2nd Annual Kai Cup Memorial Race

This event: May be of interest to the LGBTQ community || We would like to invite you to the 2nd Annual Kai Cup Memorial Race. Please spread the word, all are welcome.
The Kai Cup Memorial Yacht Race is back for a second year! We are partnering with Trans Northland again to honor a Twin Ports community member and raise funds and awareness for LGBTQ+ youth.
Kai Hoenig was actively involved with the Duluth Rowing Club, Duluth Yacht Club, Duluth Superior Sailing Association, local theater productions, climbing teams, the Marshall School Robotics Team, and more. Kai was an incredibly gifted sailor, very involved community member, and talented
educator – even at their young age.
Trans Northland is a 501c3 registered non-profit providing support, resources, and community to the transgender community in the Northland. In the first 5 months of 2026 Trans Northland has already served over 3,000 individuals and family members! They host community events, drop in center hours, and peer support groups. Trans Northland recently created a Gender-Affirming Healthcare Coalition, and has big plans for a community center that would be home to additional programming and services for the trans and gender expansive community in the Twin Ports area.
Last year’s event had an estimated 100 attendees, 4 local organizations tabling with information, live music from a local musician sponsored by another local non-profit, $3000 in raffle prizes donated from over 20 businesses and individuals, and raised over $2000 for Trans Northland. Leading up to Saturday, September 13, we had 41 boats (with average crew sizes of 6) registered for the memorial sailboat race, of which at least 10 had no plans to race but entered in spirit. Sailors handicap rating to be more competitive on the race course. This generated an additional ~$23,000 in donations for Trans Northland! We are blown away by the generosity (and competitiveness) of
our community!
The day of the race was hallmark Duluth weather – dense fog and waves. But the Race Committee was determined to pull off a race. After a couple postponements and an altered course, 18 boats braved the weather and raced in the first Kai Cup!
In total over $25,000 was raised for Trans Northland in honor of Kai Hoenig.
2026
Friday, September 11, 2026 we are kicking off with a community event at Earth Rider Festival Fairgrounds. filled with a Raffle, Beverages and food available for purchase at Earth Rider Brewery, Pride and Ally swag available for purchase, Vendor Tables and live music by Black River Revue.
The 2nd Annual Kai Cup Memorial Yacht Race will take place on Saturday,
September 12 at 11:00 AM on Lake Superior. Following will be an awards event open to the Community at the CaddyShack. Doors open at 3 PM and awards ceremony at 5 pm.
On behalf of the Kai Cup planning committee, Trans Northland, and our race affiliate Duluth Yacht Club, along with all the wonderful folks promoting a love of community and acceptance, we thank you so much for your support and allyship!
Fair Winds and Following Seas
With gratitude,
Kai Cup Planning Committee || Free