Crews prep for fun-filled America's Cup on Lake Michigan

CHICAGO (FOX 32 NEWS) - A good show and a first of it's kind on freshwater. The America's Cup World Series features six teams from all over the world.

They're competing on Lake Michigan for what's said to be the oldest international sporting trophy.

"It's just the perfect course area, perfect stadium, right in front of a downtown. And I think we're in for some exciting racing,"  said Jimmy Spithill, Oracle Team USA skipper.

Similar to other racing sports-- it's not just about the team that's out on the water. Dozens of others back up the crew to get them sailing the fastest.

"The America's Cup is not only a sport competition, it's also a technical competition and we have to work on that," Franck Cammas, Groupama Team France skipper, said.

Oracle Team USA is attempting to keep its World Cup title.

Rome Kirby, tactician for Oracle Team USA, has racing in his blood. His father sailed and he wants to continue that tradition by competing and winning big.

"Now that we've won, I want to defend it," Kirby said.

The races will be on the Great Lakes for the first time, but what does that really mean for the teams?

"We still go about our routine the same. Probably the only thing it might change is the top speed? Maybe because of the density of the water. But, he knows, we'll see," Kirby said

Race Village on Navy Pier opens Friday at noon. Practice racing takes place at 1:30 p.m.