The Independence Cup founded by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, is a premier regatta for sailors with disabilities. This year, US Sailing has partnered with the Foundation to embed the U.S. Para Sailing Championship within the Independence Cup allowing sailors the opportunity to sail for two prestigious titles within a single event. This is the third time in the past 10 years that the two organizations have jointly coordinated on the delivery of this unique racing opportunity. With three classes of boats being raced in singlehanded, doublehanded and triplehanded configuration, the entire professionally maintained Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation’s fleet of 20 boats is made available at no cost to competitors though sailors may bring their own boat if they so desire.
The regatta is held in downtown Chicago at Burnham Harbor with nearby hotel accommodation provided for visiting sailors.
To compete in the U.S. Para Championship portion of the event, sailors are required to be members of US Sailing or, for non-U.S. residents, the national sailing authority of their respective home countries. They will compete in three different classes:
- The 2.4mR, singlehanded keelboat, sailed by one person with a disability.
- The Independence 20, a 20-foot adaptive keelboat, sailed by two persons with disabilities. There will be an able-bodied (AB) person onboard each boat provided by the organizing authority (OA) to perform non-tactical duties since the sailors are not permitted to leave their seats, with the ABs changing boats daily throughout the regatta to prevent any perceived advantage to any single team.
- The Sonar, 23-foot keelboat, sailed by three people. The helmsperson must have a disability and at least one more Para sailor is required on board to be eligible for the Gene Hinkel Trophy.
Three days of racing kicks off on July 26, following a one-day clinic.
Many former Independence Cup competitors have gone on to represent the United States at the Paralympic Games, including the late 2008 gold medalist, Nick Scandone. This year’s event will have 3 former Paralympians competing. Chris Murphy (Sonar – 1996) will be helming an Independence in the Doublehanded event and Paul Callahan (Sonar – 2000 and 2012) will be reuniting with his Sydney Paralympics 2000 teammate Keith Burhans (Sonar-2000) to compete in the Triplehanded Sonar event.
One of the standout features of this year’s event is the sailing clinic held the day before racing begins. This clinic, led by three experienced coaches, offers competitors an invaluable opportunity to refine their skills and gain insights into racing strategies.
“Competitors will learn a great deal about racing and about themselves both at the clinic and each day during the racing,” says Peter Goldman, who runs the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (named after his father, Judd Goldman).
The 2024 Independence Cup/U.S. Para Sailing Championships promises to be a milestone event. With the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation at the helm, participants and spectators alike can anticipate a championship that not only showcases top tier sailing but also champions the values of inclusivity, perseverance, and community.
US Sailing would like to thank event sponsors, Gill Marine and Goslings, as well as all of the wonderful volunteers and hosts who have dedicated their time towards making this event a success.
To follow racing, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-para-sailing-championships/
US Sailing is now accepting bids to host the U.S. Para Sailing Championships in future years. For more information on hosting a U.S. Sailing Championship and to view the three-year future calendar, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/resources/hosting-a-us-sailing-championship/three-year-future-calendar/