Independence Cup For Sailors with Disabilities This Weekend at Burnham Harbor
by Mary Ann O'Rourke 25 Jul 16:09 BST
July 24-27, 2025
Independence Cup © JGASF
Dozens of sailors with physical limitations from all over the world will compete this weekend in the Independence Cup race at Burnham Harbor from July 24-27.
A premier regatta for sailors with disabilities, the race is sponsored by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF), a Chicago-based non-profit organization that enables people with disabilities as well as at-risk youth to learn the sport of sailing and experience the freedom of being on the water.
"The Judd Goldman sailing program stands out because it's so much more than recreational therapy," says sailor Patrick.LoDuca. "Our mission is to build self-esteem and independence for people with disabilities. For me, I like to think of sailing as the great equalizer. Once you're off land and in the water, it's just you against the wind."
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 at the Palmer House Hilton, 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.
Where: JGASF Dock, Burnham Harbor, 1362 S Linn White Dr. Chicago
Thursday, July 24 - Clinic Day
9:00 a.m Continental Breakfast, Registration- Regatta Tent at Burnham Harbor
9:45 a.m.Boat Prep & Rigging
11:00 a.m.Lunch & Competitors Clinic
2:30 p.m. Skipper's Meeting & Coaches Debrief
Friday July 25 - Racing Day
9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast, Competitor's Meeting, Coaches Briefing
10:55 a.m. First Warning
2:00 p.m. No warning signal after this time After Racing Coaches Debrief
6:30 p.m. 35th Annual JGASF Independence Gala at Galleria Marchetti Cocktail Reception, Dinner, Entertainment, Silent/Live Auction and Raffle
Saturday, July 26 - Racing Day
9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast, Competitor's Meeting, Coaches Briefing
10:55 a.m. First Warning After Racing Coaches Debrief Burnham Park YC hosted BBQ
Sunday, July 27 - Racing Day
9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast, Competitor's Meeting, Coaches Briefing
10:55 a.m. First Warning
2:00 p.m. No warning signal after this time After Racing Coaches Debrief Dinner and Awards Ceremony