port Huron to Mackinac Island
The Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race is based out of Detroit, starting in Port Huron, and takes everyone "up north" to Mackinac Island. From the Great Lakes waterfront communities dotting Michigan's eastern coast, fans can catch a glimpse of the boats as they race along. Escape north and let the feeling of Pure Michigan overwhelm you.

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Pure Michigan Boat Race Updates – GPS Tracking

Pure Michigan Boat Race Updates – GPS Tracking
GPS makes sailboat racing a spectator sport. For the first time, the Bayview Mackinac Race will place GPS tracking devices on all boats competing. Sailing fans in Michigan and around the world will be able to monitor the progress of the boat racing online. Live updates will be available during the race at michigan.org/gps so wherever you are on race day, visit Pure Michigan online for race updates.

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Parade of Boats (Black River & St. Clair River)

Parade of Boats (Black River & St. Clair River)
Prior to heading out into the open waters of Michigan's Lake Huron at Port Huron, racers will be sent off from their docking area in the mouth of the Black River. An estimated 100,000 fans on both the U.S. and Canadian shores will cheer the sailboats as the fleet of boats parades past. Spectators are treated to a tremendous display of color!

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Mackinac Island – Race to the Finish Line

Mackinac Island – Race to the Finish Line
On beautiful Mackinac Island, relax with family and friends near the finish line of the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race. Celebrate the closing ceremonies at one of the most scenic locations in the country. Traveling to Michigan's Mackinac Island to wait for the race boats is worth the trip.

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race

Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race
From its traditional start in Port Huron, sailboats head due north on two separate courses. The shorter course is called the "Thunder Bay Course" and runs 252 statute miles. The longer course is well known to sailors as the "Cove Island Course" and is preferred by captains seeking the open water challenge of its 298 statute miles crossing into Canadian waters. This is Pure Michigan sailing from start to finish!

Photo courtesy of Martin Chumiecki, Bayview Yacht Club

Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race - Pure Michigan Minute

Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race - Pure Michigan Minute
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Photojournalist and Michigan's adventure travel expert, Byron Goggin, explores the Port Huron to Mackinac Island boat race. The Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race is a maritime celebration that can be enjoyed from its start at the Black River in Port Huron and from the finish line at Mackinac Island.
    

Things to Do Before and After the Race

Race Month in Port Huron & the Blue Water Area
July and early August bring a variety of events and activities with the theme of boats, water and fun! The Blue Water Area hosts many festivals throughout the year, but the largest annual events happen before, during and after the Bayview Mackinac Race.

Taste of Port Huron
7/16/2009 - 8/27/2009 (Thursdays only), Downtown Port Huron
Experience the local cuisine this summer and indulge in fun-filled evenings of casual to fine dining. Each week a different featured restaurant, pub or cafe will provide a sampling of food. Follow your nose to the event in Quay Street Park, along the Black River between the Quay Street Brewing Company and Port Huron Yacht Club.

Family Night in Port Huron
7/23/2009, Port Huron Yacht Club
Get the weekend started with your family on Thursday evening. Families can walk along the boardwalk to view the boats docked with all their colorful flags as crews prepare for the adventure to come. Port Huron Yacht Club hosts a Family Night event with food and entertainment. Open to the public.

Boat Night in Port Huron
7/24/2009, Downtown Port Huron
Celebrate the night before the race in Port Huron. The sailors might be getting a good night's rest, but everyone else will be celebrating the excitement. Boats begin gathering in the harbor in the days prior to the race and activities scatter across the riverbank. Get to Port Huron on Friday night and enjoy great food and music, and join the region's most talked about party of the year! The whole family will delight in games, contests and nearby carnival.

The Race Begins – Track the Race Live
7/25/2009, Downtown Port Huron or Online
See over 200 sailboats take off from Port Huron in the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race. Spectators can view the start of the race from the shore at Lakeside park. Can't make it to Port Huron? For the first time in this historic race, GPS tracking devices will be placed on all boats allowing you to track the progress of each boat on the course. You can visit www.michigan.org/gps to track the race live!

Awards Ceremony & Party on Mackinac Island
7/28/2009, Mackinac Island
Live music, food, beverages and winner announcements round out the fun. Follow the boats north to Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. Sailing enthusiasts will tell you this is the island's largest gathering of the year!

St. Clair River Classic Offshore Power Boat Races
7/31/2009 - 8/2/2009, St. Clair
Watch the explosive action as thundering powerboats charge down the St. Clair River in efforts to be the fastest. Powerboats will race in different classes as part of the Great Lakes Silver Cup Series and the Offshore Super Series. Hospitality tents and entertainment will line the river.

St. Clair Riverfest Carnival & Music Festival
7/31/2009 - 8/2/2009, Downtown St. Clair
Coinciding with the Offshore Power Boat Races, this festival of music, games and food will rock your summer! Free entertainment includes national stage acts (Eddie Money and Josh Gracin), BMX stunt show, Jet Ski show and meet Captain Jack Sparrow. Join the party all along the edges of the St. Clair River. Also onsite is a super carnival, rockwall bungee, inflatables and 9 hole golf course.

    

    

Race highlights

 Pure Tradition  news
 Port Huron to Mackinac Island: Sailing 101  news
 Beyond the Race  news
 Follow the race: The first resort north  news

 

    


 

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