Dear Competitors,
Registration for the 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race opens Monday, January 19, at 12:00 PM (Noon) EST.
As you prepare to sign up, please review the following essential updates regarding registration, ratings, and upcoming events.
1. Registration & Official Documents
- Official Notice of Race – Please read the full NOR before registering.
- Cruising Division Rules – Required reading for all Cruising Division entries. Note: the Cruising Division Rules were amended on January 17, 2026. Redlined and clean versions are posted.
- OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD LINK
Please note we’ve added additional questions regarding races completed, class, and overall wins, both for the boat and crew members. We will be using the data for future recognition.
When registering, please consider supporting our sport via a donation to BYC Jr. Sailing or the Bayview Mackinac Race Foundation.
2. 2026 ORC Certificate Guidelines
US Sailing’s application process is phased. You do not need all the measurement data to start your application!
- May 1, 2026: Deadline to APPLY for your ORC rating certificate.
- June 1, 2026 (17:00 EDT): Deadline to SUBMIT all final data and amended certificates.
Key Reminders:
- Apply Early: US Sailing prioritizes processing based on race dates. If you are racing in the DRYA (starting in May) or an earlier event/series, please indicate this on your application.
- Accuracy: Ensure boat data (crew weight, sail IDs) is correct. We will strictly enforce ORC Minimum and Maximum crew weights for Racing Monohull and Cruising Divisions.
- Amendments: To avoid extra fees, note any pending changes (new sails, etc.) in the application comment box to alert the Offshore Office.
- Certificate Processing: USSailing Offshore does not expect to receive the 2026 version of the ORC rule until early February at the earliest. They will process certificates in order of races, meaning they will prioritize boats participating in West Coast races that start in March. Throughout March and April, they will be processing certificates, splitting their resources between when boats are racing and when they apply. This is the same process they have been using over the past several years.
- Questions? Contact offshore@ussailing.org.
3. Trophies & Milestones
- Mainsheet (Corinthian) Trophy: All crew must have a current ISAF Category 1 certificate. Apply or renew via your World Sailing Profile (Desktop recommended).
- Old Goats & Grand Rams: Don’t wait until your milestone year to track your history! We rely on your provided data.
- Grand Rams (50th Race): Application due April 15 of your 50th race year.
- Old Goats (25th Race): Application due September 1 after your 25th race.
- OLD GOATS APPLICATIONS& INFORMATION LINK
- GRAND RAMS APPLICATION & INFORMATION LINK
- Shop OG/GR LINK
- Questions? Contact Greg Hummel at oldgoats@byc.com.
4. Crew & Boat Board
Looking for Crew or a Boat to race this year? Add your needs/name to the Crew & Boat Board. CREW & BOAT BOARD LINK
5. Upcoming Event: Countdown to Mackinac Party
Join us at Bayview Yacht Club for the official kickoff!
- When: Friday, January 30 | 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Highlights: Live music (8–11 PM), Pink Pony giveaways, Mission Point Resort previews, and the Detroit City Distillery 102nd single-barrel bourbon selection.
We are honored to have you sail with us. Thank you to our 2026 sponsors: Casamigos, Detroit City Distillery, Mission Point Resort, High Winds Graphix, and the Bayview Mackinac Race Foundation.
Thank you for choosing to race in our Race!
Mica Reardon
Chair, 2026 Bayview Mackinac Race
Bayview Yacht Club
Mackchair2026@byc.com