Page 16 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

2019 Independence Judd Goldman
Cup/US Para Sailing Junior Sailing Program
triplehanded sailors

JUDD GOLDMAN ADAPTIVE SAILING PROGRAM By Robert Lang

his year marked the 30th anniversary of Before the 2020 season began, the COVID-19
Tour nonprofit, learn-to-sail program for virus totally upended our programs for our
the physically disabled. The family of the late compromised sailors. Our spring Annual Open
Chicago businessman and sailor Judd Goldman, House, an uninterrupted event for 30 years,
who himself suffered from a disability, founded was cancelled, and soon after all JGASP races,
the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation including the Independence Cup, were cancelled.
(JGASF) in Judd’s memory in 1990. JGASF, a We had a virtual Independence Gala and were
public/private partnership with the Chicago Park successful with a raffle and silent auction. We
District, established a similar arrangement in are thankful for our generous sponsors for
2013 with north suburban Lake Forest, IL. 2019 Annual JGASP Open House helping us to continue to serve the disabled and
Annually, over 1,000 people experience the underserved communities.
enjoyment of adaptive sailing at the Judd The Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program, The Foundation reacted to the isolation caused
Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program (JGASP) at besides learn-to-sail lessons, offers seamanship by the pandemic with weekly webinars created to
both the Judd Goldman Sailing Center, Burnham classes, racing clinics and regattas. Cruises interact with participants online with instructional
Park Harbor, Chicago and at Lake Forest. are popular, as well as Movie Nights under topics such as navigation, seamanship, sail
the stars at the Sailing Center. Racing trimming, weather, etc. It was led by Sailing
The adaptive program consists of specially program participants compete in the Season
designed sailboats that allow participants, no Championship Series, with races like the Jackson Manager, Joe Harris and will continue during the
matter what their disability, the opportunity Park Yacht Club’s Freedom Cup and the Annual winter. Starting in the fall, in partnership with
to “take the helm”, rather than just being a Goldman Cup. The John T. Jackson Foundation the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Sports Dept., weekly
passenger. The fleet, the largest in adaptive sponsors our traveling team, which includes customized fitness sessions for sailors with
sailing, numbers some twenty-one sailboats, plus trips to St. Petersburg, Fl, Newport, RI and disabilities were created and will be available to
several support/safety boats. Both individual Galveston, TX. The cost of airfare, lodging, food, all participants. Other exciting news is that eight
and group lessons are taught by trained US boat chartering, coaching and team uniforms are new, state-of-the-art Independence 20 boats have
Sailing certified instructors. Some of the groups included in this generous donation. The impact of arrived in time for next season, replacing older
that participate are from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab the Jackson family donation with team members versions. Several improvements were ordered
Caring for Kids, United Cerebral Palsy and World has been significant. that should be well received by the sailors. New
Sports Chicago. sails for the boats help to make the JGASP fleet
The Independence Cup (IC) for sailors with the best equipped fleet in adaptive sailing.
Besides adaptive sailing, the JGASF also supports disabilities is traditionally held on the same
the Judd Goldman Junior Sailing Program (JGJSP). weekend as the Independence Gala. The Visit us at www.juddgoldmansailing.org
This program teaches sailing to at-risk, inner- Gala, partially underwritten by the Jerome Like us on www.facebook/jgasf
city youth from 8-12 years of age. Located in Mirza Foundation, is usually attended by 400
Humboldt, Garfield and Columbus Park Lagoons, supporters, with a fantastic raffle and silent
over 200 eager children sail each year in JGJSP auction featuring trips throughout the U.S., such
pram sailboats. The concept is unique because as Aspen, New Orleans, Captiva Island, FL and
it brings the program to the neighborhood rather Napa Valley. A local television news anchor is
than the neighborhood to the program. Like the emcee and a featured speaker is part of the
adaptive program, the goal is to help develop short program.
self-esteem and independence.
The IC offers JGASP owned boats to the competitors
In the spring, we host an Open House to at no cost, attracting sailors from the U.S. and
prospective sailors. People are able to meet Canada. JGASF Travel Grants are provided and
the instructors, familiarize themselves with the generous sponsors like Hilton provide discounted
special adaptive equipment, and take a short ADA accessible rooms at the Palmer House
sail followed by a complimentary lunch. Over Hilton while Cook-Illinois Corp. offers accessible
325 people attend this event. transportation throughout the weekend. Columbia
Yacht Club graciously hosts an evening barbecue. New JGASP Independence 20
16 2020 yachting in chicago