Bayview Mackinac Race | July 18–21, 2026
Sponsorship Overview

BENEFITS OF SPONSORING

Sponsorship provides a unique opportunity to:
  • Align with a 102-year legacy of excellence
  • Engage a highly loyal, influential, and affluent audience
  • Activate your brand in a premium, authentic environment
  • Elevate your brand through Bayview Yacht Club’s iconic Mackinac Island experience
  • Support a tradition that blends competition, community, and celebration

ABOUT THE RACE

Celebrating its 102nd consecutive year, the Bayview Mackinac Race is
the world’s longest continuously run freshwater yacht race and one of
North America’s premier competitive sailing events.

Each July, more than 200 boats and 2,000 sailors from across the
United States and around the world compete in a multi-day race that
culminates with a premier awards celebration on Mackinac Island,
drawing over 5,000 attendees and creating a highly visible, high
energy environment for sponsors

ECONOMIC & BRAND IMPACT

  • $50+ million in economic impact generated for Michigan communities annually
  • 2.5M+ digital impressions across Bayview Mackinac Race website and social platforms (2023–2025)
  • National and international earned media coverage spanning TV, radio, print, digital, and global sailing outlets
  • 5,000+ attendees celebrating on Mackinac Island during the Bayview Mackinac Race Awards Celebration.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

  • A full suite of sponsorship tiers ranging from Presenting Sponsor to Crew Sponsor, allowing partners to align at the level that best fits their marketing goals and budget.
  • High-impact brand integration opportunities including on-water visibility, digital placements, event signage, apparel, and race assets seen by sailors, spectators, and media.
  • VIP hospitality and experiential access through Bayview Mackinac Race Awards Party credentials, spectator boat experiences, and on-site activations on Mackinac Island.
  • Unique category-exclusive and limited-availability assets such as race tracker sponsorships, skipper bags, backstay flags, and custom branded merchandise
  • Customizable partnership options designed to align with brand objectives, including community engagement, client hospitality, earned media exposure, and long-term brand association with a 100+ year Great Lakes tradition.

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES

Octavian Gherasim
The Fulkerson Group
Octavian@fulkersongroup.com