Varied and Challenging conditions at Judd Goldman Independence Cup

The organizers at the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF) pulled out all of the stops for their 2021 Independence Cup regatta. This disabled sailing event hosts three classes, Sonars, Independence 20s and 2.4 meters. They provide everything from the shirt on your back, to your hotel room to your boat.  They have a well organized army of volunteers who could not be more helpful.
Warm fresh water, panoramic skylines. Hard to focus on racing
On the water its a great venue and a well run regatta. They sail four or five leg windward – leeward courses and organized enough to really get races run.
Zak Kordik wins race 5
The first day of sailing was challenging. The breeze started out of the south west, light and shifty then transitioned to a “sea breeze” for the last of the 3 races. Rudy Trejo was the story of the day. Posting a 1-2-1, Rudy was picking his way through the shifts with amazing precision.  Shan McAdoo and Matt Koblenzar finished the day in second and third respectively.
Day 2 brought wind. Rudy Trejo continued to dominate on the course. Some of the competitors struggled in the breeze (me) and there were some broken boat issues.
The IC is as much about camaraderie as sailing. The folks at the JGASF and the Chicago Columbia Yacht Club put on a great on site BBQ for all of the competitors featuring yummy Chicago Style Hot Dogs.
Tight racing on the 3rd day of sailing
The final day of racing came with light air. The RC got all three fleets out early so they could maximize the racing. In the end the 2.4 meters got 8 races over three days.  Rudy Trejo continued to sail masterfully Matt Koblenzar rose from 3rd to 2nd and Shan McAdoo fell into 3rd. The sailing conditions were challenging and fair.
Matt Koblenzar pushing hard at the final start
Thanks to the folks at JGASF and the Chicago Parks Dept.  Peter Goldman, Mike Nolan assemble an army of volunteers to support every aspect of competitive disabled sailing.  We sailed hard and had a great time in Chicago.  We missed our Canadian friends and hope you will join us next year.