Michigan-based Pentastar Aviation is extending its partnership with the Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac yacht race for 2019. Pentastar has been a sponsor of the race since 2015 as the race's official charter provider.

The world's longest consecutively run freshwater race, organised by the century-old Bayview Yacht Club, is in its 95th running and this year takes place on 20 July. The Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race has a reputation as one of the most festive sailing events in the US. It is enjoyed by 2,000 or more sailors with over 75,000 fans. Many fans get to Mackinac Island days before the race begins and depart long after the first boat finishes.

“We have greatly enjoyed our sponsorship of the Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race over the past five years and are thrilled to be part of it as it enters its 95th year,” says president and CEO Greg Schmidt. “Extending our partnership and serving as the official charter provider for the race allows us to provide a fast and convenient way for the sailors and their families to get on and off the island, while experiencing the world-class service that has made us the most awarded aviation company in the country.”

Chair of the race Robert Nutter adds: “Over the past five years we have developed a great relationship with Pentastar Aviation and our sailors and their families have come to count on the high quality services it provides.

“After the long race and all of the activities on the island, there is no quicker way to get back home than by a Pentastar charter. Families and fans travelling to the island have come to enjoy seeing all the sails from the race by air. For us, other than by sailboat, there is no better way to get to or from Mackinac Island.”