Independence Cup Sailors Challenged with Threat of Storms and Light Wind
by Mary Ann O'Rourke 29 Jul 11:33 NZST
July 24-27, 2025
The Independence Cup regatta for sailors with disabilities took place July 24-27 off Burnham Harbor in Chicago. The races proved to be challenging due to varying weather patterns. The threat of thunderstorms caused cancelation of the race on Friday. Light winds prevailed on Saturday and Sunday.
Winner of the doublehanded competition was skipper Gary Pierce, Hebron, IN and crew Charles McClure, New Haven, CT. The boat is an Independence 20, of which there are eight boats in the fleet.
"Despite the challenging weather conditions, I love to be out on the water," says Gary. "There's nothing like the freedom of sailing. It's just you against the wind."
Bridget Bodo, Los Gatos, CA, raced neck-in-neck with Tracy Schmitt, Toronto, Canada, but eventually won in the triplehanded boat, a Sonar, with also eight boats in the class. Bridget recently traveled to Australia for the 2025 Hansa Para Worlds in Sydney.
Matt Koblenzer, Milwaukee, WI won the singlehanded competition. The boat is a 2.4mR. He has won the title five times in the last six years. John Seepe, Semora, NC, placed second.
A sailing clinic held on Thursday, was led by Liam Donnelly, a Chicago Yacht Club Foundation coach and Ken Block of Park City, Utah. Sailors attended the Annual Independence Gala on Friday night as honored guests. More than 350 people welcomed the sailors and raised a record-breaking amount of money for the foundation. Burnham Park Yacht Club hosted a barbecue on Saturday night.
"The organizers at Judd Goldman pull out all of the stops each year for the Independence Cup," says Gary "This para sailing regatta provides 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."
The regatta is hosted by Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, who celebrates their 35th Anniversary this year. The JGASF-owned fleet of 23 boats offer singlehanded, doublehanded and triplehanded racing at no cost to competitors. All boats used in the Independence Cup are specially designed for disabled sailors.
In addition, out-of-town race participants are offered complimentary stays by Hilton Hotel Group a major sponsor of JGASF. Transportation is provided by Illinois-Cook Corporation. Medical professionals from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are on hand for advice and attention during the race.