Chicago is transforming into a racing town this summer.
Slick sailboats are back in Lake Michigan as some of the world’s most talented sailors arrive in Chicago,
The Sail GP competition happens this Friday and Saturday and the adrenaline-fueled races will bring crowds to the lakefront.
Sail GP has returned and is gearing up for two days of spectator-focused racing that will take place on Lake Michigan right in front of the city’s skyline this weekend.
“Chicago is a sports town and we are seeing racing starting take off around the country and they are realizing we want to be in Chicago,” Tod Reynolds, Sail GP race director, said. “Sail GP learned that first event was here last year, NASCAR is learning that again this year. That skyline, it’s all the same reasons, the people of the city, the skyline. Why would you not want to be in Chicago?”
Wednesday morning, three gigantic F-50 catamarans were launched at Burnham Harbor by a crane. The cutting-edge boats boast highway speeds.
Chicago is the first stop of the fourth season of Sail GP, with 10 teams here from all over the world. This is the only freshwater stop.
Launched in 2019, Sail GP is all about short track racing close to shore, creating a completely different experience for spectators. Three 12 to 15-minute races will take place on each of the two days they are in Chicago.
The event takes place Friday and Saturday and spectators can watch from Navy Pier. It comes as the city also revs up for the NASCAR Street Race at the beginning of July. Sail GP said all speed-seekers are welcome.
The races on Friday and Saturday will start at 4 p.m. and there will be 90 minutes of races with three races each day. Gates will open at Navy Pier at 3 p.m.
While the best views for spectators will be from Navy Pier, where you will need a ticket, anyone along the lakefront between Museum Campus and Navy Pier should be able to catch a glimpse of the action.
For more information on tickets, click here.
