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Prepare for the Queen’s Cup – A Tradition Like No Other
A team of North U Coaches and more than a dozen North U alumni are preparing to sprint across Lake Michigan in a race that is equal parts Chicago Mac Race preparation and plain ole summer fun.
This morning we are making our final plans now for one of the most storied overnight races on the Great Lakes: the 86th running of the Queen’s Cup, presented by South Shore Yacht Club. This classic challenge sends sailors 66 nautical miles across Lake Michigan, from Milwaukee, WI to Muskegon, MI, testing seamanship, strategy, and endurance in equal measure.
Each year, this midsummer crossing draws a diverse fleet—from seasoned racers to adventurous cruisers—all aiming for one of the oldest active trophies in yacht racing. Expect everything from misty calms to a full-bore freshwater sleigh ride, as Lake Michigan rarely disappoints in delivering variety.
Before the start, don’t miss North U director emeritus Bill Gladstone and North U Coach Chris Bedford’s Weather Briefing at 10:00 AM Friday (https://northsails.zoom.us/meeting/register/qoFdAEywSZSVh6-7TYbwLg). Then it’s on to the starting line for a race that’s not just about competition—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the shared thrill of crossing a big lake under sail.
The Finish Line & Festivities
The Muskegon Yacht Club will host the post-race celebration, welcoming sailors with a warm dockside reception. Raise a glass, swap sea stories, and bask in the glow of one of summer’s sailing milestones.
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A Trophy with a Tale: The Queen’s Cup History
The Queen’s Cup® itself predates most organized yacht clubs on the continent. Crafted in 1847 by famed London silversmiths Robert Garrard & Co., this sterling silver prize was originally awarded off the coast of England in 1853. The American sloop Silvie earned the cup as a special award for her strong second-place finish behind the English yacht Gaily—a feat that turned heads in the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Though technically not a true “Queen’s Cup” (only British yachts could win a cup officially offered by the Queen), the trophy became known by that name. After some quiet decades, it reemerged in Detroit and eventually found a permanent home in Milwaukee when Walter Hull deeded it to South Shore Yacht Club in 1938.
Since then, it has been raced for every year (save a few wartime exceptions), always starting in Milwaukee and finishing on the Michigan side—Spring Lake, Grand Haven, St. Joseph, and now Muskegon among the finish ports. Its alternating award system between different fleets reflects both the sport’s evolving formats and SSYC’s commitment to inclusive, spirited competition.
Marked with hallmarks authenticating its 19th-century British origin, the Queen’s Cup® is more than silver—it’s a symbol of the enduring connection between craftsmanship, courage, and camaraderie on the water.
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Whether you’re racing to win or sailing for the sheer joy of the crossing, the Queen’s Cup® is your midsummer reason to point east and go long.
See you on the line.
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