Chicago Yacht Club’s Oldest Piece of Silver

Chicago Yacht Club’s 23rd Annual Verve Cup Offshore Regatta takes place August 7-9, with 114 boats registered for three days of racing across two circles and one distance race.

The Verve Cup is the third major event of Chicago’s racing season. “The trophy itself is a part of racing history – it’s Chicago Yacht Club’s oldest piece of silver,” remarked Regatta Chair Robin Finlay.

While racing in the Verve Cup, eight boats will also be competing in the Beneteau 40.7 North American Championship. La Tempete has placed top two in their fleet four times in the past five years including going almost undefeated in 2014. “We work on consistency, and that will win regattas,” reflected owner Tom Weber. “Over the past few years we have been the most consistent.”

While a majority of the boats participate in the buoy racing, 26 boats will be going the distance on August 8.

The distance race (between 9 and 30 nm dependent on conditions) was first introduced as a standalone course in 2010 in the hopes of reaching a broader range of sailors. Finlay explained that the distance race has become so popular because it provides a variety of options and increases the number of boats on the water.

“I used to race around the buoys, but now that I have a family of my own, I prefer to race just the one day,” said J/88 owner Ben Wilson. “It’s nice to have the option, though; one event I can race short courses and the next I can do a distance race. Either way, I’m still part of the regatta.”

Racing will take place off of Monroe Harbor. Additional details here.

Source: Morgan Kinney, Chicago Yacht Club