In 1998, the Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit, created a new classification, marking a significant milestone attained by only a few Bayview Mackinac Race sailors. The Society recognizes sailors who have completed at least fifty Bayview Mackinac Races with special honors. This honor and designation make such sailors GRAND RAMS. Since the yacht BERNIDA first crossed the finish line on the Straits in Mackinac on July 25, 1925, more than seven hundred and seventy sailors have become Old Goats, but as of 2023, only thirty-nine intrepid soles have sailed 50 or more Mackinac Races. 

Having completed a minimum of fifty Mackinac Races requires more than one hundred twenty days on the water and some fourteen thousand miles of sailing. They have likely endured over one hundred thunderstorms and suffered through five hundred or more watch changes. 

Don’t wait until your 50th Bayview Mackinac Race to start your Grand Ram Application Form! Contrary to popular belief, we do not have a database with crew member information. Ask fellow crew members, friends, and family if you struggle to remember every race. This is a Corinthian sport, and we will accept your information as provided.

Membership in the Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit  – Grand Rams is open to all sailors who have completed fifty Bayview Mackinac Races. Applications are available on the Bayview Mackinac Race website, www.bycmack.com, under the About tab. Applications are accepted for sailors who have completed a minimum of fifty Bayview Mackinac Races or plan to complete their fiftieth race in the year of their application. Applications are due by April 15th each year. Membership notifications will be sent out around June 1st each year. 

Newly inducted Grand Rams are recognized on Mackinac Island during the Island Awards Party following the Bayview Mackinac Race. They are officially inducted into the Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit, as a Grand Ram yearly at the Old Goats Cocktail Party before the Mackinac Award Party in the Fall. Their names are added to the Grand Ram Plaque in the Canada’s Cup Room at Bayview Yacht Club and the Grand Ram Trophy in the Regatta Room at Bayview Yacht Club. 

The Society of Mackinac Island Old Goats, Detroit members are Greg Hummel (Chair),Tom Anderson – Double Goats and HOF Co-Chair, John Trost – Events Co-Chair, Terry Larivee – New Members Co-Chair, Ron Rabine – Communications and SWAG Co-Chair

Please contact Greg Hummel at oldgoats@byc.com with any questions or to submit your application.