Bayview Yacht Club Board of Directors Welcomes Outstate Lincoln Mercury Dealer Group as Official Automotive Sponsor of 81st Mackinac Race

Every race needs a Navigator and an all new Mark LT

DETROIT, Mich., July 20 -- Commodore Greg Thomas of Detroit- based Bayview Yacht Club (BYC) today announced the support of the Outstate Lincoln Mercury Dealer Group and welcomed the 90 member organization as official automotive sponsor of the 81st Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race scheduled to set sail from Port Huron, Michigan, on Saturday, July 23, 2005.

The Bayview Mackinac Race has been a Michigan tradition since 1925. Each year, the best skippers and crews gather to test their skills and the capabilities of their boats. From mast to keep, each craft is carefully tuned to be the best that it can be. This same attention to perfection is the driving force behind another Michigan tradition that had its beginnings in 1917 when Henry Leland founded the Lincoln Motor Company. Since then, every Lincoln has made its mark with style, quality and performance carefully tuned to be the best it can be.

In keeping with the sailing theme, the Outstate Lincoln Mercury Dealer Group will focus upon the Navigator with its available power liftgate, power fold 3rd row seat, power deployable running boards, touch screen DVD-based Navigation system and its luxurious inviting interior with American walnut burl wood, premium leather trim and modern satin-nickel accents. A smooth ride and the confidence of AdvanceTrac(R) with Roll Stability Control, make the Navigator the perfect traveling companion for Bayview Mackinac participants and their families.

And, now Lincoln makes a new mark by introducing the all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT built to offer ultimate luxury and performance. First row leather trimmed seats and real ebony wood accents combine with 300 horsepower V-8 performance and up to 8,900 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, this new Mark LT not only ensures that the sailor arrives in style but also has the capacity to bring the yacht with him.

"The Outstate Lincoln Mercury Dealers provide the race with a great look at the amazing technology, safety features and towing capabilities of today's newest vehicles. Our navigators are certain to appreciate the new Lincoln Navigator vehicle and the Mark LT. Our 81st consecutive sailing invites sailors and race enthusiasts to enjoy an extraordinary sport, and this year we are proud to share the experience with Lincoln Mercury," said Thomas. "As the largest fresh water sailboat race in the United States, the event always brings thousands of spectators to Michigan's scenic shore from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. In the days immediately preceding the start, the City of Port Huron welcomes the crowds with great family oriented activities, the showpiece of which is Boat Night on Friday night, a virtual rainbow of color, activity and sailing lore."

According to race chairman, Luiz Kahl, "There are nearly 300 sailboats docked virtually in every corner of the Black River in preparation for the big sail on the 23rd. We, as the sailing community, look forward to the extraordinary bringing together of people who not only share the sport but those who share the excitement. We plan for fun and great competition, but above all, we plan for a safe voyage with stringent rules and safety regulations."

"Lincoln Mercury vehicles, especially the elegantly restyled Lincoln Navigator and the all new Mark LT are the perfect match for sailors," said Dave Peterson of Peterson & Son Lincoln Mercury (Suburban Detroit DMA) and board member. "Each has premium interior features, extra towing capacity, plenty of power, large cargo space, safety features, family friendly comfort and great design. We are especially proud to showcase these vehicles in Port Huron and at events leading up to the great race and to lend our support to such an important historic occasion."

For the organizers, skippers, sailors and spectators, the race is an annual opportunity for competition and family togetherness. For many, it is a need for adventure and seamanship. For others, it marks the annual trip up north. No matter the reason, the sailing crews of the expected 260+ boats will start the race about 4.2 miles north of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. They will then sail up the coast of Michigan, a 204 mile route, or a longer 253 mile course toward Southampton, Ontario and over to Mackinac Island.

With 260+ entries, the varying size of the crafts is of particular attention. The multiple divisions and classes feature yachts from 26 feet to 72 feet in length, and the largest boat may exhibit a crew of over 20 members. The classes showcase every type of sailing vessel, from the laid back cruising class to the full power racing boats to the advanced, high-tech quick multi hulls. Popular participants and boat names will keep the spectators' interest as the fleet sails from start to finish.

Bayview Yacht Club sits on the banks of the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake St. Clair. Recently celebrating its 90th birthday, the club has a colorful and unique history having survived the great depression and World War II. Today, it is widely respected as one of the premier sailing clubs in the world and is noted for the many America's Cup and Whitbred sailors among its crews.

The Outstate Lincoln Mercury Dealer group has 90 stores located in Michigan, Toledo, Ohio, Fort Wayne and South Bend, Indiana.

For additional information concerning the 81st Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race, rules and history, visit Bayview Yacht Club website at http://www.byc.com/ . For more information on the entire Lincoln Mercury lineup, visit http://lincolnmercury.com/ .