Success Despite Conditions at Chicago Regatta

Chicago, IL (September 8, 2018) – The 2018 Chicago Regatta took place in spite of adverse conditions at Chicago Yacht Club. The regatta is focused on raising money for three charities that are devoted solely to helping kids.

The regatta plan was buoy racing and a 15 – 25 mile distance race for true competitors, a casual race for cruising boats, a fast and fun poker run for power boats, a Dragon Force 65 Regatta taking place immediately following the race events, and an epic M-32 class catamaran match race for the pros – all set along Chicago’s lakefront.

However, much of the on the water portion of the Chicago Regatta was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Forecast conditions called for 30 knot winds and 12 foot waves on Lake Michigan, forcing cancellation of most on-water events.

The Club’s Dragon Force 65 fleet managed to complete six races under the protection of the Monroe Harbor breakwater. And, despite the adverse conditions, the Regatta and associated activities generated more than $100,000 in donations, benefitting the three Chicago Regatta charities – University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, and the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation.

“Although we weren’t able to do much racing, we ended up with a great party, a great vibe, and a projected net donation total of over $100,000. All things considered, we were very pleased with the outcome of the event,” commented Chicago Yacht Club Past Commodore, Greg Miarecki, who served as regatta chair.

Chicago Yacht Club’s Dragon Force 65 fleet was formed less than two years ago, and has quickly become a major draw for the Chicago sailing community. More than 100 boats are registered in the Club’s fleet, and more than 20 boats hit the starting line on Saturday. Lee Edwards, piloting “Bravo Zulu,” won overall honors in the regatta.

Top placing boats
1. USA 57, Bravo Zulo, Lee Edwards
2. USA 224, TOA Force, Bruce Danly
3. USA 664, Providragon, Greg Miarecki
4. USA 903, 903, John & Jordan Leahey
5. USA CYC 5, CYC, Chris Whitford

After racing concluded, Chicago Yacht Club hosted a Sweet Home Chicago Dock Party at its Monroe Station, which featured great food, a rocking blues band, and a silent auction. More than 300 members and guests attended the event, representing boats of all kinds from Dragon Force 65 skippers to owners of large power yachts.

“We are delighted that, despite the challenging weather conditions, so many boaters came together to make a difference in the lives of many Chicago kids,” Miarecki added.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO COMER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL:
The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, innovative medical care to children since its first pediatric facility was opened in 1930. Comer Children’s is staffed by close to 170 highly trained pediatricians, as well as specially trained nurses and caring support staff, who work together to provide general and specialty medical care for newborns to young adults.

ABOUT SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES ILLINOIS:
SOS Children’s Villages Illinois works to unite brothers and sisters in foster care, surrounding them with a community of hope, and helping them grow into caring and productive adults. In doing so, SOS Illinois Villages lays the foundation for rebuilding trust, confidence, and hope for each child in its care.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO YACHT CLUB FOUNDATION:
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is an organization whose purpose is to bring awareness and appreciation of the nautical arts and traditions to the Chicagoland community. A primary goal is to broaden the horizons of youths and those physically disabled through nautical training and boating activities.

Event Details: https://www.chicagoregatta.com

Source: Chicago Yacht Club