The Mackinac Island City Council has put off a decision in a ferryboat dispute that threatens to disrupt a long-running sailboat race.

The Bayview Yacht Club says it may change the end point of the annual Port Huron to Mackinac Island race.

The club says organizers are worried that a proposed merger between Arnold Transit Co. and Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry would jeopardize the race.

The Petoskey News-Review and The Detroit News say the deal could force longtime race sponsor Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry out of business.

The Cheboygan Daily Tribune says the council heard competing proposals Wednesday night for ferry service to the resort island. Officials say they won’t act for at least a month.

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