PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYVIEW MACKINAC RACE
Registration for the 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race — the 100th consecutive running of the event — opened on October 8 for all boats who signed up during the pre-registration period, while registration for all other invited competitors opened on October 15, 2023.
“As you can imagine with this being such a significant event, we are witnessing an extraordinary level of interest and enthusiasm for the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race,” says Charlie Trost, 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race chair. “Sailors, both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike, are gearing up to be part of this historic occasion. The race is not only a test of skill, but also a celebration of the enduring spirit of adventure and competition.”
National Fleet Services, the preferred labor source for post-production vehicle customization services for North American fleets, will be the presenting sponsor for the 100th running of the Bayview Mackinac Race, set to start Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. eastern time.
“Our goal in becoming the presenting sponsor of the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race is to help make it a memorable experience for all involved. There is a strong bond between the sailing community and those who are passionate about its growth and success. We look forward to a bright future for the race and sailing growth in new and existing audiences,” says Tim LaRiviere, founder, president & CEO of National Fleet Services.
Competitors will sail on the 1925 Original Course covering 204 nautical miles, used during the first BYCMACK. From its traditional start in Southern Lake Huron, the fleet will head north on one course along the Michigan shoreline before heading west, passing south of Bois Blanc Island, finishing west to east at the finish line between Round Island and Mackinac Island. “The decision to return to the original course for the 100th race adds a unique historical dimension to an already prestigious event, promising an unforgettable experience for participants and fans alike. Bayview Yacht Club has worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure we have a competitive, fair, and fun race for all the competitors,” adds Trost.
The logo for the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race is shaped like the Bayview Mackinac Race plaque that originated with the inaugural race in 1925 and the colors mirror those in the Bayview Yacht Club burgee, while the gold outline represents the 100 years of the race. The 100 in infinity represents that the race has been continuously run for 100 years and will continue indefinitely. “For the 100th race, we knew the logo had to be special, representing the history and tradition of the race and the club, while looking toward the future,” says Trost.
To learn more, visit bycmack.com.
