Chicago Sailboat Show
Navy Pier Chicago: Strictly Sail Sponsors Largest Midwest Boat Show
Check out the 13th Annual Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show Jan 31-Feb 3, 2008. Over 100 sailboats and 250 exhibitors make this a city favorite.
Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show
The 13th Annual Chicago Sailboat Show is being showcased at Navy Pier January 31st to February 3rd, 2008. This show promises to be even bigger and better than last year with over 250 exhibitors and more than 100 sailboats of all sizes and models. Pace yourself, because in addition to sailboats and luxury yachts there's also boating supplies, fishing gear, magazines, sailmakers, inflatables, cushions, canvas, electronics, GPS & software, marinas, clothing & foul weather gear, wetsuits, sunglasses, boat lettering, insurance, financing and more booths to visit than you have time for.
Show Times
- Thursday, January 31 ~ 11am to 8pm
- Friday, February 1 ~ 11am to 8pm
- Saturday, February 2 ~ 10am to 8pm
- Sunday, February 3 ~ 10am to 6pm
Ticket Prices:
- Adults ~ $12.00 Weekday ~ $15.00 Weekend
- Adults ~ $24.00 for two days
- Kids ~ 15 and under Free
Sailboats and Luxury Yachts on Display
Bavaria, Beneteau, Hobie, C & C, Hunter, Sabre, Tartan, Catalina, Com-Pac, Dufour, Island Packet, Jeanneau, Vanguard, Waquiez, J-Boats, Hanse, Colgate and Columbia and many more!
Seminar Highlights
Nigel Calder, Jack Klang, Lee Chesneau, Liza Copeland and John & Amanda Neal are some of the big cruising names this year. Seminars include Cruising with Pets, Diesel Engine Maintenance, Women at the Helm, Cruising the BVI, Sailing To Europe and Back: The Atlantic Circle, Basic Celestial Navigation, Galley Essentials, Hurricane Preparation, Outfitting for Blue Water Cruising and Cruising for Cowards. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!
Hotels in Chicago
- Sheraton Chicago Hotel And Towers, 301 East North Water Street, (312)464-1000. Short walk to Navy Pier. 34 floors, 1200 rooms and suites, health club, indoor pool, Shula's Steak House, discounted rates and packages for the show.
- Fairmont Hotel Chicago, 200 North Columbus Drive, (312)565-8000. 687 rooms and suites, Aria Restaurant, business center, wi-fi and an unbeleivable athletic club with a climing wall, eight-lane 25-yard pool, squash and racquetball courts and a spa. Small pets are welcome. Like most hotels in Chicago, the valet parking is very pricey at $49.00 per day.
- Fairfield Inn And Suites By Marriott Chicago Downtown, 216 East Ontario Street, (312)787-3777. 2 blocks from Navy Pier. 15 floors, 185 rooms, free high-speed internet, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast buffet, no pets. Valet parking is expensive at $38.00 per day.
- The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, 909 North Michigan Avenue, (312)943-7200, 751 rooms and suites, workout center, business center, spa treatments and The Grill on the Alley four-star restaurant. Small pets are welcome.
Restaurants in Chicago:
- Chicago is known for it's famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Chicago's Pizzeria Uno is where it all started ~ 29 E. Ohio St. (312)321-1000. You can't go wrong with pizza and you can find a parlor on almost every corner.
- Quartino Pizzeria & Wine Bar ~ 626 N. State St. (312)698-5000
- The Capital Grille ~ Steakhouse ~ 633 North St. Clair St ~ (312)337-9400
- Hard Rock Cafe ~ 63 W. Ontario St. (312)943-2252
- Timothy O'Toole's Pub ~ 622 N. Fairbanks Ct. ~ (312)642-0700
Things To Do in Chicago:
- Get a Go Chicago Card and save money on over 25 attractions!
- Navy Pier is one huge shopping mall with lots of boutiques and specialty stores. Dining options abound with restaurants like Bubba Gump, Charlie's Ale House, Joe's Be-Bop Cafe and a food court.
- Shopping at Water Tower Place, Bloomingdale's, Crate and Barrel's Flagship Store and Nordstrom's.
- Sears Tower Skydeck, 232 S. Franklin St. (312)875-9696
- John Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Avenue (312)751-3681
- American Girl Place, 111 East Chicago Avenue (877)247-5223
- Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue (312)443-3600
- Children's Museum, 700 East Grand Avenue (312)527-1000
- Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St Chicago (312)742-2000
- IMAX Theater, 700 E Grand Ave (312)595-5MAX
- Ideas for additional activities, reviews and things to do in Chicago can be found at TripAdvisor.com.
Parking & Directions: Parking at Navy Pier is plentiful but expensive. Prices range from $19.00 - $23.00 per day. There is a free trolly that will take you from parking lots around the area and drop you right off at the show. Better yet, carpool and save some money. Traffic can be bumper-to-bumper depending on the time of day. Plan accordingly.
Refer to this article for information on the Atlantic City Boat Show, February 6-10, 2008.
Prices (US dollars), policies and information are subject to change. Call show and hotels and attractions to verify.
Sources: navypier.com; tripadvisor.com; strictlysail.com; frommers.com; mapquest.com; chicago tourism board; expedia.com
