Come to the clear blue green waters of Lake Huron to share an extraordinary adventure. Experience the pageantry of Port Huron Race Week concluding with the colorful Black River and St. Clair River parade of boats. Sail at this special time when you are able to steer the boat by the million or so bright stars that rest just above the spreaders, feel the golden warm radiance of a nearly perfect sunrise, and then have the smell of pine overwhelm you heading north. Relax with family and friends on beautiful Mackinac Island. Celebrate the closing ceremonies at one the most scenic views in the country. The 2009 85th sailing of the Pure Michigan Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race is one of the great events of the summer not to be missed.

This year the race is returning to the classic 298 statute mile Cove Island Course after a 10 year break. With each leg oriented along our two predominant wind directions (SW and NW), this course is designed to offer a mixed bag of downwind, reaching, and upwind conditions. Big waves await at Cove Island in a blow, and with many opportunities to chase wind shifts right up to the finish line, the Cove Island Course is sure to test all aspects of a crew's skill and a boat's preparation. It will be offered in IRC and ORR monohull handicap systems, and GLMRA handicap for multihulls.

Back from 2008: the Thunder Bay Course! Whether you're looking to enjoy a little more time on the Island, a smoother ride with less beating, or an inexpensive and uncomplicated division often filled with family programs - this is the course for you. At 252 statute miles the Thunder Bay Course guides you up the weather shoreline of Michigan's Thumb, out across the open expanse of Saginaw Bay, and finally sweeps your crew over 20 nm offshore beyond sight of land to the NOAA 45003 weather buoy where you rejoin the Cove Island boats in the home stretch to the Straits. The Thunder Bay Course will be offered in IRC and Cruising PHRF monohull handicap systems.

New this year: Bayview Yacht Club and Chicago Yacht Club is jointly sponsor a 564 statute mile sailing race known as the "Super Mac" in July of 2009.  The start of the Super Mac will coincide with the start of the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac on July 18, 2009.  The Super Mac will finish in Port Huron, Michigan, and serve as a feeder race for the 85th sailing of the Bayview Mackinac Race, which will start on July 25, 2009.  Port Huron Yacht Club, located in Port Huron, Michigan, will provide critical logistical support for the Super Mac. 

From the cruiser to the experienced offshore racer this is the regatta to sail in so please join us. If you have any questions please email me at mack_chair@byc.com.

Frank Kern
2009 Mackinac Race Chairman
Bayview Mackinac Race