America's Cup World Series in Chicago
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Six international sailing teams put on an impressive display of speed and power as they competed in the America's Cup World Series in Chicago.
The high tech racing machines represent Japan, New Zealand, Britain, France, Sweden and the USA which is defending the Cup. Some of the world's best racers are on board.
Two of the boats - from New Zealand and from the United States capsized on the practice day on Friday.
The sailboats rise out of the water like aircrafts with only their foils grounding them. Their speed can rise to 40 miles an hour which is very fast under just wind power.
Thousands of people line Navy Pier and watched the races from spectator boats at the perimeter of the race course.
The Windy City lived up to its name on the first day as the breeze whipped across the water.
This is the first time an America's Cup event has taken place on fresh water.
Below are some of the photos taken on Friday.
France leads the way in front of team USA and New Zealand.
Team Great Britain in front of Navy Pier in Chicago
Spectators raise their cameras and binoculars while viewing the races.
Team Sweden gets an air lift.
Team Japan surfing on its foils.
Team USA passes by the Chicago Lighthouse.
Team New Zealand whips up some spray as it powers through the water.
Visit my sailing site for more sailboat racing photos on Lake Michigan.