North America's Sailing Grand Prix
The sailing world is descending on Bay Harbor again this year. The astounding agility and power of the Great Lakes 52 series racing will be on display the weekend of August 20th, showcasing local and international talent. While the event first began from generations of TP52 yachts of the Great Lakes coming together to compete seasonally, the races now draw crowds from all over the world.
This year’s event will feature teams based out of both the east and west coasts as well as four teams based locally out of the Great Lakes. Tom Geisler, sailing extraordinaire, referred to the event as “the best Grand Prix racing series in North America right now.” According to Geisler, these teams will feature crew that compete on the international circuit of the Rolex 52 Super Series as the event is a branch off from the Mediterranean-based competition.
Each team will have to be ready to face off in extremely competitive waters. The variation in offshore and inshore racing requires teams to showcase the skill and expertise to control the large 52-foot vessels in a way that allows for precision to cut around buoys and speed to conquer competitors. The inshore racing entails yachts competing in several races back-to-back to showcase quick maneuvering and acceleration. Geisler explained that offshore racing will require teams to sail for extended periods of time over long distances.
Chicago to Mackinac Island
The teams will travel almost 333 miles from Chicago to Mackinac Island. Racing will kick off with the Chicago NOOD Regatta before competing in a total of seven regattas. The season’s grand finale will be in Holland, Michigan at the Macatawa Championship in mid-September. The yachts will compete as part of multi-race regattas that will feature over 300 boats. However, Little Traverse Bay’s Bay Harbor Cup will feature the series’ only standalone 52 race, running August 20-22.
This will be the second year the event will be held at Bay Harbor. Geisler spoke highly of Bay Harbor Yacht Club’s involvement in the event previously. “The facilities were beautiful. The owners of the teams really enjoyed being at Bay Harbor.” Two members of Bay Harbor Yacht Club are owners of two of the racing vessels competing in the series. With each team racing with 14 crew members and 2-3 shore team members, the event is sure to bring crowds.
No matter if competitor, family & friends, or spectator, everyone is sure to be appreciative, as Geisler noted, of “the proximity [of the club] to the lake.”
Explore Bay Harbor
Located right in the heart of the action is Bay Harbor, a coastal resort and golf community that offers a lifestyle like no other. Encompassing 5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Bay Harbor’s natural beauty – serene lake views of crystal-clear water, lush woods and gently rolling topography create a peaceful haven away from the noise of everyday living. Families often enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing off the shores of Lake Michigan or walking or biking along the Little Traverse Wheelway. The Bay Harbor Golf Club has been called “The Pebble Beach of the Midwest” and the Bay Harbor Yacht Club is known as the social centerpiece of the entire community
Bay Harbor Yacht Club has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar transformation and it’s being unveiled this summer. This renovation brings a state-of-the-arts Wellness Center, Relaxation Spa, full Aquatics Center, and upgrades to the member dining experience making this cherished lifestyle even more spectacular. There is so much interest in Bay Harbor that real estate inventories are very low. Joining Bay Harbor Yacht Club has become a great way for potential homebuyers to enjoy the lifestyle and stay updated on the newest listings. A great way to move to the top of the waiting list is to own a home at Bay Harbor.
Bay Harbor makes for a great place to stay a day, a week, or a lifetime. With more than 30 neighborhoods, Bay Harbor offers a wide array of homes and a price range to match your lifestyle. Visit ExploreBayHarbor.com to learn more about the local real estate opportunities and becoming a Bay Harbor neighbor. For those who want to visit and explore the possibility of ownership and membership, two outstanding hotel options are available within Bay Harbor. Check out the Inn at Bay Harbor and the Village Suites Bay Harbor and start planning your dream.
