Lake Huron · July (confirm race schedule)

Port Huron to Mackinac Race

A longstanding sailing race linking the southern Lake Huron outlet with Mackinac Island.

Plan ahead

About Port Huron to Mackinac Race

Since 1925, Detroit's Bayview Yacht Club has sent a fleet of sailboats from Port Huron up Lake Huron to Mackinac Island in a classic of freshwater racing. The fun starts on Boat Night, when yachts raft up along the Black River in downtown Port Huron, and continues the next morning as the fleet parades beneath the Blue Water Bridge to the start.

The race is a major summer moment in Michigan's sailing calendar, with shore-side interest around the starting and finishing communities. Spectating arrangements are different from participating in an offshore race. Consult the organizing club for official schedules, visitor information and access restrictions.

Typical timingJuly (confirm race schedule)

RegionMichigan

LakeLake Huron

Highlights

What draws the crowds.

Walk the Black River on Boat Night, when racing yachts tie up side by side and the riverfront fills with spectators.
Watch the fleet parade beneath the Blue Water Bridge on race morning from the shore near Fort Gratiot Light.
Follow the boats online with live GPS tracking as they race up Lake Huron.
Cheer finishers from Windermere Point on Mackinac Island as boats cross the line in the following days.

Know before you go

Make the day easier.

Port Huron lodging books early for race weekend, and Mackinac Island rooms fill as the fleet arrives.
Finish times depend on the wind, so keep island plans flexible if you hope to see boats come in.
The race typically starts on a Saturday in mid-July; confirm the start date and Boat Night schedule each year.

Great for Festivals & events Islands, boats & paddling Shipwrecks & maritime history

Dates, venues and programs may change. Check with the event organizer before making travel plans. Organizer & current information

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