SLAM Kiwi Match at the Chicago Match Race Cup

by Logan Fraser on 12 Aug 2010
SLAM Kiwi Match are on a new continent this week as the team continue their summer season with the Chicago Match Cup.

The team have been keeping themselves busy over the last couple of weeks with other commitments but we're all excited to be back in Chicago for another shot at the Chicago Cup. Having sailed here last year we have good knowledge of the boats and the local are so hopefully have what it takes to take this one out.

Based out of Chicago's Belmont harbour on Lake Michagen the Chicago Match Race Centre was the brain child of successful sailor Don Wilson. The regatta is sailed on the club's fleet of Tom 28 yachts which were commissioned in 2009 with the yacht club based on a 70ft house boat.

The setup here really is first class with the courses being set adjacent to the entrance of Belmont Harbor, where the stadium-like setting in the lakefront park allows direct viewing just a few yards away from all the action. Also with the yacht club based on a house boat the whole club facilities can follow the yachts out to the race course providing a viewing platform for crews and supporters as well as an ideal change over boat.

Once again the club has assembled a world class field of skippers for this Grade 2 event. With teams competing from the New Zealand, USA, Russia, Virgin Islands and Denmark there are going to be no easy beats. Everyone is going to have to sail at the top of their game to get an edge against the tight field and the difficult conditions familiar with sailing on the Great Lakes.

For more regatta information check out the SLAM Kiwi Match website www.kiwimatch-sailing.com. We will hopefully be able to update Twitter straight from the house boat on the water so keep an eye out for all the action.

Thanks to SLAM and all our friends and family for continuing their support.