Competitors from across the United States and Canada gathered on Chicago’s Lake Michigan July 23–26 for the 34th annual Independence Cup, the nation’s premier and longest-running adaptive sailing regatta.
Hosted by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program at Burnham Park Harbor, the regatta brought together sailors with spinal cord injuries, amputations, vision loss and other disabilities to compete in three classes of specially designed, accessible sailboats, all provided at no cost to competitors.
Racing conditions offered a mix of challenges, with steady 7-10 knot winds during the first several days before easing to 4-5 knots for the final races.
This year’s event also introduced the inaugural Cookie Cup, held the day before the Independence Cup. Designed as a fun, instructional regatta, the new event paired experienced racers with adaptive sailors to provide coaching on race strategy and boat handling.
The Independence Cup is organized through the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program, which has spent decades expanding access to sailing for people with physical disabilities.
The program traces its roots to Justin “Judd” Goldman, who developed a physical disability following a bone disease at age 17 and found a lifelong passion for adaptive sailing. After his death in 1989, his family established the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation in partnership with the Chicago Park District.
In 2026, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program was established at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, ensuring its mission of making sailing accessible to people of all abilities will continue for future generations.
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