I'm considering a trip but Chicago in February???? Somehow traipsing around on new boats in muck lucks seems obscene. Anyone been to one of these and did you find it worthwhile? Some of the seminars look interesting, do they charge for them? Thanks
Any thoughts on the Chicago sailboat show?
- Thread starter Bill C320 Papillon
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nice show
we went 2 years ago and it did seem a bit incongruous when the lake was frozen over as far as the eye could see. Regardless, the seminars were free (they are at every show), applied to a wide range of interests from cruising to cooking to techniques and maintenance and the displays of equipment and boats were enough to keep us occupied for 2 days. For an indoor show, we thought it was one of the better ones.
we went 2 years ago and it did seem a bit incongruous when the lake was frozen over as far as the eye could see. Regardless, the seminars were free (they are at every show), applied to a wide range of interests from cruising to cooking to techniques and maintenance and the displays of equipment and boats were enough to keep us occupied for 2 days. For an indoor show, we thought it was one of the better ones.
Great Time
The Chicago Sailboat Show is called "Strictly Sail" at Navy Pier and is an inside show. Parking sometimes is Difficult,but the last few years, the Weather has been pretty good, with no Snow. Its worth it to me just to be able to see the New Boats. There are many Booths and set up Displays of the Various Sailmakers and their products,plus Sales Reps from all over with their Products. You name it, they probably have it. There is plenty of Food also,and Beverages could include Beer. Last year, they had free samples of Rum. I can really deal with that. Around here there is no other place in the Winter to enjoy your Passion of Sailboats. Dave
The Chicago Sailboat Show is called "Strictly Sail" at Navy Pier and is an inside show. Parking sometimes is Difficult,but the last few years, the Weather has been pretty good, with no Snow. Its worth it to me just to be able to see the New Boats. There are many Booths and set up Displays of the Various Sailmakers and their products,plus Sales Reps from all over with their Products. You name it, they probably have it. There is plenty of Food also,and Beverages could include Beer. Last year, they had free samples of Rum. I can really deal with that. Around here there is no other place in the Winter to enjoy your Passion of Sailboats. Dave
Chicago show
The Chicago show is well worth the effort. Here are a couple of suggestions: 1) Take a back pack to carry a pair of boat shoes to wear while inspecting the boats.You can also use it to carry what ever literature you pick up, your street shoes and etc. 2) If you are going to be there a couple of days (recommended) purchase a VIP package. It is well worth the extra costs. You get a special coat check, a pass to the VIP lounge where you will find a lot of the quest speakers and a few other perks. 3) They have a special arrangement with a downtown hotel (refer to the Chicago Strictly Sail web site). We stay out at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont (near Ohara Airport). Parking is no problem there and we get a $5 CTA day pass and take the train downtown, tranfer to a bus and we're delivered to the front of Navy Pier. 4) Navy Pier is a cool place in itself. There are restraurants, shopping and amusements, all inside. We'll see you there.
The Chicago show is well worth the effort. Here are a couple of suggestions: 1) Take a back pack to carry a pair of boat shoes to wear while inspecting the boats.You can also use it to carry what ever literature you pick up, your street shoes and etc. 2) If you are going to be there a couple of days (recommended) purchase a VIP package. It is well worth the extra costs. You get a special coat check, a pass to the VIP lounge where you will find a lot of the quest speakers and a few other perks. 3) They have a special arrangement with a downtown hotel (refer to the Chicago Strictly Sail web site). We stay out at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont (near Ohara Airport). Parking is no problem there and we get a $5 CTA day pass and take the train downtown, tranfer to a bus and we're delivered to the front of Navy Pier. 4) Navy Pier is a cool place in itself. There are restraurants, shopping and amusements, all inside. We'll see you there.
Or Strictly Sail in San Francisco in April
San Francisco ( or Oakland, CA to be more precise) is nice in April.
San Francisco ( or Oakland, CA to be more precise) is nice in April.
Strictly Sail Chigago
My wife and I have gone for the last three years and we really enjoy it. we always see people that we know. The boats are all indoors, but the last two years, it could have been an in the water show. It's been really warm. The seminars are great and free. You can get some really good deals on boat stuff. last year we bought a bunch of blocks from Garhauer. They have a huge booth. This year I think it's going to be new cockpit cushions. You will enjoy it. We always stay at the Red Roof Inn. It's about 10 blocks away. We park the car for the weekend and either walk or take a cab. Most of the time we walk. If you can't get to one of the big shows, this will be your best bet.
My wife and I have gone for the last three years and we really enjoy it. we always see people that we know. The boats are all indoors, but the last two years, it could have been an in the water show. It's been really warm. The seminars are great and free. You can get some really good deals on boat stuff. last year we bought a bunch of blocks from Garhauer. They have a huge booth. This year I think it's going to be new cockpit cushions. You will enjoy it. We always stay at the Red Roof Inn. It's about 10 blocks away. We park the car for the weekend and either walk or take a cab. Most of the time we walk. If you can't get to one of the big shows, this will be your best bet.
Go if you have not been there
Been ther the past eight years. It really gets the juices flowing and starts you thinking Spring launch. Bring money as you will find something you want to buy. Seminars are great and free. Saturday is the busiest day and you sometimes have to wait to get on board a boat. Everything is there from dingys to trailerables to the over 40 footer production boats. I think you can save a couple of buck if you buy tickets on line. See you there!
Been ther the past eight years. It really gets the juices flowing and starts you thinking Spring launch. Bring money as you will find something you want to buy. Seminars are great and free. Saturday is the busiest day and you sometimes have to wait to get on board a boat. Everything is there from dingys to trailerables to the over 40 footer production boats. I think you can save a couple of buck if you buy tickets on line. See you there!
Been there done that
I never missed a show when I lived near Chicago. By chance I am returning there for business purposes during the show and will pay it a visit. Most of the boats available to tour are the typcial Hunter. Jeanaeu, Catalina, etc. No big deal as I see these boats all over all the time. I do, however, love to hang around other sailors. Spending a day in the environment during the winter is refreshing. In addition I am going to go to the Toronto boat show in mid Jan. just becasue I want to hang around boats. This year that will make two boat shows within 4 weeks. I just love being around the sailing/boating community.
I never missed a show when I lived near Chicago. By chance I am returning there for business purposes during the show and will pay it a visit. Most of the boats available to tour are the typcial Hunter. Jeanaeu, Catalina, etc. No big deal as I see these boats all over all the time. I do, however, love to hang around other sailors. Spending a day in the environment during the winter is refreshing. In addition I am going to go to the Toronto boat show in mid Jan. just becasue I want to hang around boats. This year that will make two boat shows within 4 weeks. I just love being around the sailing/boating community.
Fly in, take the CTA ...
DO NOT stay outside of the city, or you'll kick yourself for not taking advantage of the GREAT places to visit all around Navy Pier. There are countless good to great hotels with reasonable rates (hell, the rates are the same or better than in the burbs so what would be the point?) within walking distance or a very short cab ride. The choices for evening entertainment are countless. Do not bother with a car. From O'Hare it couldn't be easier than to take the CTA right to your destination. BE SURE to make time to visit the Shedd Aquarium if you haven't visited already. If you're thinking about going and don't because you are afraid it is not worthwhile ... you're nuts!
DO NOT stay outside of the city, or you'll kick yourself for not taking advantage of the GREAT places to visit all around Navy Pier. There are countless good to great hotels with reasonable rates (hell, the rates are the same or better than in the burbs so what would be the point?) within walking distance or a very short cab ride. The choices for evening entertainment are countless. Do not bother with a car. From O'Hare it couldn't be easier than to take the CTA right to your destination. BE SURE to make time to visit the Shedd Aquarium if you haven't visited already. If you're thinking about going and don't because you are afraid it is not worthwhile ... you're nuts!
Iused to live there
Scott makes good points - there are some great places to visit in Chicago. Those who live nearby have a tendency to forget the good things of this city. I would also suggest a visit to the the top of the Sears Tower, the Field Museum, the Science and Industry, and the Art Institute. These are all world class museums. You should not miss the Bean, either, which is just off the lake downtown. If you have time, the Chicago Symphony is one of the 2 or 3 best in the world.
Scott makes good points - there are some great places to visit in Chicago. Those who live nearby have a tendency to forget the good things of this city. I would also suggest a visit to the the top of the Sears Tower, the Field Museum, the Science and Industry, and the Art Institute. These are all world class museums. You should not miss the Bean, either, which is just off the lake downtown. If you have time, the Chicago Symphony is one of the 2 or 3 best in the world.
I have to admit ...
We are going to the Philly show, but I would much rather go to the show in Chicago. The number of diversions in that area could make a 4-day weekend a whirlwind of activity without even considering the show, which you obviously will want to attend! Aside from the attractions on Navy Pier (which I hear are really great - I haven't been there in several years), the whole area north of the loop is just teeming with nightlife. You can check out all the regular tourist spots like Mike Ditka's Restaurant, Harry Caray's, House of Blues, and all the well-known pizza places are to numerous to list. The names of great places to go in that area are virtually endless. Bill, it is hard to know if you know anything about Chicago or not. It appears that global warming is having a significant impact this year! You may be able to leave your boots behind and enjoy the spectacular waterfront that Chicago offers. I think that the sheer brilliance of the downtown area of Chicago is beyond compare with anyplace else in the country! My wife and I stayed at the Doubletree Hotel near the John Hancock Building when we were there last and we loved the location. A walk down Michigan Avenue will open your eyes for sure! The Art Institute, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planatarium are all within close proximity, adjacent to Grant Park. They are a healthy walk or a short cab ride from Navy Pier and the River North area. You won't want to have a car because keeping it downtown would be virtually useless and a nuisance to boot. The CTA will deliver you to the loop quickly, cheaply, and safely and is the best way to get downtown from O'Hare if you are traveling light. I lived on the North Side for several years and Chicago is the only place I miss in the Midwest.
We are going to the Philly show, but I would much rather go to the show in Chicago. The number of diversions in that area could make a 4-day weekend a whirlwind of activity without even considering the show, which you obviously will want to attend! Aside from the attractions on Navy Pier (which I hear are really great - I haven't been there in several years), the whole area north of the loop is just teeming with nightlife. You can check out all the regular tourist spots like Mike Ditka's Restaurant, Harry Caray's, House of Blues, and all the well-known pizza places are to numerous to list. The names of great places to go in that area are virtually endless. Bill, it is hard to know if you know anything about Chicago or not. It appears that global warming is having a significant impact this year! You may be able to leave your boots behind and enjoy the spectacular waterfront that Chicago offers. I think that the sheer brilliance of the downtown area of Chicago is beyond compare with anyplace else in the country! My wife and I stayed at the Doubletree Hotel near the John Hancock Building when we were there last and we loved the location. A walk down Michigan Avenue will open your eyes for sure! The Art Institute, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planatarium are all within close proximity, adjacent to Grant Park. They are a healthy walk or a short cab ride from Navy Pier and the River North area. You won't want to have a car because keeping it downtown would be virtually useless and a nuisance to boot. The CTA will deliver you to the loop quickly, cheaply, and safely and is the best way to get downtown from O'Hare if you are traveling light. I lived on the North Side for several years and Chicago is the only place I miss in the Midwest.
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