When the America's Cup World Series Chicago kicks off June 10 at Navy Pier, it will mark the first time the event has been held on freshwater in the event's 165-year history.
Event director Tod Reynolds spoke with CSN Chicago about the event, which pits six countries racing catamarans up and down the lakefront to win the ultimate prize and oldest trophy in international sport, America's Cup. The race also will serve as a qualifying event for the 2017 America's Cup in Bermuda.
"These guys are sailing rocket ships. They're 45-foot long foiling wing-sailed multi-hulls. They're going 35-40 miles per hour up and down the lakefront," Reynolds said. "They're crewed by a team of five guys that are working at 90-95 percent max heart rate for the entire 20-minute race.
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"Our stadium is the lakefront. Navy Pier is the perfect venue in the world for this event."
[RELATED: Tod Reynolds joins SportsTalk Live to discuss ACWS Chicago]
Viewing areas, entertainment and hospitality all will be available at Navy Pier, the event's official headquarters.
The countries represented will be the United States, New Zealand, Great Britain, Sweden, Japan, and France. ORACLE Team USA won the America's Cup in San Francisco in 2013 and will defend its crown in 2017 in Bermuda.
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Tickets are now available at ACWSChicago.com.