Chicago Sailing Opportunities

[RocketGibraltor]

Hi All-

I am trying to get some feedback on starting out... I have signed up for a week long liveaboard out of newport in the late summer but am looking to get some experience previous to leaving. I live in chicago where we have a great size sailing community on Lake Michigan but I have tried some of the previous advice from some of you and went down to the docks trying to get an opportunity to get on as a crew member and have been very unsuccessful. It seems that it is a very tight knit group and kind of a double edge sword that without experience I am a liability but can't get it without getting out on the water. I am a 26yo. very fit young guy who catches on quickly and have done a lot of technical reading but haven't had much hands on. Can anyone please give me some feedback on an approach to getting time in out on the water when you're first starting out... Thanks for all the other great threads and people being so helpful.

[sailortjk1]

I know they charge a fee, but have a good program, in Chicago try

www.3rdcoastcruising.com

your welcome to do some daysails with us, we sail out of Monroe Harbor.

Good luck to you.

[captainbrad]

I don't know Chi-town to well, but a friend of ours just took a small boat sailing class there. If you can get your feet wet (no pun) in flying juniors, lazers, flying scots, melges, J-24's, whatever, those skills and terminology will all transfer. Also, getting a little time in small boats will give you that "experience" to get into bigger boat racing. It might cost a few bucks, but check around in the phone book/internet for a short small boat sailing/racing class for beginners. If all else fails, call one of the yacht clubs (like CYC) and ask them. I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction.

I'm over here in South Haven on the other side of the lake. If you were closer, you'd be welcome to come out with us sometime. I'm in the process of teaching my girlfriend to sail :-).

Good luck!
-BRad

[sailortjk1]

Capt. Brad,
I'll be in your neck of the woods on week of July 17th. Were doing White Lake, Grand Haven , Holland, South Haven, New Buffalo, and back to Chicago.

Might be nice to meet up with another Sailnet member. We love your town and river harbor. My wife loves the town. If your up for dinner at Clemantine's or if you want to meet up in some other harbor, let me know.
Tim

[captainbrad]

Originally Posted by sailortjk1

Capt. Brad,
I'll be in your neck of the woods on week of July 17th. Were doing White Lake, Grand Haven , Holland, South Haven, New Buffalo, and back to Chicago.

Might be nice to meet up with another Sailnet member. We love your town and river harbor. My wife loves the town. If your up for dinner at Clemantine's or if you want to meet up in some other harbor, let me know.
Tim

Hey Tim, sorry took so long to get back. Yeah, we'll likely be out in the Haven from Mon. night until Wed. mid-day. Drop me an email at CaptainBrad@hotmail.com if that's when you'll be in town.

-Brad

[sailortjk1]

Thanks Brad,