China Cup International Regatta - Chicago sailors compete this weekend

by Christie Denson on 28 Oct 2010 China Cup International Regatta - Chicago Yacht Club sailors are competing as one of two U.S. teams represented at the China Cup International Regatta, held this weekend October 29 through November 1 in Shenzhen, located on the coast of the South China Sea,. The China Cup is the first-ever and only big boat sailing regatta initiated by Chinese. Approved by the General Administration of Sport of China, the regatta is held annually and each year it attracts over 60 boats with 600 sailors of more than 20 nationalities to compete in the event, gaining wide attention from sailing community and international media.

'Team Chicago' is led by Michael Mayer, owner and driver of a J/105, Kashmir, and an active participant in the Rolex Big Boat Series, Key West Race Week, Chicago NOOD, the Centomiglia in Italy, and no less than 28 Chicago Yacht Club Races to Mackinac. Mayer will be joined by the following crew who will compete in the One Design class in a Beneteau 40.7.

Tactics Bill Colombo (San Francisco, Calif.)
Bow Mike Reed (San Francisco, Calif.)
Bow Assist Nick Schmidtbauer (Chicago, Ill.)
Mast Karl Brummel (Chicago, Ill.)
Jib Trim George Miz (Chicago, Ill.)
Jib Trim Steve Henderson (Chicago, Ill.)
Kite Trim Karen Gottwald (Chicago, Ill.)
Guy Andrea Miz (Chicago, Ill.)
Pit Kate Kennedy (Chicago, Ill.)
Main Michael Kennedy (Chicago, Ill.)
Driver Mike Mayer (Chicago, Ill.)
Shore crew Courtney Smith (San Francisco, Calif.)

'The crew is all now in Hong Kong and today is our first practice,' said Mayer on gearing up for the weekend’s competition. 'Most of crew arrived over the weekend to spend a few days experiencing Hong Kong and getting over the 13 hour time difference. We checked out the boat yesterday and it is a virtually new 40.7. The cushions are still in plastic. So far this regatta seems amazingly well organized and they are treating us like rock stars.'

Team Chicago will compete in a race to mainland from Hong Kong Friday and then three days of buoy racing. The participants also will participate in many formal events, including an official meeting with Shenzhen’s Governor.

Chicago Yacht Club wishes the crew of Team Chicago best of luck this weekend.

http://2010.chncup.com