Sailors, lakeside communities and boating enthusiasts are gearing up for the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race, setting sail this weekend from Port Huron.
“On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the bagpipes in Port Huron will billow again, sending the fleet north for the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race — the first of our next hundred years,” the race program said.
Since 1925, the annual Bayview Mackinac Race has gathered hundreds of sailors from yacht clubs across Michigan and the Great Lakes to compete in the race north to Mackinac Island.
Sailboats compete in multiple divisions over one of two courses. In addition, the 2025 race includes the first section of the “Ultra Mac” race, from Port Huron to Chicago — stretching nearly 550 nautical miles long, according to race organizers.
Once every 25 years, in conjunction with Chicago Yacht Club anniversaries, the Ultra Mac takes place, with this edition marking the club’s 150th anniversary and featuring a 548-nautical-mile course starting July 12 in Port Huron.
The ultra race begins with the Bayview Mackinac Race, winds past Mackinac Island, and finishes in Chicago. Only boats completing the Cove Island course of Bayview-Mac are eligible, the Chicago club said.
In addition, many of the sailboats racing this week from Port Huron will turn around the following week and take part in the Chicago to Mackinac Island race the following week, starting July 18.
Before boats begin slicing through Lake Huron, here’s what to know about the Bayview Mackinac Race 2025:
Where will the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race take place?
The race begins in southern Lake Huron near Port Huron and concludes at Mackinac Island, within sight of the Mackinac Bridge.
How long is the Bayview Mackinac Race?
There are two courses of different distance, according to the race’s website:
When will the 101st Mackinac Race begin?
Saturday, July 12, is race day.
At 8 a.m. on July 12, boats will begin sailing out of the Black River in Port Huron and will continue leaving until around noon.
All of the boats will sail up St. Clair River, under the Blue Water Bridge and into Lake Huron.
The first official start time in Lake Huron is set at 11:30 a.m., boats that follow will official set sail every 10 minutes, according to the race’s website.
The start and end times are dependent on the weather conditions, though boats will begin arriving at Mackinac Island on Sunday, July 13, through Monday, July, 14.
How can I track boats in the 101st Bayview Mackinac Race?
During the race, people may track the boats by going to bycmack.com and clicking on the “RaceTracking” link, which provides real-time GPS positioning of the boats.
In addition, people may download the app “YB Races” and select the race you want to track.
How many sailboats are taking part in the annual race?
The race includes sailboats in classes A through M, with more than 100 boats taking part overall.
While most boats are based in Michigan, entrants are registered from Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Ontario.
Some of the most distant entrants include the Shine Box, based in San Francisco, and Irregardless, based in North Fort Myers, Florida. Both are Class B vessels competing on the Cove Island course.
Where can I watch the boats leave?
People can gather along both sides of the Black River in Port Huron between the 7th Street Bridge and the St. Clair River to watch the boats pass.
Where can I park my car to watch the boats leave?
To watch the boats set sail and join The Blue Water Fest activities from July 10-12, here’s the festival’s transportation map:
What ceremonies take place ahead of the boat race?
From 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 12, bagpipers of the Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums will be playing to welcome sailors.
Viewing along the Black River between the 7th Street Bridge and the Port Huron Yacht Club is recommended, according to Discover the Blue – Michigan’s Thumbcoast. Downtown viewing spots will also be at the Wrigley Center Upper Deck, Huron Lightship, Freighters, CityFloats and Andy’s Wine Bar.
In addition, there will be a launch party hosted by the Port Huron Yacht Club for bloody marys and doughnuts, according to the The Blue Water Fest 2025, taking place from July 10-12.
As part of The Blue Fest, there will be live music, food trucks, a street fair with crafts and vendors and a kid zone with a bounce house, sidewalk chalk and more. The full schedule is on the festival’s website.
Heading to Mackinac Island to see the finish? Here’s what ferries cost
Mackinac Island ferry tickets are available online at a variety of price points.
When was the first Bayview Mackinac Race?
The first race took place in 1925.
The race was won by a 32-foot sloop named Bernida, skippered by Russ Pouliot, which crossed the finish line at Mackinac Island in 48 hours, 49 minutes, 49 seconds.
The 12 competitors experienced a blustery contest that left all but four boats damaged and only six finished.
Who’s an ‘old goat’?
The nickname “old goat,” is given to the sailors who have completed 25 races, though the nicknames don’t stop there.
“Grand rams,” are sailors who have completed 50 races; and “double goats,” are sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races, in addition to 25 Chicago Yacht Club races.
“Old forts,” are nicknames for volunteers who have served on the race committee for 15 years.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Ready to raise sails. The 101st Bayview Mackinac Race starts July 12 in Port Huron
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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