2026 Bayview Mackinac Race Notice of Race published

A Memorable 101st edition of the Bayview Mackinac Race © Martin Chumiecki - Bayview Mackinac Race Photographer

The Bayview Yacht Club Board of Governors has officially approved the 2026 Bayview Mackinac Race Notice of Race (NOR) as presented by the Mackinac Race Authority (OA).

The 2026 NOR, Cruising Division Rules, and Safety Equipment Requirements (SER) are now available on the Official Race Website.

Key changes for the 2026 Notice of Race (NOR)

Cruising Division:

• The Organizing Authority has updated the eligibility requirements to race in the Cruising Division. Please review the updated requirements posted under the Official Notice Board tab on the Official Race Website.
• The new eligibility requirements are based on performance measurements found on the ORC Certificate for each boat. The OA will use Dynamic Allowance and Sail Area to Displacement as the performance measurements to determine eligibility as described in the Cruising Rules.
• The goal of the OA is to provide fair competition for both the Cruising and Racing Divisions of the Bayview Mackinac Race.
• See information on the january 8th winter seminar below.

Design Class:

• The OA will recognize classes of a particular design "Design Class" as detailed in Section 2.1.l in the NOR.

Ratings:

• All rating changes approved by the OA will be posted by 1400 hours the day before the start on the Official Notice Board. Any final updates will be posted by 0900 hours on race day. See NOR Section 5.2.b.

Scoring:

• The OA's scoring decision will be announced during the virtual Weather Briefing at 0800 hours the morning of the Race. See NOR Section 13.1 and 13.2.
• Custom wind mixes for the Cove Island and Shore Courses have been updated to include 2025 data. Revised mixes will be available on the ORC website once 2026 scoring options are finalized.

Post-Race Docking:

• Boats that fail to vacate their assigned Post-Race Docking by 1100 hours on Wednesday following the Race or have not made advance paid arrangements with the DNR will not be invited to next year's Race. See NOR Section 16.

Awards:

• "First-to-Finish" flags will be awarded for Monohull Cove Island, Monohull Shore Course, and Multihull. See NOR Section 17.1.b.

Mackinac Island Harbor & Docking

• Docking Zone Priority: Docking Zone assignments are granted in order of paid registration. Docking Zone assignments are based on boat size and depth. Your specific location within a Docking Zone depends on when you finish.
• Conduct & Responsibility: The Boat Owner or Person-In-Charge (PIC) is strictly responsible for the conduct of the crew and shore crew from the moment the boat enters the Black River until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
• Strict Enforcement: In accordance with the contract between BYC and the DNR, any violation of rules by crew or shore crew that causes BYC to breach contractual requirements will result in immediate disqualification, forfeiture of awards, and a ban from the 2027 race.

Registration Timeline & Instructions

The official Race website is open! Please review the 2026 Notice of Race, Cruising Rules, and Safety Equipment Requirements.

• Registration Opens: January 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) EST.
• Login Testing Period: Between Jan 1 and Jan 16, please log in to www.bycmack.com to ensure your ID and password work.
• Technical Support: No access issues will be addressed after January 16 at 12:00 PM EST. If you have trouble, email Regatta Director Ali at .
• New Boats: If entering a new boat, complete the "Race Invitation Request" under the Competitors tab on the Official Race Website to receive login credentials.
• Payment: Your boat will not appear on the registered list until payment is received. Credit card/Club charge payments are instant; checks will only show once cleared (though your priority spot is held based on the time you authorized the payment).

2026 ORC Ratings

US Sailing's Offshore Office is now accepting 2026 applications.

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026.
• Rating Amendment Deadline: June 1, 2026, at 1700 hours EDT.
• Compliance: Competitors are required to race in the exact configuration shown on the 2026 ORC rating certificate. The OA will strictly enforce both Minimum and Maximum crew weights for Racing Monohull and Cruising Divisions.

Upcoming Events - All are Welcome!
New Cruising Division Eligibility Requirements Seminar

Thursday, January 8, 7 PM, Mackinac Room, Bayview Yacht Club

• Learn more about the new eligibility requirements and other changes for the Cruising Division.
• This Seminar may be recorded or live-streamed on Facebook. A notice will go out to all competitors once this has been determined.

Countdown to Mackinac Party at BYC

Friday, January 30, 7 - 11:30 PM

• Featuring live music from 8 - 11 PM
• Pink Pony will be on-site with giveaways along with The Pink Pony!
• Mission Point Resort will be on-site to share recipes and answer any questions.
• Detroit City Distillery will be hosting our 102nd single-barrel bourbon selection.
• Casamigos will be here with drink specials and samples!
• Food and drink specials all night!

We extend our sincere thanks to our 2026 sponsors: Casamigos, Detroit City Distillery, Mission Point Resort, High Winds Graphix, and the Bayview Mackinac Race Foundation.

We are honored to have you sail with us! Please reach out with any questions.