Louie’s Last Regatta was started in 1999 by a group of Milwaukee sailors who basically wanted one more sailing regatta before they had to pull their boats from the water. To make their effort more attractive to sailors thinking about snow shovels and ski trips this devoted group decided to make Louie’s into a charity event. The first Louie’ Last Regatta brought in $900 and twelve boats participated.
The event grew steadily in popularity and money raised. Major sponsors came forward, boat crews donated and the post race party grew. Louie’s Challenge otherwise known as “sanctioned bribery” was a unique and surprisingly popular fund raising feature of the Regatta. Started in 2001 boat crews could bribe the race committee for a better finish position, with all money going to Children’s Hospital. The silent action was introduced in 2001, In 2002 Internationally recognized Mount Gay Rum came on board as a sponsor and their distinctive red hats became part of the Milwaukee sailing attire. In 2004 “SAILING MAGAZINE” listed Louie’s Last Regatta as one of the Top Ten Best Sailing events in the country.
In 2005 Louie’s 7th Last Regatta had over 100 boats entered and raised over $80,000 for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Louie’s is now one of the top participation regattas in the Great Lakes and one of the largest fund raising regattas in the nation.
In 2006 the Lake Michigan sailing community got together and raised over $123,000.00 for the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee. For that you should all be proud. With 131 registered boats and over 450 sailors & crew, Louie’s Regatta continues to grow and provide for CHW.
In 2007 the weather was great, the participant generous and the staff and children at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin very thankful, Louie's broke yet another record for generosity, raising over $131,000 with 145 boats registered.
This special event gained its name from the Milwaukee Ale House’s Flagship brand “Louie’s Demise”-Amber Ale. True Story…….Louie Eishold, great uncle of an Ale House founder met his demise in a bar fight in 1886 in Sheboygan Wisconsin.
