SOUTH HAVEN, MI--(Marketwire - Jun 16, 2011) - The South Shore Yacht Club of Milwaukee, sponsor of one of yachting's oldest freshwater offshore races, has accepted the South Haven Yacht Club's invitation to host the finish of the 2012 Queen's Cup. This will mark the 74th running of this world-class event -- but will be the very first time the race has ended in South Haven. The Queen's Cup is one of the most coveted trophies in sailboat racing, symbolizing the spirit of elite yachtsmen and competition.
Over 200 boats are expected to set sail from Milwaukee, Friday night, June 29, 2012 finishing throughout the day in South Haven, on Saturday, June 30. Participants and spectators will be able to celebrate the finish at one of the most scenic harbors in the Midwest.
"The Queen's Cup is a terrific way for us to showcase South Haven, a premier Lake Michigan beach town and boater's paradise," said Mayor Bob Burr. "We welcome not only the Skippers and crew but sailing fans and family to enjoy our City, our Harbor and our many attractions. We hope they will make a weekend of it."
The Chair of the South Haven Yacht Club's Finish Committee, Alan Silverman, has announced that an entire weekend of events is being planned that will keep family and boaters entertained and well fed Friday through Sunday. "Stay tuned for specific event announcements. This will be a party weekend."
"We are pleased to have South Haven as our finish destination in 2012," Queen's Cup Committee chairman Dave Wehnes said. "All can join the excitement of the post-race festivities in South Haven where I expect that the hospitality will be outstanding." South Haven Yacht Club Commodore, Greg O'Niel, says that he hasn't seen this much excitement about a sailing event in years. "Everywhere I go, Chicago, Milwaukee, Michigan City, Holland, Muskegon, they are talking about the 2012 Queen's Cup. Sailors can't wait to see all that South Haven will have to offer... and I know we will not disappoint them!"
The Queen's Cup race is traditionally held the last Friday evening of June. The Cup itself is one of the oldest known cups in world yachting that is still offered for competition every year. Since the race is held at night, it is always thrilling. After a long night on the water next year, sailors may be surprised to see the finish line anchored by the tall ship Friends Good Will. "It's just one example of how South Haven plans to go all out and welcome boaters and spectators to town," mentions Mayor Burr.
For more information on the Queen's Cup, go to www.ssyc.org. For more information on South Haven and the 2012 Queen's Cup go to www.southhavenyachtclub.com.
The South Haven Yacht Club was established in 1939. The SHYC encourages the sport of boating, promotes the science of seamanship and provides and maintains a clubhouse, restaurant and docks for its members. Junior sailing programs are available all summer and round-the-buoy races every Thursday night. All boaters are welcome.
The South Shore Yacht Club, founded in 1913, has grown to be the largest yacht club in Wisconsin. Members strive for a feeling of family, and take pride in being known as the "Harbor of Hospitality" on the Great Lakes.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/nortonnorris/south_haven_yacht_club/
Contact Information:
Contact:
Alan Silverman
269.358.9100