Bayview Yacht Club has officially announced the leadership team for the 102nd running of the Bayview Mackinac Race, appointing Mica Reardon as the 2026 Race Chair and Peter Gerard as the Principal Race Officer. The announcement comes as the historic Great Lakes event sees a surge in early interest, with more than 145 boats registered within just days of the registration window opening on January 19.
The Bayview Mackinac Race, a staple of Great Lakes sailing since 1925, is renowned for its uninterrupted annual run through global crises and economic shifts. The 2026 race is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 18, in Port Huron. Competitors will navigate the challenging waters of Lake Huron, with spectators lining the shorelines of Michigan’s Thumb Coast and the Black River to watch the fleet depart for Mackinac Island.
Mica Reardon, a southeast Michigan native and Marketing Project Manager for the Detroit Pistons, brings a wealth of local race management experience to her role as Race Chair. Having served as Principal Race Officer for various club regattas, Reardon expressed excitement about the momentum following the record-breaking 100th anniversary in 2024. Joining her is Peter Gerard, a highly decorated official from Newport, Rhode Island, who will serve as Principal Race Officer for both the 2026 and 2027 races. Gerard’s extensive background includes leadership roles within US Sailing and experience officiating major international regattas.
The race continues to be a blend of high-stakes strategy and family tradition, attracting teams from across the globe. Fans who cannot make it to the shoreline can follow the action through a live race-tracking program. As the club prepares for another exceptional year on the water, sponsorship opportunities remain open for the 2026 event. More information and registration details can be found at bycmack.com.