Local Talent Leads North American Challenge Cup

Chicago, IL (August 1, 2015) – Consistent westerly winds and flat water set the scene for Day 1 of the North American Challenge Cup held at Chicago Yacht Club. The Race Committee was able to fire off four races without delay for the twelve teams competing in the Freedom 20 and Sonar classes.

Teams from the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation are holding a strong lead in the Sonar Fleet with Patrick LoDuca and Bridget Bodo tied for first followed closely by Antonio Sanpere from the USVI Disabled Sailing Team. “Bridget and I have been duking it out for eight years,” explained LoDuca. Bodo added, “When I see him coming on the water, I know what he’s going to do.”

Judd Goldman sailors Bonnie Everhart and Maurice Daniher are also at the front of the Sonar Fleet with a two point lead ahead of west coast racers Robert Jones and Ken Kelly. While 5-time NACC winners Jones/Kelly focus on moving up a couple points, there is a three-way tie for fourth place with 19 points at the bottom of the class.

The winds are forecasted to be 15-20 knots out of the west and southwest again providing ideal water conditions. Racing resumes Sunday at 10:55 A.M. and continues through Monday. Full results are posted at https://www.chicagoyachtclub.org/nacc

Sonar
1. Patrick LoDuca, Alexander Stone, Charles McClure – 8 points
2. Bridget Bodo, William Howard, Brian Peebles – 8 points
3. Antonio Sanpere, David Flaherty, James Kerr – 9 points

Freedom 20
1. Bonnie Everhart, Mauirce Daniher – 6 points
2. Robert Jones, Ken Kelly – 8 points
3. Allen Fiske – 13 points

Report by Morgan Kinney, Chicago Yacht Club

Background: In 1992 the Chicago Yacht Club created the North American Challenge Cup as a major disabled sailing regatta, bringing together disabled sailors from around the country. This event counts as one of the longest running events in the North American disabled sailing circuit. The NACC has a reputation for outstanding competition on a national and international level.