Sin Duda runaway J/88 victor at Verve Cup

2024 Verve Cup © Chicago Yacht Club

One of the largest regattas in North America, Chicago Yacht Club's Verve Cup is an annual world-class sailing event attracting many national and international sailors. Both the Offshore Regatta and the Inshore Regatta host well over 100 yachts to sail off the beautiful Chicago lakefront and skyline. The regatta features one-design fleets for J/88s, J/105s, and J/109s, plus PHRF/ ORC offshore handicap racing.

J/88 Class

It was a great turnout of ten teams for the class! The winner was a shocker for many Chicago J/88 veterans! Winning was Lindsey Duda's SIN DUDA with an absolutely blistering record of five 1sts in their seven-race tally for a total of 10 pts. Not surprisingly, it was Andy Graff's EXILE in second with 25 pts. Then, rounding out the podium was Ben Marden's BANTER with 34 pts. Rounding out the top five was Dave Dennison's PIRANHA in fourth and John & Jordan Leahey's DUTCH in fifth place (a shocker for them as past J/88 North American Champions!).

J/105 Class

The J/105s enjoyed a real battle for the top four spots on the leaderboard. After the seven-race series, it was Mark Fruin's NYCTOSAUR that the battle with six podium finishes for 19 pts total. Second was a long-time Chicago veteran, Clark Pellet's SEALARK with 24 pts. Third place went to Mike Sheppard's FLYING PIG with 26 pts

J/109 Class

Dominating the seven-boat fleet was the quartet on SMEE AGAIN (Mix/ Dreher/ Hatfield/ Neenan). Starting with a blistering 1-1 on the first day, they went on to win with 15 pts total in their seven races. Second was Peter Priede's FULL TILT with 18 pts and third was Ray Douglas & Kristine Maybach's COURAGEIOUS with 21 pts.

ORC Divisions

Kevin Saedi & Raman Yousefi's J/111 MOMENTUS ended up taking the bronze medal in this class with 18 pts total. For more Verve Cup Regatta sailing information.