(Chicago, IL)- One of the largest course-racing regattas in North America, the Verve Cup is an annual world-class sailing event attracting many national and international competitors. Both the 3-day Offshore Regatta and, later, the 2-day Inshore Regatta host well over 100 yachts to our beautiful Chicago lakefront and skyline
For the Verve Offshore Regatta, participating yachts range in size from 25 to 80 feet. Competitors participate in daily multiple windward-leeward races. Boats sail either in a rating handicap section, so boats of different size and character may compete against each other, or in a One-Design section. Typically, there are 18 racing sections dispersed among three racing circles. Brag flags and prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each section and one offshore boat, the winner in what is determined by formula to be the most competitive section, “The Elite Fleet,” is awarded the perpetual Verve Cup Trophy. The Verve Cup Trophy dates back to 1893 and is the Chicago Yacht Club’s oldest trophy.
For this year's regatta, of course, none of the famous (or rather infamous) social activities are taking place onshore. Instead, due to the "pandemic guidelines", the Skipper's Meeting will be handled online, all notices posted online, and everyone practicing the stuff we are supposed to as part of the pandemic protocols. No "high-fiving" after winning races, that's for sure.
Nevertheless, the sailors in Chicago, like virtually anyplace else, are clearly suffering "cottage fever" and cannot wait to get back out on the race track. An excellent turn-out of J/sailors will be participating in this weekend's regatta.
For starters, the J/88 class has turned-out in strength, with seven boats ponying up to the line. Familiar faces should be in the top of the leaderboard mix, such as Andy Graff's EXILE, Ben Marden's BANTER, and John & Jordan Leahey's DUTCH.
The six-boat J/105 class also has many of its class leaders ready to do battle offshore, such as Jon Weglarz's THE ASYLUM, Clark Pellet's SEALARK, and Mike Sheppard's FLYING PIG.
Similarly, the five-boat J/109 class sees Peter Priede's FULL TILT, Bob Evan's GOAT RODEO, Jack Tolliver's VANDA III, and the trio of Miz/ Dreher/ Hatfield guiding SMEE AGAIN to the front of the class.
In the ten-boat ORR Class, two J/111's are taking on all-comers; Kevin Saedi and Raman Yousefi's MOMENTUS and Rick Witzel's ROWDY.
In the Saturday ORR Distance Race class, we find Boyd Jarrell's J/111 HEAD ROOM and Tom Papoutsis' J/133 RENEGADE also taking on their ten-boat fleet.
Finally, the Saturday PHRF Distance Race class of seven-boats will see Frank Giampoli's J/120 JAHAZI and Rick Reed's J/35 OB LA DI! hoping to take home the silver. For more Chicago YC Verve Cup Offshore Regatta sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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