Kenosha Community Sailing Center Hosts Mardi Gras Fundraiser Feb 7
The Kenosha Community Sailing Center (KCSC) is proud to announce a Mardi Gras Party supporting the launch of Kenosha’s first High School & Collegiate C420 Sailing Team, a milestone initiative designed to expand competitive sailing opportunities for students while strengthening Kenosha’s waterfront identity.
The fundraiser will take place Saturday, February 7 at 6 PM at the Carthage College Jockey Club and will feature an authentic New Orleans dinner, Bourbon Street-style drinks, live Cajun music by the award-winning band Cajun Strangers, and a festive ’Tit Rex Parade. This is a beloved Carnival tradition where participants create and parade shoebox-sized floats as part of a friendly and comical competition.’Tit is short for “petit”, meaning small!
The new sailing program will introduce high school and college students to organized interscholastic and collegiate racing, laying the groundwork for future, school-based sailing clubs as interest in the sport grows. The teams will compete in Club 420 (C420) dinghies, the most widely used boats in youth and collegiate racing nationwide. Athletes will be coached by US Sailing-certified KCSC instructors, and as their skills develop, compete in regattas throughout the Midwest.
“Kenosha is uniquely positioned for a program like this,” said Joe Rickard, CEO of Offsite and KCSC Board Member spearheading the initiative. “We sit on one of the greatest sailing venues in the world, with a rich maritime history. This team gives students the chance to represent Kenosha on the water while developing leadership, confidence, and real-world skills that extend far beyond sailing.”
Beyond athletics, the program is expected to generate positive economic and community impact. Regattas attract visiting teams, families, and spectators, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses while fostering pride in Kenosha’s harbor and encouraging lifelong water safety and stewardship.
“This is an investment in both students and the community,” said Will Smith, Financial Advisor with Thrivent and event sponsor. “Sailing teaches discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving — qualities essential for long-term success. Supporting this team means supporting young leaders and strengthening Kenosha’s connection to Lake Michigan.”
“Our goal is to build momentum,” Rickard added. “We’re starting with a community-based team, but as interest grows, we envision Kenosha schools and colleges forming their own sailing clubs and teams. This program is the catalyst.”
The Kenosha Community Sailing Center invites community members, businesses, and organizations to support this fundraising effort and help launch a program that honors Kenosha’s maritime legacy while shaping future generations.
For tickets and information, visit www.kenoshasailing.org/mardi-gras