Inspiring Excellence: The CYC Foundation Competition Fund
April 24, 2025
by Diane Foote
The CYC Foundation seeks to achieve our mission through four levels of engagement: Introduction, Induction, Development, and Inspiration. The Foundation's Competition Fund is one way we implement programming at the "Inspiration" level, by awarding grants to support applicants’ training for and participation in prestigious national and international sailing competitions. A young sailor who begins with a one-day cruise on Lake Michigan, continues through the Foundation's Adventure Boating Camp the following year, then attends a summer-long sailing school program (perhaps with scholarship support) and eventually joins a race team, may one day compete on this level. It's our goal to support sailors over the long term, whether their goals are to simply enjoy boating as a hobby or compete, and everything in between.
The Competition Fund is supporting two teams this month; one has already competed and one is racing this upcoming weekend:
The Baldwin Cup: CYC's team, skippered by Will Curtiss, competed in this invitational for the first time, on April 10-12, 2025. Twenty-four teams from around the world competed at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Newport Beach, California. The CYC team did not reach the quarterfinals, but gained valuable experience competing at this level. "This experience serves as strong motivation to keep practicing, pushing ourselves, and getting on the water in pursuit of future appearances and improved results," said Curtiss.
The Jackson Cup: CYC's team, skippered by Bridget Groble, will compete in this regatta hosted by Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead Harbor, April 26-27, 2025. Eight clubs from across the country are invited to participate, selected for demonstrated high-level racing skill and Corinthian spirit. Stay tuned for results!
View a full list of grantees here.Teams do not have to be members of the Chicago Yacht Club in order to qualify.
Sign up for newsabout teams supported by the Competition Fund.
Make a donation toto support the Competition Fund here.