Setting Sail From Port Huron To Mackinac

PORT HURON (WWJ) - More than 200 boats set sail this weekend for the Port Huron to Mackinac Race. The event is officially titled the "Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race" and takes place in Southern Lake Huron, just north of the Blue Water Bridge.

Race Promoter Bruce Babiercz  says safety will be a top priority, following the tragedy in the Chicago to Mackinac Race last weekend that claimed the lives of two sailors.

"If there is a positive note coming from the tragedy, certainly the sailors I've spoken to are more vigilant and cognizant of safety procedures, and the use of safety equipment ," said Babiercz. He said the goal is to let all sailors enjoy this great rite of summer passage, and to sail safety to Mackinac.

Some 25 hundred sailors will take part in the 87th annual Bayview Mackinac Race. An estimated 100 thousand sailing fans and families are expected to attend the Blue Water Fest activities in Port Huron, leading to the Saturday start of the face.

Sailing fans around the world will be able to follow individual boats or the entire fleet on the Bell's Brewery and Bayview Yacht Club websites as Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices will be placed on all participating sailboats. In 2010, a record 4.4 million page views were hit on the web site during the race.

Get information  by clicking here