2003 U.S. Independence Cup/North American Challenge Cup
August 2, 2003

LIGHT, SHIFTING WINDS AND CHOPPY WATER TEST RACERS’ SKILLS DURING DAY TWO OF U.S. INDEPENDENCE CUP AND NORTH AMERICAN CHALLENGE CUP

CHICAGO, August 2, 2003 – Patient, gentle sailing amidst light, shifty winds and powerboat chop was the key to consistent speed for racers on day two of the 2003 Independence Cup and North American Challenge Cup.

The 40 top-ranked disabled sailors from the United States and Canada competing in today’s double-handed and single-handed competition encountered light winds and mild weather conditions during the morning hours – a significant change from the stormy conditions Friday afternoon that prompted the Race Committee to postpone several races. During the afternoon hours today, winds became increasingly shifty as clouds moved in, making conditions more challenging for racers. Chop from powerboats on the lake kept racers’ concentration levels high throughout the day.

Seven double-handed teams competed today in 20-foot Freedom Independence Class boats and six single-handed racers competed in 2.4-meter boats.

“I felt the competition today was strong and the conditions were really challenging,” said 2.4mR class racer Jennifer French who placed fourth overall in the single-handed division and advanced to the Gold Section going into the final day of racing. “I missed a couple of big shifts and lost some places as a result. This is a smart group of competitors who don’t give you any breaks.”

At the end of two days of competition, the overall leader in the double-handed division was the team of Joe Guay and Paul Cormier. On top in the single-handed division was Paul Tingley.

Race officials said all competitors made extraordinary efforts today during additional boat changes that were conducted to make up several races that had been postponed Friday by afternoon storms.

The 2003 U.S. Independence Cup and North American Challenge Cup continues through Sunday at the Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Harbor Station, 300 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Overall Standings After Days One and Two:

Freedom Independence 20 Class
1st Joe Guay/Paul Cormier
2nd Tim Flynn/Paul Choquette
3rd Karen Mitchell/Kerry Gruson

2.4mR Class
1st Paul Tingley
2nd Bruce Millar
3rd Thomas Franklin

About the U.S. Independence Cup / North American Challenge Cup

The U.S. Independence Cup and North American Challenge Cup combines two well-respected sailing regattas for the disabled community. Begun 12 years ago, The Chicago Yacht Club's North American Challenge Cup has a reputation for outstanding competition on an international level. The U.S. Independence Cup is the sanctioned adult national championship for sailors with disabilities under the authority of US SAILING, the national governing body for the sport of sailing. US SAILING recognized the high quality of this event in 1996 when it selected the North American Challenge Cup as the site of its U.S. Independence Cup. In 2000, US SAILING renewed its agreement with the Chicago Yacht Club to be the host of the Independence Cup through 2005. This agreement combines the best of both regattas into a single, very successful event that greatly benefits the disabled community and rewards everyone involved.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this regatta is the unparalleled level of support it receives from its corporate sponsors and the community at large. Without their generous support, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to produce this event for the disabled community. The event is the result of public and private interests working together to remove all the physical, financial, and logistical barriers that would prevent otherwise-qualified disabled sailors from competing in this championship.

American Airlines provides round-trip air travel for the 14 two-person Freedom Independence 20 teams and the 12 2.4mR skippers as well as event coaches and support personnel. The Hyatt Regency Chicago and Strategic Hotel Capital provide hotel accommodations for the teams, their aides, and regatta staff as well as facilities for the Rolex Race Seminar, sponsored by Rolex Watch, USA, an in-depth classroom training for all racers conducted during the first day of the event. Chicago School Transit, a founding sponsor of the North American Challenge Cup (NACC), provides transportation in specially outfitted buses for the teams while they are in Chicago, moving them between various event locations. The Chicago Park District / Westrec Marinas and the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program, both NACC founding sponsors, provide specially adapted sailboats used for the racing along with safety and support boats and staff for the three days of racing. Other major sponsors of this year’s event include: 3M Worldwide, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Fuji Film, GaviaYachts.com, Helix Camera and Video, Lands’ End Business Outfitters, Rolex Watch U.S.A. and USG Corporation, as well as Sysco Food Services – Chicago, Morningfields Market, Boar’s Head and Carol’s Cookies.

Each pair of disabled sailors in the Freedom Independence 20 Class is accompanied by a third able-bodied volunteer assistant. Competitors in the 2.4 meter boats (2.4mR, a Paralympic Class boat), sail without assistance. At the international level, 2.4mR Class boats are raced by both disabled and able-bodied sailors.

About the Chicago Yacht Club

Founded in 1875 with the goal of advancing the community’s knowledge, enjoyment and participation in boating and the nautical arts, the Chicago Yacht Club remains a valuable resource for its members and for the Chicago community. The Club has been a leader for more than 75 years in teaching children and adults how to sail, and is a preeminent organizer and host of regattas, races and predicted logs in the United States. Visit www.chicagoyachtclub.org for more information.