The strong hum of bagpipes played on the edge of the Black River in Port Huron as a welcome to the 98th Bayview Mackinac Race. Under the warm morning sun, crowds gathered to watch as more than 170 sailboats headed out onto Lake Huron Saturday.
People ate donuts and drank bloody marys prepared by the Port Huron Yacht Club. The docks bustled with activity as boat crews made their final preparations before their start times. Friends and loved ones said goodbye to the racers who were making their way from Port Huron to Mackinac Island.
Marysville resident Misty Harrower was one spectator at the yacht club. She was hanging out next to a boat called The Flash, where her boyfriend Brad Dietzel is a crew member. This is the second year she has watched the race.
“I enjoy the race because of Brad’s excitement for it,” Harrower said.
The race attracts people far from Michigan. Michelle Hill traveled from Denver, Colorado for a family reunion. After being told about the race, she and a few of her family members decided to spend their morning watching the boats.
“We were told that the bagpipers would be playing as the boats are going out and we wanted to come see it,” Hill said.
Over at the River Street Marina, boaters gathered waiting for their later start times. Bay City resident Jerry Somalski will be piloting the Sohest with his eight-person crew. He has been participating in the Mackinac race since 2000.
Somaliski said the call of adventure and comradery with other boats is what keeps him coming back every year.
“Getting a trophy is really cool, but it’s more about the actual race and the people involved,” he said. “Doing well in the race is just a bonus.”
Harbor Springs resident Eric Rasmussen was also at the marina eagerly waiting for his start time. His boat, Stripes, was nestled against the dock with his crew on board. He’s been doing the race for about 25 years.
“Always try to find a way to sneak in a little enjoyment in life,” Rasmussen said.
As the boats continued to head out into Lake Huron, crowds cheered and waved. A common theme amongst racers and spectators alike was the feeling of community and family the race brings.