World Ice & Snow Sailing Championship

The World Ice & Snow Sailing Championships (WISSA) are coming to St. Ignace, Michigan!  This week-long event will be held February 20-26. 

This International event is being hosted in the USA for the first time in over 17 years, and will be nationally televised in over 86 million households

WISSA is the ONLY world event where wings, kites and sails all compete together on snow or ice, slalom and course. This event, which is the oldest event of its type, will be celebrated for the 32nd time right here in St. Ignace, Michigan!.   The frozen ice of Lake Michigan will be home to these ice racers, and we can watch as they make practice runs and compete against their peers!

Due to lack of sufficient ice in Moran Bay, we have had to move the location of the WISSA event. The new location is on the ice of Lake Michigan next to Boulevard Drive in St. Ignace. To get to this location, if heading north from the Mackinac Bridge, take exit 344B and you will loop around and be heading west on US-2. Once you are on US-2, after about a quarter-mile, get into the left turn lane, and turn left at the Quality Inn onto Boulevard Drive. Follow signs on Boulevard Drive until you arrive at the WISSA site!

There are 3 classes in WISSA World Championship:

• Sled Class:  Any sled powered by a windsurfing rig where the rider is standing;
• Hand-held Class:  Any wing held directly by hand;
• Kite Class:  Any wing connected by line.

The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA) event is the longest running international competition in the history of windsurfing. It’s also the most prestigious winter sailing event in the world. Held every year since 1980, the event location alternates annually between Europe and North America.

The best athletes in these thrilling adventure sports will meet in one city - St. Ignace, Michigan, for an entire week. In addition to racing, champions and beginners alike will be able to interact in a variety of WISSA activities.  Other features of this event will include a warming tent on the ice, food & beverage tent, and a free shuttle to get around town.

WISSA's slogan is: The spirit of the wind lives here. This is a place where individuals from all walks of life, and all parts of the world, join together to celebrate their passion for sailing on snow or ice. There are no restrictions or judgments - only enthusiasm and accommodation.

WISSA 2012 is packed with exciting activities that will keep competitors and spectators entertained as well.  During the day, thrilling races will take place and sponsors will have their booths open to demonstrate equipment or sell food and refreshments.  In the evenings, parties and other gatherings will offer a great opportunity to meet the racers and make friends.

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