IN THE NEWS

Gold Star Regatta — (2017)

Police Officer Finds Peace Through Sailing, Hopes Others

Will As Well

JACKSON PARK — It's not uncommon for off-duty police officers to join a bowling league or softball team, but Marlon Harvey thinks his fellow officers ought to consider sailing as well.

Harvey is a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. The Beverly resident works as a mounted patrolman and has been sailing for more than a decade at the Jackson Park Yacht Club, near the department's stables.

"When I am out here sailing, I call it my religion. It is very peaceful," Harvey said Tuesday. "The water, the wind — you just forget everything."

Harvey started the Chicago Police Sailing Association in March 2016 in the hope of encouraging more law enforcement officials to take up the pastime. He's hoping to further this cause with the Gold Star Regatta.

About 30 sailboats are expected to participate in the inaugural race that begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday from the club in Jackson Park. Two races are available to entrants — a distance race and a buoy race, said Karen Harris, the commodore in Jackson Park.

A party after the race will be held at 2 p.m. with beverages, local food trucks and entertainment for children. Proceeds from the regatta are slated for police charities, including the Brotherhood for the Fallen, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the 100 Club of Chicago.

Those not racing can sponsor a boat, and Harvey encouraged his supporters to look no further than the Maggie Marie — a 35-foot sailboat named for his mother, grandmother and granddaughter.

Marlon Harvey of Beverly has been actively sailing for more than a decade. He started the Chicago Police Sailing Association in March 2016 and hopes his fellow police officers take up the pastime. [DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig]

Karen Harris is the commodore of the Jackson Park Yacht Club. Marlon Harvey is a member of the South Side club and started the Chicago Police Sailing Association. [DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig]