Youth Sailing on Lake Michigan
If you have read my past blog posts, you may have noticed that youth sailing is a topic that I am passionate about. All three of my boys are sailors. It’s a great sport, filled with camaraderie, challenge, unique opportunity, and the list goes on.
Each summer, my kids and I participate on the regatta circuit, and on Lake Geneva, during their annual youth race week. This year was no exception, however, we did have a new twist. My middle son opted to skip the Lake Geneva event, and participated in the Kazube Cup, hosted by South Shore Yacht Club. We have never done this event in the past, but have heard that it’s such a fun regatta.
The regatta features optis, 420’s and lasers. Kids come from Greater Milwaukee, as well as from other yacht clubs around Lake Michigan, such as Chicago, Lake Forest, Waukegan, etc. The beauty of the event is that for the opti sailors, they can test their skills in Lake Michigan, and sleep on a “big boat” sailboat. Members open their cabins to sailors who request housing, provided they have a minimum number of kids on the boat, and an adult chaperone. Can you say “fun” with a capital F?? What a treat for a young sailor! Sailing in Lake Michigan, with the city backdrop is a treat for sailors and spectators, alike.
The host club provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, in addition to the regatta fee, at a very reasonable rate. My son had a fabulous time with good friends, sailing his boat and enjoying a night on a sleeper sailboat. The “MOM” in me can’t help but note that the best part of the event for him was the fact that the regatta fell on top of his birthday, and he won the opti event. Happy Birthday, Parker!
Summer sailing in Southeastern Wisconsin, is just one more reason to love living here!
Posted by:
Karen Trepton
