Mackinac Island Rally offered historic perspective, competitive hunt and great fun

By Dee McClure, Rear Commodore and Rally Chair 

Mother Nature was kind to Great Lake Cruising Club members attending the June 22-25 Mackinac Island (H-77) Rally. The event offered picture-perfect Michigan weather, of which attendees took full advantage.

The Mackinac Island Rally was planned as a stopping point for those heading to the annual Rendezvous in Superior/Duluth and other summer cruising ports of call. Those attending saw an opening reception with “understated patriotic” attire, were reintroduced to the fun of kite-flying on Mission Point’s Great Lawn, a “reverse” historic scavenger hunt, and a spectacular closing dinner at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club.  

Pictured:  (left) Joel McNimety assemblying his 6 ft Delta Kite and (right) Janet and Mark Sandell  preparing for Kite flying 

The Rally also made time for people to relax and explore this engine-free island, as well as meet and reconnect with GLCC members from the far edges of our Great Lakes.

The “reverse” historic scavenger hunt had participants reading about an island-related historic event or place and then setting out to find the place on the island and taking a picture there with their team. The event turned very competitive, with four of the six teams finding all the historic places. A runoff determined the ultimate winners. Overall, it was a competitive and fun learning experience, involving about 10,000 steps. Whew!

Pictured:  (left) Clue reading at start of Historic Scavenger Hunt  and (right) team showing "evidence" of found clue

Special thanks go to Joe and Karen Mesenburg, whose membership in the Mackinac Island Yacht Club allowed GLCC to have dinner at the Club even though the Mesenburg's could not personally attend. 

Pictured:  (left) Ben Robinson and guest Mike Kishler and (right) Carol and Hal Slager - all at Mackinac Island Yacht Club dinner (photo by Dee McClure)

A huge shout-out also goes to Ken Kirsch aboard S/V Windrider for providing his drone for unique pictures, perspectives and videos of the Island and the various Rally activities. 

Pictured:  Cocktail hour before dinner at Mackinac Island Yacht Club (photo by Ken Kirsch)

Sunny days with just the right amount of wind made for enjoyable outdoor activities. Mother Nature did provide a weather front with lots of rain for Thursday’s departure, but a good (fresh water) boat wash, of course, is always welcome. 

Check out ALL the pictures from the Rally HERE