Sailboats Everywhere

Every year there are 2 huge sail boat racing events on the great lakes – the Chicago – Mackinaw race and the Port Huron Mackinaw race. They are run back to back and alternate which runs first each year. They attract boats from around the world. We have seen Bob Segar compete and Roy Disney (son of Walt). The boats assemble on the Black River in Port Huron a week or so before the race start – every boat has to be inspected for compliance to its class rules and compliance with the safety equipment. One boat that has completed the last few years and used Bridgeview Marina as its base is Wind Quest. 2011 was no exception. The marina sets up a special barge moored off the fuel dock that Wind Quest ties to. The barge is there to keep the boat in deep water – she draws almost 15 ft!! Wind Quest is owned by Dick Devos, son of billionaire Amway founder Richard Devos and president of the Orland Magic amongst other endeavors. I am not sure if he personally sails on the boat or just collects the hardware at the end. Many of these boats are campaigned by a full time fully paid crew just so the owner can have the bragging rights and hardware. Regardless it is a stunning sailboat that looks fast standing still. By the way, Wind Quest took line honors this year – first boat to finish.

Here is a short video of Wind Quest last summer in our marina and also the start. The day was unfortunatly dull and pretty wind-less but it is still quite a sight to see all trhe racers.