Waterfront Weekend - August 8-10

A Waterfront Weekend, in cooperation with the match race, will highlight Sheboygan. We invite you to participate in these four days of fun in the sun as we launch the inaugural Northern Lights Cup, to be held August 6-10, along Sheboygan's bustling Lakefront.

The Northern Lights Cup promises to be an exciting addition to the circuit of International Women's Match Racing events, offering top-notch competition as eight teams of four women race using identical new Sonar Sailboats in a test of crew work, boat handling skills and tactical decision-making. This ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Grade 3-event will demand skill and endurance from each competitor in this sport recently added to the 2012 Olympics.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) governs the sport of sailing, grades match racing events using standard criteria and maintains a ranking of sailors worldwide. The Northern Lights Cup will be a Grade 3 event this year, but with continued sponsorship support, we plan to be hosting a Grade 1 event (highest grade awarded by ISAF) by the year 2011. Over 200 women sailors from 24 different countries currently hold world rankings by participating in match racing events such as the Northern Lights Cup. The increasing popularity of the sport, coupled with Olympic interest, will bring international competitors and race officials to our area. The Sheboygan platform has the potential to grow into a significant event for the competitors hoping to qualify for the 2012 Olympic team. The Waterfront Weekend is one way we can increase the popularity of the Sheboygan race as a choice destination.

The weekend will feature a boatload of outdoor activities for families, including seminars and workshops, demonstrations, water equipment rentals and delicious food and beverages from the galley.

In order for the Northern Lights Cup to become a successful annual event, one which showcases all that the vibrant Sheboygan Lakefront has to offer in recreation, retail and dining and that puts money back into our local economy, we need you to get on board with us. If you are interested in renting water-related equipment, providing a workshop or demonstration or promoting your company or organization, please review the Waterfront Opportunities Agreement.

Our Sponsors:

Midshipman Sponsor