Page 12 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

RAINBOW RACES

INC. MADE WAVES

THIS YEAR!

Photo credit: Dan Gardner

Photo credit: David Travis

Despite the pandemic forcing Rainbow Races Inc. to cancel their Capt. Brian Wiles, an ardent supporter of equality, ally to the LGBTQ
first scheduled event, the Red Ribbon Cruise, which was to be community, and whose passion for sailing was unrivaled. Sadly,
done in conjunction with both Jackson Park Yacht Club and AIDS Brian lost his life weeks before the race was to start, leaving leaders
Foundation Chicago, we were still able to salvage part of the at Rainbow Races Inc devastated by his tragic untimely departure.
season, and had a first!
In the spirit of Rule 1.1 of the Racing Rules of Sailing, Rainbow
Rainbow Races Inc. hosted in the first Pride Boat Parade to Races Inc. led the sail community in a mask/PPE drive that brought
celebrate diversity and inclusion. As the parade began, and vessels together most of the clubs, nearly all major sail makers, Weather
saw us and heard us on the radio, we kept hearing, “HOLD ON! Mark Tavern, and various maritime institutions. Together, on
We’re coming too!” and our parade grew in a very grass roots behalf of the Chicago Sailing community with the leadership and
way to 15+ boats of all sizes and types, all sporting their Rainbow hard work of Jackson Park Yacht Club’s Master Seamstress Leslie
Flags. As we passed by the Play Pen, and South Monroe, we were Travis, Rainbow Races Inc. distributed over 10,000 pieces of PPE
greeted by cheers from anchored vessels, and waves from on to our brave front line workers.
shore onlookers. We hope to replicate this again next year and
Rainbow Races Inc. was proud to have been featured on WGN,
expand on it!
Chicago’s Very Own, and in sailing magazine Scuttlebutt this year.
In conjunction with Belmont Yacht Club and Jackson Park Yacht This spotlight has given us a greater presence in the LGBTQ sail
Club, Rainbow Races Inc. was able to organize the second annual community that we did not expect. So far, we have been contacted
Rainbow Regatta Chicago. Conditions were challenging with by sailors from around the world wanting to join the cause for
large swells and lots of breeze! The race garnered 12 registered equality in sailing. For more information about this organization,
vessels for a fun, casual afternoon race around the northern cribs. to donate, or be involved, email info@rainbowracesinc.org or visit
Special thanks to Janet Hansen, and the RC team from Jackson Park us on the web: www.rainbowracesinc.org. Fair winds and following
Yacht Club, and Vince Malina of Belmont Yacht Club for providing seas, until next year.
the RC boat. This year’s regatta was dedicated to the memory of

12 2020 yachting in chicago