Join the fleet for a terrific time and a grand adventure. Make your plans now to participate in the 75th annual sailing of the Queen’s Cup Race, a storied yachting event.
Sponsored by South Shore Yacht Club, this annual overnight sprint across Lake Michigan departs for Ludington on June 28. In 2013, it’s anticipated more than 200 boats with crews of more than 1,400 people will venture into the open waters with their sight set on Ludington, Michigan.
The Queen’s Cup is one of yachting’s most renowned offshore races, drawing plenty of tricked-out rockets with the latest carbon fiber sails and go-fast gizmos. For those who cruise with a barbecue on the stern and the wine rack well-stocked with primo Pinot, it’s also an unforgettable way to start your annual cruising vacation. You will cross in-style, as part of a big, organized fleet, in the company of some of the best sailors.
If you’ve participated before, you know we promise and deliver a great party at both ends, while also focusing on being a family-friendly event. Many boats will have multiple generations within their crew. The camaraderie, above all, keeps racers coming back year after year. We’ll dash together towards dawn. Join us as part of this communal celebration of the original adventure sport - offshore sailboat racing.
Cruise Over
The Queen’s Cup Cruising Fleet (jib-and-main only)will start several hours ahead to provide cruisers a head-start and added daylight sailing time. Each boat must be entered, comply with all safety and insurance regulations, and have a PHRF certificate.
Small-Boat-Friendly Fee Structure
The race will use a fee entry system based on LOA. It’s a move on our part to make the fee schedule more equitable and increase participation in the small-boat sections.
THE EVENT
Open to all boats, mono- and multi-hull, with valid LMPHRF handicap certificates.
Open to all one-design classes, if enough entries are received
The Multihull fleet will race if at least five entries are received
The Short-handed fleet is for monohulls with a crew limit of two
The Cruising fleet is for monohulls that will not fly spinnakers
Scoring within sections will be based on LMPHRF time-on-distance distance handicaps (DHCP). Ties will be broken using time-on-time handicap factors.
THE COURSE
Milwaukee to Ludington, MI
Heading: Approx. 47° Distance: Approx. 82 NM
THE SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 27th
Registration, 11 am - 5:30 pm
Queen’s Cup Party, 6 pm - ???
Wisconsin-side activities coincide with Summerfest, and once again we’ll be running a shuttle bus.
Friday, June 28th
Registration, 9 am - 3 pm
Starts staggered from mid-afternoon through early evening
Saturday, June 29th
The fleet arrives to Ludington with post-race festivities hosted by Ludington Yacht Club.
Race chairman: Kenneth Dziubek - email: qc@ssyc.org
Photography: Courtesy of Mark Gillespie
Design & Production: Courtesy of Mortenson Construction
