Bayview Yacht Club Host First Annual Acura 'Sailing Under The Stars' Charity Preview, June 30

All new event along the shores of the Detroit River will kick off festivities for the 2012 Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race

DETROIT – Bayview Yacht Club, one of the most storied and historical sailing clubs in the world, today announced it will host the Acura Sailing Under the Stars Charity Preview from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2012, located at 100 Clairpointe in Detroit. The first annual event, set against the backdrop of the Detroit River, will feature food, fun and live entertainment. The event is a benefit for six local charities, including Autism Speaks, Childhelp, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Matrix Human Services and Rose Hill Center. Jeff Henderson, 2012 Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Commodore, made the announcement.

“I can’t think of a better way to kickoff of 2012 Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race festivities,” said Henderson. “The evening will be a grand celebration of sailing, wonderful entertainment and delicious food provided by several well-known restaurants. For a number of years, we have discussed ways to involve the community with the race. The Acura Sailing Under the Stars Charity Preview event accomplishes this by bringing together our members and guests to experience the club at its best.”

When the opportunity to be associated with Bayview and the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race came up we viewed it as a great opportunity to add the Acura name to one of the great Michigan summer traditions and reach a key audience,” said, Doug Fox of Ann Arbor Acura. “In addition to helping create what is sure to become the party of the summer in metro Detroit, we are able to be a part of raising more than $40,000 for outstanding local non-profits and causes in the Metro Detroit region.

The first annual Acura Sailing Under the Stars will feature four bands performing on two stages located on the grounds of the acre club. A selection of more than 25 restaurants from metro Detroit and Port Huron will offer guests a variety of selections from their menus. The restaurants include River Crab, Vintomondo, Vintage House, Zumba’s, The Hill, Majestic Café, Palm Palace, Blue Fin, Shields Pizza, BD's Mongolian, UDetroit Media Café, and Detroit What Crepe.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race in the community, so to be able to put on an event like this in Detroit is a wonderful opportunity,” said Jon Witz, president, JWA, who is producing the Acura Sailing Under the Stars Charity Preview event. “We’re excited about the entertainment and lineup of metro Detroit and Port Huron restaurants and eateries that have come together for this preview event to raise awareness and funds for our charitable partners.”

Sure to be a highlight at the event will be the large number of sailboats participating in 88th Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race available for a close up look. Their individual captains will be on hand for conversation and questions about the race. The 2012 race, known as the “Great Race on the Great Lakes,” will depart Port Huron on July 14. It has become one of the most highly publicized sailing events in the nation.

Tickets for the Acura Sailing Under the Stars Charity Preview are $75 per person and can be purchased at www.sailingunderthestars.com <http://www.sailingunderthestars.com> . During the process of purchasing a ticket, guests will be ask which charity they would like proceeds of their ticket to benefit. Valet parking is included in the price of the ticket.

About Acura
Since the introduction of Acura in 1986, the Michigan Acura Dealers have been serving the Detroit area with the first Japanese luxury brand. Acura has been setting new standards in automotive design and engineering for two decades through bold innovation, a refined sense of aesthetics, and precision manufacturing. The Michigan Acura Dealers are: Ann Arbor Acura, located at 540 Auto Mall Drive in Ann Arbor; Jeffrey Acura, located at 30800 Gratiot Avenue in Roseville; Acura of Troy, located at 1828 Maplelawn Drive in Troy; and Suburban Acura, located at 25000 Haggerty Road in Farmington Hills. For more information, visit http://www.michiganacuradealers.com.

About Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Bell's Brewery, Inc. began in 1985 with a quest for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. Our dedication to brewing flavorful, unfiltered, quality craft beers is still with us today. We currently brew more than 20 unique beers and ales for distribution in 18 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, in addition to many small batches that are only available at our pub in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our ongoing goal is to brew thoughtfully, creatively and artistically. Bell's is the oldest craft brewery east of Colorado and the largest in Michigan. Bell's is currently in the midst of a $52 million expansion that when finished will allow us to meet growing consumer demand across existing and new markets. For more information, visit http://www.bellsbeer.com <http://www.bellsbeer.com> .

About Bayview Yacht Club
Bayview Yacht Club, founded in 1915, is widely regarded as the premier sailing club in Michigan and the Midwest. It has been hosting the Bayview Mackinac Race since 1925. The private club is located on the Detroit River near the mouth of Lake St. Clair and has more than 1,000 members. For more information: www.byc.com <http://www.byc.com> .