Is Bayview Mac out of aces?

With COVID-19 restrictions, nearly every event has been cancelled through August, citing a list of understandable reasons. However, the Bayview Yacht Club has been determined to deliver the 96th Bayview Mackinac Race, starting July 11 for the 204nm course up Lake Huron to Mackinac Island.

But what could they deliver has been the question, and while other events cancelled due to this lack of certainty, BYC has preached for participants to stay patient and stay flexible. “The only known this year is there will be more changes,” they say.

However, as Kenny Rogers sings, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run.” Here’s an excerpt from the latest BYC update by race chairman Chris Clark:

While the race is not cancelled, I am very disappointed to report that the Mackinac Island Harbor will NOT be available to the race this year. After months of promises, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finally sent the requirements that the race must comply with. After reviewing the contract, we have determined that it is impossible to comply.

Since the issue with the DNR is specifically related to the “Event” and not private citizens we have officially informed the DNR that we will not be utilizing the harbor and have requested that the docks released and made available for private reservation. It is now in the DNR’s hands to make these docks available.

Everyone competing in the race is now responsible for individually arranging docking for their boat after the race. The DNR has provided cursory availability at nearby state harbors. Currently, I do not trust that data enough to share it. I strongly encourage everyone to go online or call the harbors directly to make reservations.

The Awards on Mackinac Island are canceled. I completely understand that this amount of uncertainty may be the last straw for some of you. However, I strongly encourage everyone to focus on the positive. We are racing and very few others are this season. Let’s sail hard, have fun, and stay safe.

Race details – Entries – Facebook

Overview and close-up of the 259 nm Cove Island and 204 nm Shore Course, however, due to Canadian border restriction, the 2020 will use only the Shore Course.