Registration Opens for 2011 Bayview to Mackinac Race

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DETROIT, MI, Feb. 14, 2011 — Detroit’s Bayview Yacht Club, one of the of the most storied and historic sailing club’s in the world, announced today it is accepting registrations for the 87th Bayview Mackinac Race that sails from Port Huron to Mackinac Island.

“We have updated our website to make it easier for skippers to register on-line and Bayview has standardized entrance fees to make it more affordable for this year’s participants,” said Charlie Elmer, 2011 Bayview Mackinac Race Chairman.

The website, www.byc.com also features the updated Mackinac Safety Regulations for race participants, the official Notice of Race rules and regulations and the standardized entry fee of $13 per foot for each sailboat based on the boat length overall. Racing boats have ranged in size from as small as 26 feet to over 90 feet.

Some 200 to 250 boats are expected to participate in the annual race which begins this year on Saturday, July 23, 2011. Each year the Bayview race alternates with the Chicago Yacht Club on which race goes first so members of each club can participate in the other’s regatta. Chicago goes first this year with their race starting on July 16.

“Another new feature for 2011 is we are allowing all sail boats – cruising or racing – to enter the shore course. From its traditional start in Lake Huron near Port Huron, the sailboats will head due north on two separate courses. The shorter course is called the Shore Course and it runs 252 statute miles along the Michigan shoreline The race also features a longer, 298-mile course called Cove Island that takes the typically larger boats into Canadian waters before heading toward Mackinac Island,” Elmer said.

This year will mark 87 consecutive years for the world class event that will set sail from Port Huron to Mackinac Island.

“For those pleasure or novice sailors it is not too late to take part in one of the greatest experiences you can have as a sailor on the Great Lakes,” Elmer said. “We have a host of safety and racing seminars at Bayview and we are welcoming returning and first-time MAC racers to join us for this grand Michigan tradition.”

“Bayview is absolutely thrilled to welcome new and returning sailors to the longest consecutive fresh water sailing race in the world,” said Commodore John C. Burke. “We draw sailors from more than 20 states and numerous countries with one sailor coming all the way from China to participate in last year’s race. Michigan’s cruising and new racing sailors are most welcome to join us this July.”

“Our top priority for this race is safety and once again BYC is requiring that all boats participating in the Cove Island course carry a life raft aboard their vessel in addition to other safety gear,” said Elmer. “All boats are required to possess U.S. Coast Guard approved safety gear including electronic signaling in the case of emergency, life jackets, flares and marine radios.”

The 2011Bayview Mackinac Yacht Race will held on Saturday July 23, 2011, with final race registration for participants on July 1. Bayview Yacht Club, founded in 1915, is widely regarded as the premier sailing club in Michigan and the Midwest. It has been hosting the Bayview Mackinac Race since 1925. The private club is located on the Detroit River near the mouth of Lake St. Clair and has more than 1,000 members. For more information: www.byc.com.


Editor’s please note: All media interested in covering the race start in Port Huron from aboard a BYC authorized boat, must register in advance for credentials at www.byc.com. Media inquires on the 87th sailing of the Bayview Mackinac Race or any Bayview Yacht Club issues should be directed to Bruce Babiarz at Babiarz@BABPR.com or 248-890-5030.