103rd Annual Bayview Mackinac Race introduces new course for 2027

2026 Bayview Mackinac Race © Anna Suslova

The Bayview Yacht Club Board of Governors and Mackinac Race Authority announced a new course for next summer's Bayview Mackinac Race, which starts Saturday, July 10, 2027.

For the first time since the historic 100th race in 2024, every boat in the fleet will sail the same course: a new route that takes competitors from Port Huron in southern Lake Huron, to a virtual gate just south of Great Duck Island with the finish at Mackinac Island.

The new course's direct distance is 225 nautical miles and brings the finish back closer to where the race's earliest editions ended: in front of Mission Point Resort on the east end of Mackinac Island.

In recent decades the fleet has been split between two courses. In 2024, to mark the 100th consecutive running of the race, every competitor raced the original 204-nautical-mile course used in the first race in 1925. A record 332 boats entered to mark the century of the race's history.

The response from competitors was clear: sailors loved having the entire fleet racing together where they could keep an eye on their competition, sail in similar conditions, and share stories at the finish.

All racers are vying for the two most prestigious dedicated race trophies: the J.L. Hudson Trophy and the Canadian Club Trophy, awarded to top overall finishers.

"After the 100th race, we heard from skipper after skipper that having the whole fleet out there together was the highlight," said Robert Eger, 2027 Bayview Mackinac Race Chair. "The Duck Island course keeps that spirit alive while giving our sailors a fresh set of nautical decisions. Everyone will be talking about the 108-foot lighthouse on the south end of the island that's visible for miles. And if the wind blows at all from the north, we'll be able to smell the evergreens on Manitoulin Island."

The new finish line will be visibile from Mission Point Resort, which is also the site of the famous Island Awards Party, attended by thousands of sailors, their families, and friends,

"We were delighted when the race party returned to Mission Point, and now, with the finish line returning as well, we couldn't be more excited," said Liz Ware, vice president of sales and marketing and co-owner, Mission Point Resort. "I have wonderful memories of running to the Great Lawn to watch friends cross the finish line, long before our family purchased the resort. To see that tradition come full circle is incredibly special. Mission Point's Adirondack chairs will be ready for the families and friends of the racers to watch the boats come in."

Key details

Start: Saturday, July 10, 2027, from Port Huron
Course: Single course for all entries, known as "The Duck Islands Course"
Finish: Mackinac Island, near the original finish in front of Mission Point Resort
More information: byc.com/mackinacrace
Sponsorship information: bycmack.com/sponsorship-opportunities