Image: Michigan.org

I remember as a kid, my dad sailing the Port Huron to Mackinac race each year. He sailed that race 19 TIMES! He said, the best they ever did was third. Do you realize how good third is?? I remember the stories… it’s cold out there, despite it being summer, you stay wet, you don’t sleep, it’s a rough race.  What I didn’t know is that this race is recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater boat races in the WORLD! (Whoa…! GO DAD!!) We would drive up toPort Huron, MI to see him off, then all the ladies and the kids would drive to Mackinac Island to stay until the race ended. Then we would all drive home (well, unless you owned the boat or were sailing it back).  Whoa… what a good time. First of all Mackinac Island is a mighty special place, void of cars it sets you back in time. The beauty of the island can’t be beat and the smell of fudge and horse poop is heaven on a warm summer day. Seriously. I wasn’t being sarcastic; it’s a good combination, ha ha… when the boats would start trickling in the island would swell with so many sailors you absolutely wouldn’t believe it! As a kid it was the best time of my life! All us kids hung out together and just had the BEST. TIME. EVER. So if you are curious what it’s all about I encourage you to either go to Port Huron and check out the night before (wild time) and the morning they sail away… or head to the island…

I pray for none of the storms that plagued the Chicago to Mackinac Race (more on that tomorrow), that ended so terribly. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families that lost two of the crew… ugh. 

A blip from www.bycmack.com:

In the nine decades that the Bayview Mackinac Race has been sailed, much has happened.  Wars, economic depressions, and other significant events have transpired, yet the Race has gone on.  In fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wired a message to Bayview during World War II when word reached the White House that the Club was considering canceling the race.  That message read:  “Sail your race.”  Even then, it was clear that this race was and is important for sailors and for the State ofMichigan.  Bayview did sail the Mackinac Race that year, and has done so every single year since the first Bayview Mackinac Race in 1925, making it the longest consecutively run freshwater race in the world.  This year’s race starts on July 23, 2011.

I heard that 1 millions spectators followed the race online in 2009, that number increased to 4 million in 2010, I wonder what it’ll be this year?? If you’d like to track the race live online check it out HERE.

Be safe y’all!

Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance… http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !