Championship model sailboats compete in Vernon Hills
More than 75 hobbyists from across the country brought their radio-controlled model sailboats to Vernon Hills for the 2014 National Championship Sailboat Races on Century Park's Big Bear Lake.
The Chicago R/C Model Yacht Club is hosting the event, which set sail Sept. 12 and runs through Saturday. It features four national championship sailboat races.
"It's been going wonderful. The facilities are great and everybody appreciates it," said John Conley of the Chicago R/C Model Yacht Club. "You're dealing with national championship races. This is the best of the best."
There are four classes of competition, including soling class boats that are 39 inches long; the Santa Barbara class that are 70 inches; East Coast 12 class that are 58 inches long; and the J class boats that are 8 to 9 feet long and weigh up to 90 pounds.
Races are open to the viewing public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"They love this park district. Everyone says this is one of the best venues that they have ever sailed at," Rob Hill of Lincolnshire said after racing his boat. "These are the big guns in this class. We have a fellow from New Zealand, people from California and Florida, and all over the Midwest. There are no better sailors than the guys that are here today."
More information about the races can be found at chicago-rc-model-yacht-club.org.