TOLEDO, Ohio — The Mills Trophy Race is an annual race that takes place every year on Lake Erie, but this time marks a milestone as it is the 100th year.
Event host Ron Soka said more than 160 boats were registered to compete this year, more than he's seen in the past.
"We've had a nice turnout you know, sailors like being a part of history so this is kind of a milestone," he said. "It's a major event on Lake Erie and being the 100th race has importance to it."
Sailors started the event off with a pre-race party Friday hosted by the Toledo Yacht Club, inviting participants, family and friends to mingle the night before the big day
They took off today at 5 p.m. Friday from the Toledo Harbor Light in Maumee Bay and will be sailing overnight to Put-In-Bay.
The race consists of several divisions and courses, so not all the boats will be in one single race.
Some boaters said they are competing for fun while others are bracing for a win this year.
Lloyd Everingham, a participant, said he's in it to make friends and memories.
“I’m racing to have fun," he said. "I just try to make my boat go as fast as it can go and if it wins, it wins and if I lose, I had a good time."
Jake Burgy, a previous winner of the race, is also participating for the memories but hopes to bring home a win, too.
"I'm always racing to win but I'm going to have fun either way. But I do get a little competitive," he said.
"The Mills Race is kind of the first major event of the summer so it kind of gets the ball rolling" on boating season, Burgy added.
One of last year's winners, Phil Fry, is racing again this year with a new boat and said he has faith thanks to his crew.
"I think we may do well," said Fry. "We've got some stiff competition out there so there's no guarantees, but I've got a good crew and I've purchased a new sail."
Winners will be given trophies and flags for their boats.