Bayview Yacht Club announces registration dates for the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race

Bayview Mackinac Race © Martin Chumiecki

Bayview Yacht Club, one of the nation's most storied and historical sailing clubs, is pleased to announce that registration for the 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race (BYCMACK), the 100th consecutive running of the event, opened October 8 at noon (EST) for all boats that signed up during the pre-registration period. Registration for all other invited competitors opens Oct. 15 at noon (EST) Visit bycmack.com to learn more.

"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," said 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."

In conjunction with the opening of registration, race organizers are announcing that National Fleet Services, the preferred labor source for post-production vehicle customization services for North American fleets, has signed on to be the presenting sponsor for the 100th running of the Bayview Mackinac Race.

The 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race Presented by National Fleet Services will start Saturday, July 20, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m. (EST).

"We are excited to have National Fleet Services and previous Bayview Yacht Club Commodore Tim LaRiviere as our new presenting sponsor. A longtime sailor, Tim shares the same passion for the race as every competitor taking part in the 2024 event," said Mike Helm, 2024 Bayview Yacht Club Commodore. "With their sponsorship, we will be able to improve various aspects of the event, including safety measures, race logistics and participant amenities. This partnership will not only benefit the competitors, but also help make the race more appealing to sailing enthusiasts and fans. Commodore LaRiviere's dedication to the sport and willingness to invest in its growth are qualities that align perfectly with our vision for the race."

According to Tim LaRiviere, Founder, President & CEO of National Fleet Services: "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."

The 1925 Original Course:

For the 100th race, all competitors will sail on the 1925 Original Course, used during the first BYCMACK. The course covers 204 nautical miles (235 statute miles). 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 original course started three nautical miles south of the current one, off Lake Side Park, Gratiot Beach. As the race gained in participants, the starting line was moved to its current location to accommodate the required starting line length and sufficient depth over its entire length.)

According to Trost, "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."

The 100th Bayview Mackinac Race Logo:

The logo for the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race Presented by National Fleet Services is also being officially unveiled. Shaped like the Bayview Mackinac Race plaque that originated with the inaugural race in 1925, 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.

The original plaque was designed by BYC founding member Floyd Nixon, the Detroit Free Press cartoonist and art director. BYC member Bill Schnell made the die for the plaque, including gold, silver, and bronze medals for all who placed in the race.

"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," said Trost.

An alternative version featuring stars in the logo will be used for special events for the 100th including exhibits and fundraisers. The stars in the logo include the north star, used for traditional navigation for sailors, and others seen when sailing the race. The unstarred logo will be used for the race itself.

Boats from Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, New York and Ontario, Canada had already pre-registered. Competitors with any questions can email Trost at mackchair2024@byc.com.

Returning and other new sponsors for the race include presenting sponsor the Bayview Mackinac Foundation, Aperol, Mission Point Resort, the official hotel, Shepler's, the official ferry services, Aitken & Ormond Insurance and Frankenmuth Insurance - the co-sponsors of the Kid's Club at the Island Awards, MicroCode Incorporated, High Wind Graphix and Marx Layne & Co.