*NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED*

Commodore's Cup is a 9-day activity that takes place during the second half of July and culminates with a formal ball at the end.  This event celebrates both the sailing and social aspects of the club and stems from delightfully wacky traditions formed during the typical doldrums due to lack of wind in July. It's the perfect opportunity to put your sailing skills to the test or invite your non-sailing friends to see the kind of fun and adventure you get up to with Hoofers!

All participants are divided into teams that create their own nautically themed team name and coordinating team theme. Team names of the past include the Blue-Green Algae Blooms, The Punta Armada, Hot Tub Tech Machine, Sloop-nado, Mighty Mooring Power Sailors, Frat Bouys: Never Gonna Jib Clew Up, and the Tech-nomaniacs. 

Teams compete for points in a variety of races and competitions (both sailing and non-sailing), with the winner getting their team and names inscribed on the mighty Commodore's Cup Trophy. Races occur on almost every fleet, including the windsurfing fleet, encouraging new racers and seasoned racers to enter and test their skills against other club members. Some of the competitions in the past have included the greased watermelon, the Sardine Race, the Sloop landing, and the famous All-Fleets Race, where the teams race all boats featured in the Hoofer fleet.

Each night features a social dinner in addition to a social event such as a dance clinic or protest meeting. The entire competition culminates with the Commodore's Ball--a formal dance held in the Great Hall in Memorial Union with a live band playing. At the ball, the awards are handed out and the winners are announced. 

Dinner will be provided at the end of events each night with the exception of the team building night on the 12th, the scavenger hunt through downtown Madison on July 18th, and appetizers with a cash bar will be at the Commodore's Cup Ball on July 22nd.

Event Times (Daily events are tentative and subject to change)

• Wednesday July 17th @6:00 PM - Team Meet and Greet

  • Participants will be placed into teams and have time to come up with a team theme.  Skill levels are evenly distributed across teams, but friends can request to be on the same team. This is where you get your manual for the event that includes some basic rules, descriptions of events, and other helpful info.

• Friday July 19th @6:00PM Commodore's Cup Opening Ceremonies

  • Come dressed in your teams theme and watch as the torch is passed to the incoming commodore by way of an enthusiastic tossing into the lake.  Team Flags will be flown (and judged).
  • Dinner will be served from 6:00PM - 8:00PM

• Saturday July 20th. 12:00PM - 5:00PM - First Day of Events (Sardine Race, Greased Watermelon, Human Battleship)

  • Dinner will be served around 4 PM.  Snacks will be placed out around mid-day.

• Sunday July 21st. 12:00PM - 5:00PM (Sloop Slalom, Sloop Landing, Cardboard Boat Race)

  • Dinner will be served around 4 PM.  Snacks will be placed out around mid-day.

• Monday July 22nd. 5:30PM - 9:00PM (Small Fleets, Hungry Hungry Hoofers, Chalk Art, Protest)

  • Dinner will be served @7:30PM

• Tuesday July 23rd. 5:30PM - 9:00PM

  • Photoscavenger hunt starting at the Memorial Union Lakefront, along State Street, and Ending at the Argus Bar and Grill

• Wednesday July 24th. 5:30PM - 9:00PM (Best In Boat races, Paddleboard Joust)

  • Dinner will be served @7:30PM

• Thursday July 25th. 5:30PM - 9:00PM (Zests Techs and Boards, All Hands on Tech, Talent(less?) show)

  • Dinner will be served @7:30PM

• Friday July 26th. 5:30PM - 9:00PM - All Fleets Race (and final protest)

  • Come join us on this special night as we attempt to get every boat (and some that don't) to all come together in a single race, in front of the Memorial Union Terrace.
  • Dinner will be served @7:00PM

• Saturday July 27th. 7:00PM - 11:30PM - Commodore's Cup Ball

  • Join us in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union, to dance the night away in style to a live jazz band (Dimensions in Sound).  Formal Dress is encouraged.
  • Appetizers with a cash bar will be available during the Ball.

** * All participants in this event must be eligible to be a Hoofer Sailing Club member, but current membership is not required.**