For only the third time in thirty-five years, I'll be sitting out of the Bayview Mackinac Race.  While this is indeed bittersweet, I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Mackinac Race and present the 86th running of this Michigan classic to you. 
 
There's a lot to love about the Bayview Mackinac Race, and a great variety of reasons that bring us back year after year.  For some of us, it's a paid job to be done, and perfection is expected.  For others, it's a family trip Up North.  Most sailors fit somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, and I'm proud of the fact that we're able to suit the needs of such a vast variety of sailors, from professional grand prix racers to casual, weekend warrior cruiser-racers.
 
We invite all of you to participate in this Great Lakes mid-summer classic.  The Race belongs to all of those who compete in it, volunteer their time and energy to see that it goes off without a hitch, and to the entire State of Michigan.  Our race starts in Port Huron to fanfare and spectators lining the Black and St. Clair Rivers, and takes us on a wonderful journey up one of Michigan's crown jewels, where we are treated to spectacular sunrises and sunsets, natural wonders, and if we're really lucky, a show from the northern lights.  Every run up the lake is a different one, but they all finish in Mackinac Island where we meet our families and friends,  tell stories of victory and defeat, and enjoy the best party the sailing world has to offer. 

The Race starts July 17, 2010

See you on the Island!

Tom Burleson
Chairman
2010 Bayview Mackinac Race

Charlie Elmer
2011 Race Chairman