Bayview's History

From the exhibit  “Challenge These Waters: A Century of Sailing from Detroit to Mackinac” currently on display at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, part of the Detroit Historical Society.

Bayview's Background

In 1915, Detroit was becoming an American manufacturing colossus, from chemicals to cars, steel to steamships. Detroit was also boat crazy, supporting four speedboat manufacturers, numerous marine engine manufacturers, at least six yacht clubs, several rowing clubs, weekly sanctioned sailboat races, and annual powerboat challenges.

Bayview Yacht Club was born when four men - Floyd Nixon, Lloyd Kurtzwarth, Perc Williamson and Paul Dietrch – gathered in a corrugated steel shanty near the end of Motorboat Lane, west of Waterworks Park. By 1919, the Club was legally incorporated and grew rapidly with its sailors competing locally. Over the next few decades, they would move the Club’s location and build a Clubhouse at the current site.

Also in 1919, Bayview sailors organized the first Bayview Long Distance Race, a “lap” of Lake St. Clair that still takes place every September. Along with the Bayview Mackinac Race - from Port Huron to the storied island – the Club hosts regular Thursday night races, and numerous regattas each year.

Origins of a Classic

In 1924, some Bayview members traveled to the East Coast to compete in the famed Newport-to-Bermuda Race. Aboard the schooner Lloyd W. Berry, they won their class and the Fisherman Cup, reported to be a first for freshwater sailors. 

The excitement returned to Detroit with them, and the challenge - from Port Huron to Mackinac - was born. Incentive was provided by the members of the Port Huron Yacht Club, who sponsored a trophy that got everyone’s attention. The challenge was on.

A dozen yachts, competing in cruising and racing classes, left Port Huron on Saturday, July 25, 1925, and sailed for Mackinac Island. In a weather pattern that remains familiar to today’s sailors, a summer squall and strong northwesterly winds challenged the fleet. Only half of the boats finished, with Russ Pouliot’s Bernida crossing the finish line early Monday evening to become the first winner. She won again in 1927.

Today the race is bigger than ever and is the longest continuously run freshwater distance race in the world. Traditionally the city of Port Huron turns the week before the race into a festival. Parties, dock walks, and other events showcase the race, particularly Friday's Boat Night” party. On race morning, spectators line the river on the Canadian and United States sides to see the boats heading for the course. 

Typically the largest and fastest boats finish on Sunday evening while the bulk of the fleet by dusk on Monday. An awards party - a grand fete, indeed – takes place on Tuesday.

Keep History Alive

You can donate to the Bayview Mackinac Race Foundation HERE.
 

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