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Rescuing Mackinac Maritime History

            The Mackinac Straits region has a rich maritime history.  From the early days of Native American canoes to the arrival of thousand foot freighters, it has played a pivotal role in shaping North America’s destiny.

            Surprisingly, much of this nautical lore remains to be gathered for future generations to enjoy.  Now the Mackinac Boating Heritage Foundation (MBH) is working to do just that. 

The Foundation is a non-profit organization endorsed by the Mackinac Island Yacht Club, Mackinac Straits businesses, and local citizens.

            One major project is to restore to racing condition the historic sailboat, the Bernida, an icon of Great Lakes sailing history.

The Bernida is the 32 foot R-Class sloop that rounded the Mackinac Island lighthouse in July, 1925 to win the first Pt. Huron to Mackinac sailboat race.

Skippered by owner Russell J. Pouliot (1896-1956), the boat and its crew of four was one of only four boats in a 12-boat fleet that finished the race.

            Its crew had battled storm after storm to cross the line in 48 hours. 

Shortly after, almost mysteriously, the Bernida disappeared.  This historic boat was discovered 75 years later by Toby Murray, a Mackinac Island resident, stored away in an old Frankfort, Michigan warehouse.

Bart Huthwaite, Commodore of the Mackinac Island Yacht Club and a founding director of the Mackinac Boating Heritage Foundation, purchased the Bernida, moved her to St. Ignace and hired Irish Boat Works of Harbor Springs to do a restoration feasibility study.  

The question:  Could the Bernida be brought back to racing trim to compete in another Mackinac race?

The answer:  It can! 

However, Huthwaite soon learned the price tag for restoring the Bernida to a condition safe enough to race is a challenging $175,000.

            The Mackinac Boating Heritage Foundations has launched a campaign to raise the funds to do just that.

            Some two years will be needed to complete the project.  Restoration will be done in St. Ignace, on the Michigan mainland just across from Mackinac Island, thus providing work for local residents.

            “The Bernida is a sailing icon that symbolizes Mackinac Island’s dedication to preserving history,” says Commodore Huthwaite, head of the Mackinac Boating Heritage Foundation.  

 “The Mackinac Island community is deeply interested in strengthening interest in the annual Mackinac races and sailing history at large,” says Huthwaite.

The Bernida will be on display on Mackinac at the end of the Bayview and Chicago Yacht Club races.   Raffle tickets will be sold as part of an effort to raise funds for the restoration.

Other projects being considered by the Foundation include :

1.  Compiling a “coffee table” pictorial history of the Mackinac Straits.

2.  Organizing a sail training program for local residents and students.

3.  Raising funds to refurbish the Mackinac Island Harbor light that stands at the entrance to the harbor and now badly in need of repair.