Chicago will play host to the best sailors in the world as SailGP visits the Windy City for the very first time this Father’s Day weekend. The league’s nine international teams will take to the water in their super-fast, flying F50s and battle it out along the shores of Lake Michigan against the iconic backdrop of Chicago’s skyline.

With fast and furious action thrilling crowds on both land and water, SailGP boasts the ultimate live racing experience in Chicago’s Skyline Stadium. From celebrating Father’s Day in style to kicking off summer with Chicago’s biggest tailgate party, we round up the top five reasons to watch the T-Mobile U.S Sail Grand Prix from Chicago’s Navy Pier.

Season 3 // U.S Sail Grand Prix // US SailGP Team by Navy Pier
  • Celebrate Father’s Day weekend in style

Taking place on June 18-19, the T-Mobile U.S Sail Grand Prix makes the perfect Father’s Day weekend treat, with exhilarating, shoreside racing set to thrill crowds along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Season 3 // U.S Sail Grand Prix // U.S SailGP Team city skyline
  • Watch the best sailors in the world

From US Driver Jimmy Spithill to the most decorated Olympic sailor in history Ben Ainslie, SailGP’s racetrack is bursting with the best athletes in the world. Spot the biggest personalities in the sport as the F50s burst along the shore and hang about after racing - you might catch one or two celebrating (or commiserating) in the SailGP race village.

Season 3// Bermuda Sail Grand Prix// Race Day 1// Jimmy Spithill
  • Bring your own boat for the best seat in the house

As well as offering front row seats on Chicago’s iconic lakefront, SailGP invites fans to bring along their own boats and watch from the sidelines. For the ultimate court-side view, moor up right alongside the racecourse for the best view in the house.

Chicago Tailgate Party | Header Image
  • Kick off summer with Chicago’s biggest tailgate party

SailGP will open its doors and allow fans to get a backstage glimpse into the pit lane garages for the first time. Taking place inside SailGP’s ‘pit lane’ at Soldier Field on Thursday, June 16, SailGP’s Tailgate Party will feature live music from Sixteen Candles alongside Red Bull DJs, athlete appearances and exclusive ticket giveaways. Tickets are limited and cost $40.

Season 3 // U.S Sail Grand Prix // U.S SailGP Team practice
  • Support the USA SailGP Team at their home event

Jimmy Spithill’s U.S SailGP Team is gearing up to race in front of home crowds this weekend and hoping their support will buoy them to victory. Can Chicago’s crowds exceed the excitement of our Season 3 opener in Bermuda? Stay tuned.

Buy tickets to the T-Mobile U.S Sail Grand Prix | Chicago at Navy Pier.