The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit announced a record number of boats and sailors are registered to participate in the 100th running of the Bayview Mackinac Race Presented by National Fleet Services on July 20.
As of May 6, there are 332 sailboats registered which breaks the record of 316 set in 1985. Boats from 16 states and Canada are scheduled to participate. The registration deadline is June 1.
“This growth in participation speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and significance of the sport of sailing and the race,” says Michael Helm, 2024 Bayview Yacht Club Commodore. “While we anticipated an increase in the number of participants for our 100th, I attribute the immense response to a broader trend of people seeking outdoor activities and embracing the natural beauty that Michigan has to offer.”
BYC, located on Detroit’s east side, has hosted the annual sailing event since 1925. As previously announced, National Fleet Services is signed as the event’s presenting sponsor and is joined by several new sponsors including:
- Deep Eddy- the race’s official vodka and hard seltzer.
- Detroit Liquid Ventures- which includes Old Head Beer, the race’s official beer; FUL non-alcohol beer and energy drinks; Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard; and canned Bloody Mary.
- Casamigos Tequila- Sponsor of the official 100th Bayview Mackinac Race hat, distributed to each participating sailor in the 2024 race.
- Goat Yard Marine- Sponsor of the annual Skipper Bag gift, distributed to each of the skippers in recognition of their leadership.
- Detroit City Distillery- The race’s official whiskey and bourbon. The partnership includes the production of a special “Commodore’s Select” bourbon, crafted exclusively for the membership of Bayview Yacht Club.
“Our sponsors are vitally important to everything we do, not only for the financial stability of this and future races, but we are looking for experiential opportunities surrounding the event for participants’ and fans’ enjoyment,” says Charlie Trost, chair of the 2024 Bayview Mackinac Race.
All the new sponsors have signed multi-year agreements and will participate in additional events at BYC including The Detroit Cup and Women on the Water regattas.
“It is exciting for Detroit Liquid Ventures and our list of growing brands to continue to build our relationship with Bayview Yacht Club and its sailing events, including the historic race,” says Mark Rieth, owner of Detroit Liquid Ventures.
“In 2022, were able to introduce FUL energy drink and NA beer to race fans, and this year we continue to expand our offerings. We are proud to add some new Michigan brands, such as Old Head Beer and Blue Dot Farm and Vineyards to our partnership.”
To learn more about the race, visit here.
