THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE BOAT RACES ARE THE CHIPPEWA HOTEL AND THE PINK PONY!

Summer on Mackinac Island is truly a magical time with beautiful warmer weather, blazing sunsets and magical cool evenings. Some of the spectacular highlights of the summer are the sailboat races. They’re a sight to behold as the bold symphony of beautifully colored sails come into view on Port Huron. There are many great places to watch the boats come in but I can speak from experience when I say that there’s no better view than watching the excitement from your water front balcony at the Chippewa Hotel. I’ve been to the Pink Pony countless times and it has amazing views inside the dining area overlooking the water plus their outdoor patio boasts breathtaking views and mouth- watering food and drinks.

 

The Pink Pony has had thousands of great reviews and now The Pink Pony was just recognized as   ONE OF AMERICA’S 10 BEST RESTAURANTS FOR OUTDOOR DINING by The Daily Meal, a renowned publication for the best food and drink places around the world.  “One of Mackinac Island’s most popular restaurants, bars, and music venues, The Pink Pony,

located inside the Chippewa Hotel, serves a wide variety of funky cocktails and is famous for its whitefish dip and burger. It’s located right on the water and, in fact, its patio hangs out right over it. Offering stellar views of the lake, it’s a great place to cool your heels after discovering this charming island. “– The Daily Meal. The Pink Pony and the Chippewa are honored and we say; “Thank you!”

 

Mackinac is famous and proud of its history and boats have played a huge role from the beginning. Did you know that Mackinac Island’s first summer visitors were Great Lakes Native Americans and they came by boat? Specifically, they arrived in birch bark canoes. The Mackinac boat story continues because in July of 1812, British soldiers travelled by boat and landed on the shores of Mackinac, what it now called British Landing. They dragged two cannons to the highest point on the Island, where Fort Holmes is today, and because the Americans were unprepared, they surrendered to the British and the rest as they say, is history.

 

In the spirit of boats on Mackinac, July 3^{rd th} is the Pink Pony 4^th of July Sailboat Race sponsored by our very own Pink Pony and Chippewa Hotel.  It’s open to all sailboats and is a fun, family event with no entry fee. We’re hosting a party and awards ceremony at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club right after the race and everyone wins with a special plaque awarded to all boats!

 

Next up is a very historical great race. Bell’s Beer Bayview to Mackinac Race is celebrating its 91^st year! The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit hosts this annual event and attracts sailors from around the globe and today, proudly hosts more than 250 racing yachts. It starts in Port Huron on July 16^th and ends on July 18^th on Mackinac Island. A great boat race to Mackinac!

 

 

This is followed by the much anticipated Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac now celebrating its 108^th year. This is known as the world’s longest freshwater sailing event and recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world. Birthdays are big deals and this year I feel special because on my birthday, July 23^rd,  326 sailboats will leave Chicago to start the long 333 mile voyage coming to Mackinac Island on July 26^th. There will more than 3,000 racers from all over the world and this year there will be 24 first-timer boats which makes it even more special

 

July means Yachts and Yachts of Boat Races to Mackinac! Come and watch the great boat races from the best views on the island.  Contact us now to make your reservations for your great summer get-away on Mackinac Island. We’ll be waiting for you when you arrive on any one of the 3 ferry boats that can take you to the island. So will your room with a view!

 

 

We’re looking forward to seeing you again!

George Piliouras for The Chippewa Hotel

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