Bayview Mackinac Race joins Michigan's 250th Anniversary celebration

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

Bayview Yacht Club announced today that the Bayview Mackinac Race is an official partner with America250MI, the statewide commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary.

The 2026 race will begin on Saturday, July 18, 2026 and will include nearly 200 boats sailing from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. Participating sailors range from Olympians and world-class athletes to multi-generational, recreational and cruising-focused crews. They start on Saturday afternoon, finish in view of the island's historic downtown and Fort Mackinac, and celebrate at the Mackinac Island Awards Party at Mission Point Resort on Tuesday.

"Being part of the America250MI commemorations allows us to further celebrate the Bayview Mackinac Race as a significant event in the Great Lakes' past, present, and future," said Bayview's 2026 Commodore Sandra Svoboda. "Maritime traditions are shared by the sailing community worldwide, and our competitors, race officials and other volunteers are looking forward to incorporating historical flavor related to the nation's 250th into our race-related on-the-water and shoreside activities this year and beyond."

The Bayview Mackinac Race reflects America250MI's guiding theme of the "power of place," and is a natural America250MI partner to share the sport of recreational sailing with bigger audiences, said Robert Doran-Brockway, program director for America250MI.

"We're thrilled to collaborate with the Bayview Yacht Club," he said. "The Mackinac Race highlights Michigan's Great Lakes waters and shorelines and connects communities as we mark the nation's Semiquincentennial. Sailors who do the race are facing the same navigational, weather and other nautical challenges as people have for centuries on these waters."

To view the Bayview Mackinac Race, visit downtown Port Huron along the Black River on Saturday, July 18. Boats will finish in the Straits of Mackinac on the south side of the island beginning Sunday July 19. Weather permitting, spectators on Michigan's eastern shore can see the Shore Course fleet on Lake Huron.

"We're thrilled that the Port Huron waterfront will be part of the country's 250th celebration," said Port Huron Yacht Club's 2026 Commodore Chuck McMillan. "Our city's history is inextricably linked to Great Lakes history, and we're excited to add the country's celebration to our summer festivities and Mackinac Race viewing."