Founded in 1875, Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, it is ranked on the top 10 list of U.S. yacht clubs by Platinum Clubs of America. The Club is home to more than 1,400 members, including a winning America’s Cup skipper, Olympic medalists and hopefuls, and outstanding boaters of all types, from ages 4 to 100. The Club offers year-round activities for its diverse membership and is recognized as a leader in sailing education, with one of the largest junior sailing programs in the United States.
US Sailing is excited to have Chicago Yacht Club as the host of the 2024 U.S. Womens Match Racing Championship (USWMRC). CYC is no stranger to match racing, with a proven track record in hosting both high-level events and training sessions.
“Chicago Yacht Club is striving to be the Midwest ambassadors to Match Racing and to continue the heritage inherited from Don Wilson’s Chicago Match Race Center after it closed,” said Patrick Burks, Regatta Manager at CYC. “CYC annually hosts at least a Qualifier for the open USMRC (Grade 3) and the Chicago Grand Slam- a Grade 2 as part of the US Grand Slam Series that earns the winner of the series an invite to the Congressional Cup at Long Beach Yacht Club. Additionally, there is a group of CYC Members working to add more Match Racing clinics and regattas to next year’s schedule as part of the Club’s 150th Anniversary.”
CYC operates two primary facilities: the Monroe Harbor Station, and the Belmont Harbor Station, which will host the USWMRC.
Monroe Harbor Station: Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, this station offers stunning views of the city skyline and provides easy access to the lake. It houses a clubhouse with dining facilities, meeting rooms, and event spaces, making it a hub for both sailing and social activities.
Belmont Harbor Station: Situated in the northern part of the city, this station boasts extensive dockage, a full-service yard, and a modern clubhouse. It’s a prime location for both casual and competitive sailing activities.
“Chicago has long been a match racing hub in the United States, and we are pleased to continue to support the sport of match racing,” said Peter Holz, Regatta Chair. “It’s a great event bringing together the best female match racers in the country, for fierce competition, great social events, and the fight for one of the most prestigious trophies in all of women’s sailing.”
The Chicago Yacht Club is more than just a sailing institution; it’s a vibrant community dedicated to the sport of sailing and the camaraderie it fosters.
When asked about what his favorite element is of hosting sailors at CYC for regattas, Burks said, “Simultaneously catching up with old friends while meeting new ones. We’re a small community so there’s only a few degrees of separation between any few people.”
With its top-notch facilities, diverse programs, and commitment to excellence, CYC continues to draw sailors and sailing enthusiasts alike.
“Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the sport, the Chicago Yacht Club offers a welcoming and enriching environment to pursue your passion for sailing,” says Betsy Alison, Adult Director at US Sailing and Organizing Authority for the USWMRC.
“Chicago Yacht Club and the CYC Match Racing Committee are thrilled to support and host the 2024 US Womens Match Racing Championships,” said Holz. “We look forward to the sailors coming to visit Chicago and enjoy the amazing Chicago Summer. We expect some fire competition with an incredible field of returning champions, runner ups, and new competitors who are here to mix it up the score card.”
For more information and to follow racing, please visit: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-womens-match-racing-championship/