The Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit was formed in the 1950’s to recognize sailors who had completed twenty-five or more Bayview Mackinac Races. At that time, local sailors such as Bobbie Roadstrum, George E. Van, Commodore Bill Nagel, Stan Puddiford, Commodore Trent McMath, Ted Coggin and Bobbie Bryant had all sailed Mackinac Races starting in the 1920’s and they were inspired when the Chicago Yacht Club created its prestigious Island Goats Sailing Society, to recognize sailors who had completed twenty-five Chicago Mackinac Races. (The term “Goat” is of unknown origin, although it has been suggested that a sailor arriving on Mackinac Island after several days at sea might carry the aroma of an old goat.)
 Today, racing sailors count their Mackinac Races like some people count birthdays and anniversaries. Ask any real sailor how many Bayview Mackinac Races they have completed, and an immediate and accurate response will be forthcoming. Completing 25 races to Mackinac Island is a significant accomplishment and Old Goats are honored to be listed among other sailors that have attained this status.

Membership in the Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit is open to all sailors who have completed twenty-five or more Bayview Mackinac Races. Applications are available on the Bayview Mackinac Race website www.bycmack.com under the Race Info tab. Applications are due by September 1st each year. Membership notifications will be sent out around October 1st each year.

Newly inducted Old Goats are invited to a Cocktail Party at Bayview Yacht Club prior to the Mackinac Awards Party in the fall. Their names are added to the Old Goats Boards in the Regatta Room at Bayview Yacht Club.

Old Goats are also invited to participate in the annual group photo taken on Mackinac Island prior to the Island Awards Party following the Bayview Mackinac Race. They also receive invitations to Old Goat Luncheons held in the Fall and Winter and the Old Goat Roast held in the Spring at Bayview Yacht Club. Members of the Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit Committee are Greg Hummel (Chair),  Tom Anderson – Double Goats and HOF Co-Chair, John Trost – Events Co-Chair, Terry Larivee – New Members Co-Chair, Ron Rabine – Communications and SWAG Co-Chair

Please contact Greg Hummel at oldgoats@byc.com with any questions or to submit your application.

To order an Old Goat blazer patch, Bayview Old Goat logo clothing, or other Old Goat merchandise please see the Old Goat/Grand Ram Merchandise online store:
  Old Goats/Grand Ram Merchandise