Escanaba Sailboat Races, Races in Michigan Calendar and Something about Knots

(Illustrative Only)

The other night, we headed out for the Wednesday sailboat races at Escanaba Yacht Club. If you're interested in watching, you can head to the mouth of the harbor around 7:00 p.m. to catch the action. (Hint: Bring binoculars or telescope.) A few other races in the region are offered below. I was unable to find a strong calendar for all sailboat races in Michigan and Wisconsin. If you know of one send me a message to the right and I'll post. 

Last night's race was quite an adventure. The weather was rainy and cold, and everything was soaked—even with proper wet-weather gear. The waves were large, and conditions were challenging, but that was part of the fun. There is something rewarding about testing your skills against the power of nature.

Our team finished in second place. While we're happy with the result, there were only a few boats competing due to the weather, so we're not quite ready to call it a major victory until we see a larger regatta field. Still, it was a great experience.

One of the best parts of sailing is learning from others. Every time you sail with someone new, you pick up a new skill, technique, or perspective. Experienced sailors—especially the salty dogs who have spent years on the water—always seem to have a trick, story, or lesson to share. A discussion on knots opened up and I realized I needed to review so I put a resource below. That's part of what makes sailing such an enjoyable and lifelong pursuit. You never stop learning. 

If you want some balance, socialization, the outdoors and fun recreation consider joining your local yacht club.

Sailing Knots

Lightenings Sail to Victory!

Escanaba Yacht Club 2026 Calendar

Lake Michigan Races

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

• Route: Chicago, Illinois to Mackinac Island, Michigan
• Distance: Approximately 333 statute miles
• Founded: 1898
• Often called the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world.
• Website:
  https://www.cycracetomackinac.com
• Race Overview: Finishes at Mackinac Island and regularly attracts hundreds of boats from around the Great Lakes.

Queen's Cup Race

• Route: Alternates between Wisconsin and Michigan ports
• Typical Route: Milwaukee to Muskegon or Grand Haven
• Distance: Approximately 69 nautical miles
• Overnight cross-lake race
• Website:
  https://www.ssyc.org/queens-cup-r-race-blog
• The 2026 race is scheduled for June 26.

Little Traverse Yacht Club Ugotta Regatta

• Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan
• Multi-day regatta on Little Traverse Bay
• Website:
  https://www.ltyc.org

South Haven Yacht Club Regatta

• Location: South Haven, Michigan
• One of the major annual racing events on Michigan's west coast
• Website:
  https://www.shyc.org

Muskegon Yacht Club Racing Series

• Location: Muskegon, Michigan
• Multiple regattas and offshore races throughout the season
• Website:
  https://www.muskegonyachtclub.org

---

Major Great Lakes Races

Bayview Mackinac Race

• Route: Port Huron, Michigan to Mackinac Island
• Founded: 1925
• One of the most prestigious freshwater races in the world
• Typically attracts more than 200 boats and approximately 1,600 sailors.
• Website:
  https://www.bycmack.com

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

• Great Lakes classic
• Finishes at Mackinac Island
• Website:
  https://www.cycracetomackinac.com

Tri Lake Challenge

• Consists of:
  • Bayview Mackinac Race
  • Chicago Mackinac Race
  • Trans Superior Race
• Competitors who complete all three compete for the Barthel Trophy.

Mills Trophy Race

• Route: Detroit to Put-in-Bay, Ohio
• Hosted by the Detroit regional sailing community
• One of the oldest races on Lake Erie
• Website:
  https://www.drya.org

Hook Race

• Lake Michigan distance race
• Popular among offshore and short-handed sailors
• Website:
  https://www.lmss.us

---

Lake Superior Races

Trans Superior Yacht Race

• Route: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Duluth, Minnesota
• Founded: 1969
• Widely regarded as the toughest offshore race on the Great Lakes due to Lake Superior's weather and distance.
• Website:
  https://www.transsup.org

Keweenaw Cup

• Location: Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
• Offshore racing around Michigan's northern peninsula
• Website:
  https://www.keweenawsailing.com

Bayfield Race Week

• Location: Bayfield, Wisconsin
• Features the famous "Around the Islands" distance race on Lake Superior.
• Website:
  https://www.bayfieldraceweek.com

Superior Sailfest Regatta

• Location: Duluth, Minnesota
• One of Lake Superior's largest annual regattas
• Website:
  https://www.duluthyachtclub.com

Apostle Islands Offshore Series

• Location: Bayfield, Wisconsin
• Challenging races among the Apostle Islands
• Website:
  https://www.apostleislandsyc.com