ABOUT
The Mills Experience
When & Who
The Mills Trophy Race is held each year on the second weekend following Memorial Day. The race is open to the following classes: PHRF, JAM, Double-Handed, Multi-Hull and Classics. The three courses offered, depending on class and boat rating, all begin near the Toledo Harbor Light and end at a finish line off of South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay).
The Challenge
The Mills Trophy Race is a challenge. In accordance with the deed of gift for the Mills Trophy, the race is to be a test of navigational skill. So the race starts begin in the late afternoon and sailing continues through the evening and night.
Upon Finishing
Upon finishing, the boats proceed to the reserved docks in downtown Put-in-Bay. Regardless of the time of arrival, the gathering at the docks is festive occasion for all with both the winners and the not so fortunate trading tales of their night on the lake.
On Shore Activities
Although the race is the centerpiece, Mills Week includes a number of other events. On the Friday evening preceding the race, the Mills Masters are invited to a special picnic in their honor. On Wednesday, the winners of the previous year's race are feted at a banquet and awards presentation. Thursday evening is the famous Mills Party held on the lawn of the Toledo Yacht Club. This party is open to the public and offers an opportunity to see many of the boats which will race the next evening. Boats arriving on Thursday are welcomed with a cannon salute. A post-race party, held on Saturday afternoon at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club, includes music, refreshments and the posting of the race results. Before heading home on Sunday, flags are presented to the winning skippers.
HONORARY CHAIR
2026 Mills Trophy Race Honorary Chair
Each year, the Mills Trophy Race Committee names an Honorary Chairman in recognition of a person or persons making a significant contribution to sailing, particularly the Mills Trophy Race.
The 2026 Honorary Chair to be announced at the Friends of the Mills Party.
MILLS MASTERS
Mills Masters - Honoring those who have sailed 25 or more Mills Trophy Races
In any sailboat race, it's not about the boats but those who sail them. With that in mind, the committee decided to designate those who have sailed 25 or more Mills Trophy Races as Mills Masters. The first Mills Masters were named in 2005 to mark the 25th year of the race's course from Toledo Harbor Light to Put-in-Bay; the members of the inaugural class had each sailed at least one race on one of the old courses. Each year, the Mill Masters are celebrated with a party to kick off Mills Week. New members of the group regale the attendees with their favorite Mills story to the delight of all.
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