Registration open for Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race

Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race © Mark A. Thornton

There are now 176 days until the 2018 Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race and 133 days until registration closes. We have had a great start with more than 50 boats registered in the first seven weeks!

While our boats are in dry storage, now is the time of year when competitors need to be making their safety equipment lists and checking them twice. As we have said in previous communications, there are no new safety equipment requirements this year but we should make sure that it is all in great working order. Safety equipment is not just a list, but rather it is the collection of tools we need when something goes wrong. Last year more than a dozen boats dropped out of the Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race with some experiencing catastrophic equipment failure. Having safety equipment in great working order and stored where every crew member can easily get to it, is what saves lives.

Last week, Rick Titsworth and Todd Jones hosted the DRYA Winter Seminar at Bayview Yacht Club and focused on the Safety Equipment Requirements. There were demonstrations and information available that helps everyone have a better grip on the safety of their boat and crew.

On February 24th, Mark Thornton will be hosting an all-day weather seminar at Bayview. Mark runs the weather briefing in Port Huron on the morning of the Race and has agreed to run a full day winter seminar for the sailors. Weather forecasting helps you have a fast and safe race. Don't miss this one. Details can be found at here.

On April 21-22 Bayview is hosting the US Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar in conjunction with Detroit Yacht Club. One one-day seminar will satisfy the requirement for our Race and the two-day is good for Bermuda and other offshore races. Registration is almost full, so if you are interested, please contact Bayview today to see if there are any spots left.