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Strictly Sail Chicago

2K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  73mensailed 
#1 ·
OK Sailor Boys and Girls here''s the big question. Is it really worth leaving Arizona in the middle of winter?

We have a unique opportunity to be in Chicago for 2 days during that show. We have seen the sailamerica.com site and are curious. It seems like the website has quite a few exibitors and seminars planned all ready. There are also a lot of manufacturers that will have new boats there.

Is it a must see show? Or is it just run of the mill? It certainly isn''t small. But it is Chicago in winter.

I would hope that you all can give us some feedback if you''ve been there or are going. Thank You, The Brown Family
 
#2 ·
Its a nice show. If you are in CHicago anyhow, you must go there. Flying from AZ tro the show however is a little far. Than better go to Miami later in the year. At least the weather is much nicer.
You guys from AZ might freeze to death in Chicago... lol

But again its a smaller shopw than Annapolis ( of course ) and Miami , but very comfy and informative ... I am going for sure
( 5 hours drive )

Thorsten
 
#3 ·
Hey Thorson,

5 hour drive, hope the weather is clear as well as the roads.

Well my wife and I went to the sailamerica.com site and they had a deal on rooms and flights. We''re going to be there. The rooms at the Fairmont Chicago are discounted, being the Host Hotel, but the deals on Southwest Airlines were not the best for us. Wanted a non-stop flight. I''m sure it will be a little chilly so I figure we need to stay a little closer to each other. That''s me and the bartender. Not the wife and bartender. Better yet, I''ll stay close to the wife, with the Bourbon and bartender close too.

So, if your going to be there, and all the others that read these posts, Let''s make it a party! Especially all those regular posters. Some of you must be going? Denr or Jeff H. or the others(not trying to miss anyone, or picking on anyone in paticular). I haven''t been to Chicago in 30 years and the wife has never been, so we''re looking to have some fun.

Keep in touch on the boards or contact me through sailnet. All are invited on this, we would love to hear everything anyone has to say about their sailing. Thanks
 
#6 ·
I''ve been there for the past four years or so, and am looking forward to this year as well. Sailnet has had a spot at the show, and I hope they will again this year. Perhaps Sam can let us know. If people are going to meet there then that would be the place to meet.
The thing I like about this show is the forums -- I think there are more in Chicago than at some of the other sailboat shows, and these are the main reason I go.
If anyone is organizing a meeting spot and time, let the list know so that we all have the chance to get together.
 
#7 ·
Well there''s only 60 days till the show. With the holidays between now and then, I''m sure a lot of us will be busy with that so, I decided to to revive this post and see if there were any others going and if we/they would still like to meet?

The Host hotel is the Fairmont, and according to the map, just a short distance from Navy Pier. How about we meet for Happy Hour,6:00 pm, Friday at the Lobby Bar at the Fairmont?

I''ll even lay down a challage for all that attend. Bring some photos of your boat and your very best sailing anecdote. The best story(majority vote) will win an appetizer, along with a host of other prizes(unlimited glasses of water, free tokens for the pay-toilets, clean silverware, the list is goes on). You will even be eligible to qualify for the "I''ll by that round" competition.

Anyways, let''s see if we can get a consencus of attendees that this will be a central spot to meet.

Hope To See You,

D&D Brown
"Splash"
1992 Mac 26s
 
#8 ·
I live an hour away from Navy Pier. I go every year, but I do not think this is a show that is worth a long trip to see. You will see pretty much the same boats you see at all the shows - Catalina, Jeneau, Hunter, Tartan, Caliber. There will be a few unsual makes, but the mojority of the show will be boats you have seen before.

I go because I love to be around boats and sailors and, living nearby, it helps me get through the cold Illinois winter.

If you want to visit Chicago, go to the show. To make a special trip - I say it is not a good enough show to justify the expense.
 
#10 ·
Hey Denr,

Any other places near there that might be more to our liking? All suggestions welcome. Someplace better anyone, speak up. Was the day and time ok?

I just named the host hotel, frankly because we''re staying there. We will be transporting through downtown Chicago via Taxis (Biped method only if necessary). And we''re meeting relatives for dinner downtown too, so if there''s something better in the area, Let''s Go!!

I thought about renting a car and driving out to where my Grandfather had his farm. I''ve been told it''s all houses now but there still is a creek running through town that we use to skinny dip in. Oh well it''s been 37 years.
 
#11 ·
73womennailed

The Fairmont is a fancyschmancy hotel, on Delaware if I’m not mistaken, it may be too good for you! If the weather is nice you could easily walk to Navy Pier from the hotel, maybe 15 minutes, save the fossil fuels and improve your health at the same time.

Directions: Proceed on Michigan Avenue Bearing 180 degrees to Ontario Avenue, turn hard to port and proceed to Fairbanks on a 90 degree heading, from there turn hard to starboard, proceed south on Fairbanks approximately 0.2 nm, then turn hard to port onto Illinois Avenue. Illinois Avenue takes you directly to Navy Pier. Pay no attention to the nuns (chicks in the black dresses) and cans (beer) on the street, they have no lateral significance.

Are you still buying drinks and dinner for all of us that contribute to this BB planning to attend the show?
 
#12 ·
Denr,

Like I said, I''ll buy you A drink to start,then you can buy me one, then I''ll buy you one, then you buy me one, hey, I''m getting a buzz just thinking about it. Being a proponant of the Equal Drinking Rights Amendment, I never want to stop someone from buying drinks.

Also, not dinner but an appetizer to the best sailing story (need picture to qualify). You could win hands down with a picture of a Benehuntalina.
 
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