Disabled Racing Returns to Chicago

Published on August 4th, 2016

Chicago, IL (August 4, 2016) – Chicago Yacht Club will host the 24th Annual North American Challenge Cup, August 5-7 at Belmont Station. The NACC was created in 1992 by Chicago Yacht club and is one of the longest running events in the North American disabled sailing circuit.

The NACC features two classes – the Freedom 20 and Sonar. The Freedom 20, a disabled class boat sailed by two crew and one able body to assist, is the class that has raced in the NACC since the first event at Chicago Yacht Club. The Sonar class, a three-person Paralympics class boat, has been raced in the NACC since 2007.

Eight teams will compete in this year’s regatta. The teams will travel from all over the United States including teams from Washington and Texas as well as a team from the US Virgin Islands.

Bob Jones of Issaquah, WA has been racing in the NACC since 1994. “I’ve been coming for so long, [the regatta] is simply a tradition. It’s always great to come back and see familiar faces and reunite. The race committee is wonderful and the racing is always competitive,” said Jones. He has won his class five years and the last four years consecutively with Ken Kelly.

Unfortunately, due to health complications Kelly will not be joining Jones this year. “I’m sorry that Ken won’t be coming; we sorta had a nice streak going.” Julia Dorsett will be joining Jones for the NACC this year. Dorsett is a former member of the US Sailing Team and competed in the SKUD 18 Class.

At just 19 years old, Barbara Galinska is the youngest of the competitors. Galinska is from Elmwood Park, IL, and has been racing with the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation for the past three years. The 19 year-old is not intimidated by the competition, though. ”Sailing with people that are better than you means you will get better if you pay attention. I get to absorb the knowledge of some incredibly intelligent, tactical sailors and that’s the opportunity of lifetime,” said Galinska.

Racing begins Friday, August 5 and continues through Sunday, August 7.

Event details – Entry list

Source: Morgan Kinney, Chicago Yacht Club