Port Huron Harbormaster Mike Davenport was named the Port Huron to Mackinac Race Person of the Year for his dedication to the race.
Davenport said he's been volunteering with the Bayview Yacht Club's race committee for the last 15 years. He said it's great to be recognized for what he's done with the committee. He said the award not only recognizes himself, but also all the other volunteers who work to make the race happen every year.
"Everyone is coming together to make this race happen and, hopefully, make it easier for the racers participating," he said.
Davenport said receiving the award feels more special with this year being the 100th Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race. He said a lot has been put into planning this race over the last few years, so it's an honor to be recognized for that effort.
The race committee is made up of 50 people who make the effort to ensure a safe and successful race for all participants. Davenport is chair of the Harbor Committee.
Davenport was nominated by Bayview Mackinac Race Administrator Melissa Wenzler. She said Davenport has always gone above and beyond.
"He's been incredibly helpful in our relationship with Port Huron and with accommodating anything the race needs," she said. "He's been an excellent problem solver and manages all of our needs."
Race Chair Charlie Trost said the award is a way to appreciate all the efforts someone puts into the race. He said there are a ton of people who make the race possible, but then there are those who put in the extra push to make the racers happy and to overall improve the race process.
He said Davenport is one of those people.
"Mike is the guy to go to," Trost said. "For him and his team to figure out where 300 plus boats can go in Port Huron and then in Mackinac is a huge undertaking. He is a champion for this race."
People can watch the more than 300 fleet of boats take off in toward Mackinac Island on Saturday.
Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.
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