Sheboygan will become one of only four training sites in the country for the US Olympic Sailing team. Hans Graf, Executive Director of Sail Sheboygan Ltd . says this development began with women's match racing becoming an Olympic Event for the 2012 games. The non profit group will operate the new center scheduled to open in spring of 2009.
He says there is no place better for match racing than Sheboygan. Last year a platform with eight sonars and special umpire boats was donated putting match racing putting the site in an "elite status" for the sport.
Hosting international events are nothing new for Sail Sheboygan. The group has hosted several big match race competitions this past year which brought in international talent.
This development is expected to draw more national and international sailing competitors and fans, as well as boost local tourism.
Match racing is tournament style in head-to-head competitions rather than all sailors going in a single race.