Instant gratification at Mackinac Race

by Barby MacGowan on 20 Jul 2005 This year’s Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race, which starts Saturday, July 23, promises to be a treat for everyone, even those who can’t be aboard one of the 266 boats registered to compete.

Host, Bayview Yacht Club, will offer real-time results, race updates by email and a web cam at the finish line. This is the third year the yacht club has made the web offerings to families, friends and fans of the port-to-port race from Port Huron, Michigan to Mackinac Island. The event is in its 81st consecutive year and will host over 3,000 sailors in 21 classes.

‘The Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race is one of the longest freshwater sailing races in the world,’ said Race Chairman Luiz Kahl, explaining that the fleet ranges in size from 27-72 feet and has a choice of two courses. The Southampton Course, at 254 nautical miles, provides a tactically challenging sailing experience across a wider expanse of Lake Huron and is reserved for IRC-rated yachts.

A traditional Shoreline Course is the 204 nautical mile stretch that runs up Michigan’s eastern coast, for boats sailing in one-design and PHRF classes.
There will be regular updates on the progress of the race, with class standings updated within 10 seconds for each boat crossing the finish line
This is the first time the event has offered racing under the IRC rule; a handicap formula that has only recently been adopted in this country.

Almost half of the fleet will sail IRC (nine classes with a total of 106 boats), with five classes sailing one-design (C&C 35, J/105, J/120, J/35/Thomas 35, NA-40), and six in PHRF. The race starts Saturday morning on lower Lake Huron, north of Port Huron, with the first boats expected to finish at Mackinac Island late Sunday afternoon.

For its 14th year, BACARDI U.S.A., INC., the #1 distilled spirits distributor in the United States and the world, is the title sponsor of the race. Associate sponsors are: 90 Outstate Lincoln Mercury Dealers, Newstalk/760 WJR, Hour Detroit Magazine; Acheson Ventures; Big Boy Restaurants International; Meijer; Ahee Jewelers; PRNewswire, Boat/US; Colony Marine; Interactive Creations, Webasto Products; NGS American; West Marine; Shepler’s Ferry & Marine Service; Doyle Sailmakers; Chippewa and Lilac Tree Hotels; Coca-Cola; Ocean Spray; Eventful Services; Armadillo Printwear; Sea Tow; WSI; General RV; Toshiba; Nobeltec; Michigan Brewing Company; and Maylone Enterprises.


Further information visit: www.byc.com/mack05