Mackinac Island, Michigan A Great Lakes Haven for Boaters - By: Marcia Dunnigan

Mackinac Island Michigan, located in the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, is one of the most popular Great Lakes destinations for boating enthusiasts.

The Straits area is just a day’s sailing from several major Michigan ports. Beautiful natural scenery, predictable summer weather conditions and access to three large marinas all contribute to the appeal for power boaters and sailors alike.

Among the mooring facilities available to visiting craft are Mackinac Island State Dock located in the Mackinac Island harbor, a protected bay with spectacular views of the town and the colonial era Fort Mackinac situated high on a bluff overlong the harbor. The Mackinac Island State Dock has seventy transient slips and a variety of services for boaters including showers, pump-out stations and access to the Mackinac Island Yacht Club.

Two other large marinas serving the Straits are the St. Ignace Public Marina in St. Ignace, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula with 136 transient slips; and the Mackinaw City Municipal Marina in Mackinaw City with 78 slips. Both of these marinas also provide boat launches and trailer parking. A regular ferry service runs between the Island and both Mackinac City and St. Ignace.

Mackinac Island has something for everyone: hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, shopping, golf, fine dining, and lively night-life. No motorized vehicles (aside from emergency vehicles) are allowed. The Island is an ideal location for sea-faring families to stretch their legs and go exploring inland on this unique and beautiful destination.

There are several fine range of hotels and guest houses on the Island that accommodate all budgets and tastes. Among the main attractions is the Grand Hotel, a world famous five star resort which boasts the world’s largest front porch Fort Mackinac, an authentic colonial era structure and the always popular fudge shops in the downtown Mackinac Island.

Why else might sailors want to visit Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island is host every summer to two of the largest freshwater sailing events in the world. The first of the two events is the Port Huron-Mackinac Race, which starts this year on July 17, 2010. This event celebrates its 86th year. More than 300 sailboats will take part in this year's 298 mile race. Detroit's Bayview Yacht Club sponsors the event. This competition is a great event for both sailors and landlubbers alike, indeed anyone who appreciates watching a fleet of sailing vessels framed against the beauty of the clear blue green waters of Lake Huron and the magnificence of Mackinac Island.

The other exciting event is the Chicago-Mackinac Race, the longest annual freshwater sailboat race in the world. Sponsored by Chicago Yacht Club, "the Mac" draws sailors from all over the United States and Europe. This year’s race begins a week after the Port Huron Race on July 24th.

Last year (2009) saw a record 460 sailboats carrying some 5,000 sailors compete in the race. It was also the first time that all boats carried transponders, so that each craft could be tracked electronically by satellite with their progress updated constantly on the Internet. Racing the entire length of Lake Michigan is not for the fainthearted, the weather conditions can often present a real challenge for even the most experienced sailors. The Chicago's Navy Pier and downtown waterfront offer lots of opportunities for observers to watch the start of the race to Mackinac Island.

The overall winners have their names engraved on permanent trophies displayed at the Chicago Yacht Club. However, what makes both the Port Huron and Chicago races so special is the final destination, one of the most beautiful natural settings in North America Sailors and tourists alike are drawn to this Great Lakes haven for sailors.

So, this summer plan to raise your anchor and see for yourself the beauty and wonder of Mackinac Island which is truly a unique port for your summer vacation.

About the Author

About Author: Marcia Dunnigan and Kathy Petersen have more ideas for Great Lakes Boating on their site at http://www.mackinac-island-insider-tips.com.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Marcia-Dunnigan/77246

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