Chicago Match Race Center announces new membership program

by Chicago Match Race Center on 13 Apr 2015 The ice has melted and Chicago Match Race Center is ready to begin its seventh season. With new faces on the coaching staff, CMRC is excited to offer even more opportunities for both advanced and beginner match racers.

Weekly evening practices will begin May 5 for dedicated CMRC members, many of whom have sharpened their skills over the last few years and climbed the ISAF World rankings. While the advanced members continue to train at a high level, there will also be several opportunities for beginners. This summer's program will also include three clinics designed to introduce sailors to the Tom 28's and the match racing format and a monthly mini-regatta series held for new skippers to get tiller time and accumulate ranking points.

'This summer is going to be all about helping the members take their match racing game to the next level and getting new match racers out on the water,' said Maggie Shea, CMRC Sailing Director. 'With more coaches this season, we're excited to be able to work toward both goals at the same time.'

2015 Membership Program Features

CMRC Clinics - Three clinics designed for new match racers will focus on the basics of Tom 28 boat handling, keelboat racing techniques, and the Match Racing format. Clinics are open to all sailors: anyone may sign up for one or two days of each clinic as an individual or a team.

May 9 and 10: Intro to Match Racing, coached by Keith Swinton
May 16 and 17: Match Racing Basics, coached by Maggie Shea
June 27 and 28: Advanced Match Racing, coached by Steph Roble

Membership Practices - weekly Tuesday night practices coached by a variety of high-level coaches. Practices run May 5 through September 29.
Drills and practice races on the water with classroom debriefs
Focus on learning advanced match racing theory, high-performance Tom 28 technique and gaining experience on the water
Coaches include numerous national and international champions, including Keith Swinton, Maggie Shea, Stephanie Roble, and Taylor Canfield. Read more about the coaches below.

Mini-regatta Membership Series for the Five Horns Trophy
Season-long monthly series of evening regattas with open entry
Opportunity to earn ISAF skipper ranking points
All sailors are welcome to skipper or crew and can sign up as individuals or in teams

Membership Options

Sign-up to be a member today - www.chicagomatchrace.com/membership

Full Membership - Skipper $800 / Crew $400
Unlimited access to practices and clinics
Free entry to Membership Series regattas

Saver Membership - skipper $600 / Crew $300
Access to unlimited practices and clinics in June- August
Discounted 'pay-as-you-go' rates for practices and clinics in May and September - Skipper $40 / Crew $20
Discounted entry fee for Membership Series regattas - Skipper $40 / Crew $20

Pay-as-you-go - drop-in whenever you'd like!
Evening practices - $50 skipper/ $25 crew
Membership Series regatta entry fee- $50 skipper/ $25 crew
Clinic Fee - $100 per day skipper/ $50 per day crew


Meet the coaches

Keith Swinton, Australia
- Ranked number eight in the ISAF World Rankings
- World Match Racing Tour Skipper of Black Swan Racing/Team Alpari FX, 2011-2015 - Fourth in 2012, Sixth 2013 and 2014
- 2011 Chicago Match Cup Champion
- GC 32 Armin Strom Sailing Team tactician, 2013-2015

Taylor Canfield, US Virgin Islands
- Ranked number two in the ISAF World Rankings
- World Match Racing Tour Skipper of US One Sailing Team 2013-2015; First place 2013, Second place 2014
- 2013 and 2014 Chicago Match Cup Champion
- M32 skipper - Miami Winter Series Champion

Stephanie Roble, East Troy, WI
- Ranked number three in the ISAF Women's World Rankings
- WIM Series Skipper of Epic Racing 2013-2015 - Fourth overall in 2013 and 2014
- Third place skipper ISAF Women's World Championship 2014
- Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2015

Maggie Shea, Chicago, IL
- Trimmer/tactician for WIM Series Epic Racing Team
- Two-time US Match Racing Champion (2012 and 2014), two-time US Women's Match Racing Champion (2012 and 2014)
- Third place trimmer ISAF Women's World Championship 2014
- Campaigning as a crew for the 2016 Olympic Games in the 49er FX

Chicago Match Race Center Regatta 2015 schedule

May 30-31: Grade 3 - Spring Invitational

June 19-21: Grade 2 - Chicago Match Cup Grand Slam Qualifier

June 23-26: North-U Youth Clinic co-hosted with Chicago YC, coached by Dave Perry
July 23-24: Grade 3 - Summer Invitational A
July 25-26: Grade 3 - Summer Invitational B

August 21-23: Grade 2- Chicago Match Cup Grand Slam
September 26-27: Grade 3 - Autumn Invitational

To request an invitation, contact invites@chicagomatchrace.com or visit website