Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show
The 14th Annual Chicago Sailboat Show is being showcased at Navy Pier January 29th to February 1st, 2009. 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 29 ~ 11am to 8pm
- Friday, January 30 ~ 11am to 8pm
- Saturday, January 31 ~ 9am to 7pm
- Sunday, February 1 ~ 9am to 4pm
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
Jack Klang and his famous navigation chart blanket, Lee Chesneau's Marine Weather Symposium, Liza Copeland, Pam Wall and Gary Jobson are some of the big cruising names this year. Seminars include Around the World in 5 Weeks, Basic Celestial Navigation, How to Maintain Your Diesel Engine, Hurricane Preparation, Cruising the BVI, Cruising for Cowards, Cruising into Retirement, Anchoring and North to Alaska. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!
Live Entertainment
Eric Stone and the Stoners will perform his newest tunes and old island favorites for boat show attendees this year. Eric Stone regularly plays for Bob Bitchin's Latts & Atts sailing gigs.
Hotels in Chicago
- Sheraton Chicago Hotel And Towers, 301 East North Water Street, 877-242-2558. Short walk to the Strictly Sail Boat Show and Navy Pier. This towering hotel has 34 floors, 1200 rooms and suites, health club, indoor pool, Shula's Steak House and many more eateries within the hotel.
- Fairmont Hotel Chicago, 200 North Columbus Drive, 888-860-0505. 687 rooms and suites, Aria Restaurant, business center, wi-fi and an athletic club with a climbing 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 can be very pricey.
- Fairfield Inn And Suites By Marriott Chicago Downtown, 216 East Ontario Street, 312-787-3777. 2 blocks from Navy Pier. 15 floors, 185 rooms, deluxe continental breakfast buffet, free high-speed internet, no pets. Valet parking is available.
- The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, 909 North Michigan Avenue, 312-943-7200, 752 rooms and suites, workout center, business center, spa treatments and The Grill on the Alley four-star restaurant. Ask about small pets.
Restaurants in Chicago:
- Chicago is known for its 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.
Prices (US dollars), policies and information are subject to change. Call show, hotels and attractions to verify.
For additional 2009 boat shows, check out the articles for New England Boston Boat Show Feb 14-22, Providence Boat Show Jan 29-Feb 1, and the Atlantic City Boat Show Feb 4-8.
Sources: navypier.com; tripadvisor.com; strictlysail.com; frommers.com; mapquest.com; chicago tourism board; expedia.com
Donna Diegel - Donna Diegel is an experienced baker and published author with more than 25 years of experience in the food industry.
