Overview
Bayview Yacht Club was founded in Detroit in 1915 by four sailors around a single 18-foot boat and a small clubhouse on Motor Boat Lane, and since the 1930s has been at home on the Detroit River at Clairpointe Street, close to Lake St. Clair. It is best known for the Bayview Mackinac Race, sailed since 1925 from Port Huron up Lake Huron to Mackinac Island — the 102nd race was run in 2026. The club is also a match-racing venue, running the Grade 2 Detroit Cup, a US Match Racing Championship qualifier and the 2026 US Women's Match Racing Championship in its fleet of Ultimate 20s, along with the North Channel Race, long-distance races and an evening series. Reciprocal-club boaters from more than 50 miles away can book a transient slip with pump-out on the guest wall and showers in the boathouse.
- Founded
- 1915
- Federation
- US Sailing
- Phone
- +1 313 822 1853
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Bayview Mackinac Racelong-distance race from Port Huron to Mackinac Island on Lake Huron, first sailed in 1925; 102nd running in 2026
- Detroit CupGrade 2 World Match Racing Tour event on the Detroit River (2026: 20–23 August, nine teams)
- Bayview Summer InvitationalGrade 3 match race, one of seven qualifiers for the US Match Racing Championship (Prince of Wales Bowl)
- U.S. Women's Match Racing Championship 2026national championship in the club's Ultimate 20 fleet, 24–27 September 2026, ten teams
- Bayview North Channel Racerace up Lake St. Clair through Anchor Bay into the North Channel and around Russell Island, first sailed in 1940, a club event since 1951; mainly one-design day-sailers of 30 ft or less
- Long Distance Raceclub long-distance race
- Detroit to New Baltimore Racedistance race up Lake St. Clair to New Baltimore
- BYC club evening seriesthe club's weekly evening racing
- Women on the Water Regattawomen's regatta
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1915Four sailors found the club around an 18-foot boat and a small clubhouse on Motor Boat Lane near Water Works Park
- 1925First Bayview Mackinac Race
- 1930sThe club settles on the Detroit River at Clairpointe Street
- 1940 · 1951The North Channel Race starts as a match race among C-class boats (1940); the club takes over its deed of gift in 1951
- 2021A modern clubhouse opens
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 42°21.32′ N 82°57.13′ W
42.35533, -82.95216 - Address
- 100 Clairpointe Street
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Adult Learn to Sail.
When was Bayview Yacht Club founded?
In 1915.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Bayview Mackinac Race, Detroit Cup, Bayview Summer Invitational and U.S. Women's Match Racing Championship 2026.