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102nd Bayview Mackinac Race sets sail this weekend with 200 boats, smoke and storms expected
By Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
One of Michigan's most iconic summer traditions sets sail this weekend as nearly 1,700 sailors prepare to compete in the 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race the world's longest continuously run freshwater yacht race.About 200 boats are expected to take part in the 259-nautical-mile course on Lake Huron,...
Key takeaway About 200 boats are expected to take part in the 259-nautical-mile course on Lake Huron, starting in Port Huron.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race is a significant event for the Detroit area, attracting sailors and spectators from across the region. As the world's longest continuously run freshwater yacht race, it brings economic benefits to local communities, particularly Port Huron, where the race starts. The presence of 200 boats and nearly 1,700 sailors will likely boost local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and marinas. This year's challenging conditions, including smoke and potential storms, will test the skills and endurance of the sailors, making the event even more compelling for spectators. The participation of veteran sailors like David Shriner and the historic boat WhiteHawk adds to the race's rich tradition and local appeal. As the race gets underway, Detroit-area residents can follow the progress of the sailors and experience the excitement of this iconic summer tradition.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? One of Michigan's most iconic summer traditions sets sail this weekend as nearly 1,700 sailors prepare to compete in the 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race the world's longest continuously run freshwater yacht race.About 200 boats are expected to take part in the 259-nautical-mile course on Lake Huron,...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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