Highlights from the 2026 Bayview Mackinac Race

The Thrill of the Bayview Mackinac Race

The 2025 Bayview Mackinac Race kicked off its 101st edition on July 12, featuring 191 entrants on either the Cove Island Course (259 nautical miles) or the Shore Course (204 nautical miles). This time-honored competition brings together sailing enthusiasts from near and far, all eager to embrace the adventure the open waters provide.

Fast Start for Competitors

With brisk southwest winds at the start on Lake Huron, nearly the entire fleet—comprising boats ranging from 27 to 68 feet—completed their journeys in under 45 hours. This remarkable performance marked a significant improvement compared to the slower entries in the previous year, with sailors celebrating a day faster than those who participated in 2024.

Race Insights from Experts

Race Chairman Tim Prophit, who captains the perennial class winner, the North American 40 Fast Tango, remarked, “This was the fastest start to the race I remember in 10 to 15 years. For us heading to Cove Island, it felt like a drag race up the lake.” This exhilarating experience exemplifies the commitment to speed and skill among the competitors.

Challenges on the Water

However, amid these ideal conditions, nature threw a squall into the mix just hours after the start. While it resulted in gear and sail damage for some teams, it also led to two crew-overboard incidents, both of which concluded with successful recoveries. Despite challenges, only eight boats retired from the race, and thankfully, there were no significant injuries reported.

Paul Falcone, Commodore of Bayview Yacht Club, expressed gratitude towards both the US Coast Guard and fellow competitors who participated in the successful search and rescue operations. “It’s a testament to their skill, preparedness, and the shared commitment to safety that all sailors maintain anytime they’re on the water,” he stated.

Course Dynamics and Tactics

The first half of the race remained fast-paced for both fleets until the second night, when the wind shifted unexpectedly. Wally Cross, tactician aboard Tim LaRiviere's Italia 14.98 Eagle One racing in Class B on the Cove Island course, shared insights: “There was a transition zone when the wind shifted, and then things got interesting. Not every competitor adapts well to these zones, but understanding them can be the key to winning.”

The Eagle One crew initially favored the north side of the rhumb line to stay ahead, but after observing wind shear and adverse current, they adapted their strategy. They successfully navigated toward the Michigan shore, catching the new wind shift and achieving a more comfortable lead to win in Class B.

The Front Runners

Leading the charge were three frontrunners in the race: the TP 52s Heartbreaker, skippered by Bob Hughes, Mockingbird, helmed by Chris Duhon, and Natalie J, led by Phil O’Neil. They finished an intense 28-hour battle just minutes apart, with Heartbreaker emerging victorious in both Class A and overall Division I results.

Following closely was Mockingbird in second place overall, while Natalie J secured the third spot among 95 teams competing on this course. The competition was fierce and demonstrated the heights of teamwork and strategy within the sailing community.

Shorter Course Results

On the shorter Shore Course, the wind angles contributed to an equally exhilarating drag race, with lead changes driven by speed rather than tactics until the breezy transition created light air speed bumps along the northern Michigan shoreline.

Division II Achievements

Cameron Paine’s C&C 35 Mk I Underdog emerged as the Division II champion, translating a fantastic performance into success, making it also the top-finishing Canadian entry. Following him were Rob Bunn’s Morgan 42 Wind Toy in second place and Everett and Cameron Benedict’s Santana 35 Shape finishing third among 33 finishers racing on this course.

John Seago’s Oceanis 400 Seagoiing II claimed victory in the Division III cruising classes. Meanwhile, the winners of the Doublehanded entries on the Shore course were John and Johnny Walton, sailing their Express 27 Riptide. Matt Scharl’s Gougeon 35 trimaran Adagio took home honors among the Multihulls in Division IV.

The Uniqueness of the Race

Cross, who participated in his 54th race to Mackinac, described this event as “truly unique,” highlighting fantastic wind conditions and diverse boat types competing in various tactics. “It’s not like a really long race where you can settle into a watch system; you have to be awake and on your game the entire time to win. I love it!” he noted, capturing the essence of competitive sailing.

Extending the Adventure

After finishing, a group of eleven boats did not make landfall ashore at Mackinac Island but instead continued their journey westward under the Mackinac Bridge, racing towards Chicago in the ultra-mac race that spans 548 miles. Among them, Trey Sheehan’s TP 52 Hooligan took the lead, followed by Mike Evans on his Pogo 50 Pommes Frites and Doug Evans on his J/122 Elbow Room.

The Bayview Mackinac Race is not just a test of speed and sailing skill; it offers an unmatched experience reflective of the freedom and beauty the water provides. As GetBoat appreciates the adventure of sailing, always keeping an ear to the wind for what's new, there's no better way to enjoy life than by selecting the perfect vessel.

Conclusion: The Essence of Sailing and Exploration

The incredible experiences and stories from the 2025 Bayview Mackinac Race highlight the rich tapestry that sailing offers. It's about more than just racing; it encompasses discovery and learning about different cultures and local traditions as you navigate diverse waterways. Renting a boat opens endless possibilities for exploration, allowing one to uncover hidden gems as unique as local cuisine and architecture. If planning your next adventure at sea, consider enhancing your journey by exploring the benefits of GetBoat.com for boat rentals; each inlet, bay, and lagoon tells a tale waiting to be discovered.