2010 Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race
The Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race will begin on Saturday, July 23 – recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater boat races in the world. Join the excitement of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race as boat racers sail Michigan's Great Lakes to reach their final destination, Mackinac Island. It’s all Pure Michigan from start to finish!
Celebrate the start of the race in Port Huron. Then follow the course of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race as they head north along the shores of Michigan’s eastern coast. Join the festivities at the finish line on Mackinac Island. Where the hospitality and celebration is always second to none.
And wherever you are on race day, visit our online GPS tracking page for boat location updates. For the second year, GPS tracking devices will be placed on all boats participating in the Port Huron to Mackinac Race. Pure Michigan is exclusively hosting the new online system, allowing Web users to track the progress of each boat on the course.
Sail Boat Racing - Pure Michigan Minute
The Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race is a unique combination of Michigan's most valuable resources and Great Lakes traditions.
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
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
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
"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
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
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, 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
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
Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race - Pure Michigan Minute
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.
The Blue Water Fest
7/15/2010 - 7/17/ 2010
The Blue Water Fest is the City of Port Huron’s signature special event. The Fest builds on the incredible tradition of the Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race, which features a spectacular array of sailboats lining the Black and St. Clair River in Port Huron. This annual tradition has attracted thousands of spectators to Port Huron, but now the magnificent display of boats will anchor a fabulous festival of music, food and fun on the river that will take place over three days!
Discover the Blue Water Area
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise and the Lake Huron coastline awaiting your arrival with a variety of accommodation options, unique attractions, waterfront dining, shopping and wonderful beaches and parks.
The Race Begins
7/17/2010
Track the race live! 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? GPS tracking devices will be placed on all boats allowing you to track the progress of each boat on the course.
