Chicago Nationals 2009 Chicago Nationals Racing Chicago Nationals 2009

2009 Shields Class National Championship Regatta Comes to Chicago

September 16, 2009 (CHICAGO) -- The 2009 Shields National Championship Regatta returns to Chicago for the fifth time in the championship’s forty-five year history. The regatta will be held Wednesday, September 16 - Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Station and will host 20 boats representing 6 U.S. states. The competition in this fleet will bring out legendary Shields sailors to race against the young talent in Chicago’s local fleet.

Usually raced with three to five crew, the Shields is a 30 foot keelboat designed in 1963 by Cornelius Shields, an ardent supporter of one design racing. Shields partnered with the legendary Olin Stephens to create a “modern” version of the International One Design, built of modern materials and very strict one-design rules. He personally gave the class a jump-start by donating almost two-dozen of these beautiful boats to the service academies, and today the class has grown to 14 different fleets representing New York, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan, Connecticut and Maryland.

The 2009 regatta will draw exciting competition to Lake Michigan. Returning to defend his 2008 Shields National title is Bill Berry from Beverly Yacht Club in Marion Massachusetts, who is also hoping to win his third national championship. Berry will have tough competition from former Nationals champion Robin Monk, of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport Rhode Island, who took second last year. Monk’s experience winning the National Regatta when it was last held here in Chicago in 2003 should be an advantage. However, both Berry and Monk will have their hands full facing several experienced Chicago Shields sailors who also figure to be in medal contention. Chicago’s own Martin Plonus won the Nationals when it was first held in Chicago in 1974. Also Yankee Girl, skippered by Kevin Teborek, Sapphire skippered by Mike and Jonathan Schwartz, Peanut skippered by Kristian Martincic, and Insidious skippered by Gary Ropski all will be the boats to watch in this competition.

“We are looking forward to a great regatta,” said Kevin Teborek, Chairman of the 2009Championship.” Shields Fleet 3 is grateful to Chicago Yacht Club for the support and hospitality that makes this championship memorable.”

Chicago Yacht Club is proud to host this prestigious sailing event, and welcomes you to be a part of all of the action. The race would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsor Chicago Yacht Rigging and sponsor Weather Routing Incorporated. To learn more about the Shields National Championship, go to http://shieldsclass.com/2009/.

MEDIA CONTACT: Christie Denson | 312.861.7772 | denson@chicagoyachtclub.org