The 2024 Independence Cup / U.S. Para Sailing Championship, hosted by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF) in Chicago, Illinois, saw competitive races in the Independence 20, 2.4mR, and Sonar classes. This regatta highlighted the talent and determination of Para sailors from across the country and included a team from Canada.
In the Independence 20 class, Chris Murphy and Luke Spink emerged early as strong competitors, ultimately taking the championship title after eight races. The pair won the Chandler Hovey Jr. Trophy, which was donated at the 1994 Independence Cup by A.G.A.
Correa and Co. to US Sailing in honor of a true corinthian yachtsman Buzz Hovey. Buzz competed on racecourses as a national junior champion, skippered J-Boats, and with his family, campaigned the 12 Metre Easterner through the 1964 America’s Cup trials. Buzz Hovey moved beyond his disability to focus on his love for sailing, competition, and family. This trophy is awarded annually to the two-person team that is declared the winner of the doublehanded class of the U.S. Para Sailing Championship.
“It feels great to be back here,” said Murphy. “I’ve been to this regatta several times. It’s great to win. It is a great regatta, and it is great to have the support of US Sailing here for a great weekend.”
“It was a fantastic day with lots of wind in the last race with some punchy waves coming through the water,” said Spink. “We loved it. We will be back again next year for some action-packed sailing.” The double-handed class saw Gary Pierce and Charles McClure taking the silver medal and Tracy Schmitt with Ginny Duff (CAN) taking the bronze.
The 2.4mR class saw ten races, with Matt Koblenzer taking the title against a competitive fleet by winning all but three races. Koblenzer was awarded the famed Judd Goldman Trophy. Peter Goldman of the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation donated the Judd Goldman Trophy in honor of Justin “Judd” Goldman in 2008. This trophy is presented annually to the individual competitor that is declared the winner of the singlehanded class of the U.S. Para Sailing Championship. Zach Kordik and Sarah Gilbert rounded out the podium.
“It’s an honor,” said Koblenzer on being the national champion. “I have lots of fun with the 2.4 – I think it’s a great boat to race. US Sailing has always been there for me for racing since I was a teenager in the Sears Cup.” On the conditions in Chicago he said, “Chicago has a lot of lumpy water down here – it’s tough but the conditions were great. We had lots of good wind and light wind with a great race committee – they are very efficient!” When asked if he will be back next year, Koblenzer added, “I certainly will!” 
The Sonar class featured a notable performance from Paul Callahan, Kieth Burhans, and Jen Edney, clinching the top spot after ten races. The trio earned the prestigious Gene Hinkel Trophy. This award is named for Gene Hinkel for his unselfish dedication to disabled sailing and disabled sailors. Gene has invented many adaptive aids which have enabled numerous disabled sailors to get out on the water. Gene served at the highest levels of the sport as Measurer at both the Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004) Paralympic Games, but he is most known as an advocate for disabled sailors – The “grandfather of disabled sailing.”
“It’s certainly gratifying to get together with Kieth, my old teammate, and my new teammate, Jen,” said Callahan. “The competitors were just wonderful to compete against – very corinthian. Peter Goldman and his whole team do an extraordinary job here. I’d like to thank him and US Sailing for going through all their effort to put this (event) on or else we wouldn’t be here.”
Edney added that the conditions were “all over the place,” during the regatta. “They were pretty light today and then the breeze picked up and it was a good mix overall.” When asked about her experience sailing with two Paralympic athletes, Edney said, “It was amazing. They have been such amazing coaches. I’ve never sailed the Sonar before, and this was my first time just sailing and not doing media, so it was wonderful to come to Chicago, learn the boat, race with these guys, and just have a wonderful weekend.”
“It’s a real treat,” said Burhans on his experience sailing with Callahan. “It’s actually been twenty-seven years since we came here for the first time and met. Peter Goldman, his staff and the foundation do an incredible job out here. It’s almost too good!”
The Sonar class had five teams racing but only 4 were eligible for the U.S. Para Sailing Championship part of the combined event. Sammy Lugo sailing with Scott Ford and Mouad Yousef took second overall, with Donoray Bickman, Julio Fernandez, and Giovanno Profeta taking third in the Para Championship while finishing fourth in the Independence Cup. Bridget Bodo and her team of Sebu Bodo and Craig Carlson finished third in the overall Sonar standings but were not eligible to compete for the U.S. Para Sailing Championship title.
The event was marked by a blend of challenging conditions, including varying wind speeds and directions, which tested the sailors’ skills and adaptability. The championship not only showcased impressive sailing but also emphasized the spirit of inclusivity and the growing prominence of Para sailing in the U.S.
Thank you to our partners, Gill and Goslings, for supporting this great Championship event.
For more details on the event and the complete results, please visit: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-para-sailing-championships/
