America's Cup Coming to Chicago

Sunday, May 29, 2016

On May 25th, I was given a slight taste of what the America's Cup teams will experience on their boats when they race in Chicago June 11-12, 2016.. An inflatable boat picked me up from the dock at the Chicago Yacht Club. The boat's skipper told me that it was 20 degrees cooler on the Lake, so I went back to my car to get my foul weather gear. I brought as little as possible for the catamaran ride - just one camera, a wide angle zoom lens and my iphone to capture motion. The skipper on the inflatable gave me a life preserver vest and royal blue crash helmet to put on. I was now ready to make the transfer to the 32 foot M32 catamaran.

We rode across what will be the race course in Chicago, flying through the water at 20 mph on a day with mild wind. The America's Cup boats would be going twice as fast, I was told. The criss-cross "floor" of the catamaran is springy like a trampoline. It was exhilarating to have the wind in my face and the water rush beneath me while hanging out on the mesh seating area that extends on each side of the catamaran. When we tacked (turned across the wind) , I switched to the other side of the boat. Looking out, I saw the city skyline going by, a beautiful sight.

Six boats, 45 foot foiling AC45, wingsailed catamarans, will be competing in Chicago. The defending team is Oracle Team USA. The five challenging teams are from the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, New Zealand and Japan. The teams consist of the best sailors in the world.

Navy Pier is where the Race Village will be located.  A grandstand will be placed on the east end of the Pier.  The public can buy tickets to gain access to the race viewing area.  

The America's Cup sailors and spectators are in for a treat this June!