One of the largest course-racing regattas in North America, the Verve Cup is an annual world-class sailing event attracting many national and international competitors. Both the Offshore Regatta and, later, the Inshore Regatta host well over 100 yachts to our beautiful Chicago lakefront and skyline.
Annually, the Chicago Yacht Club hosts the Verve Cup Regatta in August. This event typically features an Offshore Regatta with a separate one-day Distance Race at the beginning of August and an Inshore Regatta with a separate Radio Controlled sailboat series later in the month.
Verve Cup Offshore Regatta:
For the Offshore Regatta, participating yachts range in size from 25 to 80 feet, and carry crews from four to 20 racers. During the regatta, we, the Chicago Yacht Club, welcome over 2,000 racers, family members, and friends to our award-winning lakefront Monroe Station clubhouse. Each participant is treated to top-notch racing, scenic views, and outstanding organization. The spectacular daily racing is all followed up by exceptional food (indoor dining or al fresco), entertainment, and camaraderie.
Competitors participate in daily multiple windward-leeward or triangle races. Boats sail either in a rating handicap section, so boats of different sizes and characters may compete against each other, or in a One-Design section. Typically, there are 18 racing sections dispersed among three racing circles. Brag flags and prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each section and one offshore boat, the winner in what is determined by formula to be the most competitive section, “The Elite Fleet,” is awarded the perpetual Verve Cup Trophy. The Verve Cup Trophy dates back to 1893 and is the Chicago Yacht Club’s oldest trophy.
Likewise, for the one-day Saturday Distance race, brag flags and prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each of the sections. CYC's 8 Mile Trophy will be awarded as an overall prize to the winner of the racing section with the tightest competition during Saturday’s Tour of Chicago Distance Race.
Merchandise, clothing, equipment, and souvenirs are available for sale to all the racers, their families, and friends. Race sponsors set up kiosks and displays during the race week for everyone to enjoy. Food, beverage, and music are provided during each evening’s festivities. The Verve Swerve Party is held on the Saturday of this fantastic racing weekend where music, free pours, and a specialty regatta menu fill the race village.
Verve Cup Inshore Regatta:
The Verve Cup Inshore Regatta is a spectacular sailing event for smaller trailer-able One-Design racing boats. Hosted each August by the Chicago Yacht Club at its scenic and conveniently located Belmont Station, the Verve Cup Inshore is the most popular inshore regatta in Chicagoland. Identical boats in One-Design Fleets compete for two days (Saturday and Sunday) to determine which boat has the best skipper, crew, and preparation. Fleets only need four boats to register to participate, so mobilize your class and sign up for some great racing at CYC's Belmont Station held each August! Etchells, Vipers, Star, Sonars, Tom 28s, Shields, Colgate 26, Luders 16, Rhodes 19, Solings, J/70s, and J/24s were all part of the competition in past years.
Each year the Verve Cup Inshore seems to get bigger and better, and the Chicago Yacht Club is working feverishly to assure that this year’s Verve Cup Inshore again will have the best One-Design sailing around. Our venue features optimal late summer breezes, competitive racing, and the best race committee on the water. The Verve Cup Inshore delivers outstanding racing with parties held after each day's racing. Big-name sponsors providing premium swag and generous free pours turn the evening party into a real blast. Get on board for the Verve Cup Inshore, arguably the best One-Design Sailing event in the Midwest!
As part of the Inshore Verve, there will be a DF65 regatta.
