OT - Port Huron to Mackinac race - MGoSailors?

Submitted by MaizeAndBlueWahoo on

Curious to see if there are other folks partaking in the race on Saturday.  With all the MGoDenizens out there, there must be at least one or two of you.  If so, best of luck.  For people who don't race....this race is one of Michigan's greatest traditions, there's a great big party at the beginning and an enjoyable boat parade on Saturday morning, and you get $1 Bell's beer at the end.

DealerCamel

July 18th, 2013 at 7:58 PM ^

But my mother participated in the Chicago-Mackinac one this past week, coming 30th or so out of 301.  Fun fact: the boat that won the race was steered by some very close family friends of ours. 

scottmaure

July 18th, 2013 at 8:38 PM ^

Right across the river from Port Huron is Point Edward. Every year the local optimist club does a pancake breakfast for anyone interested and it is very reasonable in price and portions. This year the optimist club is raising money to build a splash pad right under the Bluewater bridges. So not only will the best fries in the world be available under the bridges but now a splash pad will be there for all to use.
My wife and I have brought my son to the boat parade since he was born 6 yrs ago and this will be my daughters 1st. I highly suggest this as an outing for any young family. Myself, my wife, and my son love it and fully anticipate our daughter to also.

DanUMich

July 18th, 2013 at 9:17 PM ^

Sadly I've never been able to sail in it, but I was stationed on the Cutter Hollyhock so I followed close behind. There were always great parties in Port Huron and Mackinac and most participants were generous enough to buy drinks for a Coast Guardsman such as myself. Hope it's a good time.

BillyOcean

July 18th, 2013 at 9:31 PM ^

Thursday night is family night. Friday everyone gets effed up..fights everywhere. I don't go anymore. I live in the PoHo area..PoHo is little Detroit anymore

Ernis

July 18th, 2013 at 9:46 PM ^

But I worked the docks on Lake Huron up north for years, and we always had a good showing of sailors on their way back. Some were dour after a tough loss or malfunction, but quite enough were down to party. From what I hear Bell's is a much better sponsor than Bacardi

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

July 18th, 2013 at 10:28 PM ^

I don't know how good or bad a sponsor Bacardi was (although I always thought a rum company was a terrific match for a sailboat race) but as far as I know Bell's is working out terrifically.  It's more of a partnership or association with the club than other sponsors have had; Bell's sponsors more than just the Mackinac race, and the club sells Bell's beer all year round.  And Larry Bell was offered a spot on a boat during the first year of sponsorship and he must have liked it because he's been racing every year since.

NorthSideBlueFan

July 18th, 2013 at 10:06 PM ^

Immediately after the bankruptcy one in somewhat poor taste/timing? Not trying to bury the op, but it just feels like it could have waited a bit and let things cool down some.

Maybe it's just me...

TrppWlbrnID

July 18th, 2013 at 11:35 PM ^

Is going to come back, a big part of that is going to be in people recognizing some of the amazing and unique things Detroit and Michigan have to offer. So while many cities technically have bodies of water, none can really compare to the Great Lakes. Does sailing in summer and skiing in winter interest any young hipsters or corporate titans? Yup.

foore

July 18th, 2013 at 10:15 PM ^

I was, uh, one of the authors of the Port Huron Statement. The original Port Huron Statement. Not the compromised second draft.

Seth

July 19th, 2013 at 12:32 AM ^

Was asked to join a crew once. Much rather sail the laser on sylvan lake. We plan to do the Nood again this summer though. And come August we will be out there in the beer can races . Anyone wanna buy an Express 27?

Birdman

July 19th, 2013 at 3:27 AM ^

Brutal wind conditions this summer on the great lakes. Making it tough for the Joint US/Canadian Finn team to prepare for the world Chapionships this August. Relocating to North Shore Lake Superior in hopes of proper seabreeze.

ManBoat

Were Pretty good though

Rio 2016

NO HASH TAGS THIS AIN'T TWITTER\

I'm Clunked

 

stephenrjking

July 19th, 2013 at 1:05 PM ^

Seth sails Lasers? Wow, more sailors floating around than I thought.

One of the men involved in the management of the local affordable sailing club here in Duluth is a Michigan grad, used to sail with the Michigan sailing club as an alternate back in the 70s. Met him in June, it was pretty cool.

MGoSoftball

July 20th, 2013 at 2:45 AM ^

but Im a partier and I just left the party.  I have been going to "Boat Night" as us locals call it.

This year is a little tame because of the thunder storms but overall a very nice crowd.  My prediction is Stars and Stripes to take the flag.