We are underway!

One would think we would cease to be amazed by the pent up demand for sailing. Every Spring we go from a crawl to warp speed in just a few days. This year’s fickle weather merely delayed that moment. Come on down and join us for another great season. We miss you and have spruced things up to welcome you back. Our office/houseboat newly painted, the boats are fresh and the lake is waiting for you to shake off the winter blues. Most of all we miss you.

Seasonal Tune-up

Now that the season is about to begin, Chicago Sailing encourages sailors to start the season well and on a sound footing. To that end we taking this opportunity to remind you of important issues that will add to your safety and enjoyment on the water.

Rules & Procedures:

Please note that Chicago Sailing has instituted some important procedures to increase your safety and enjoyment on the water. To that end we ask that each of you read and understand our updated Rules and Regulations, Outboard Motor Operation and Sailing vs. Auxiliary Propulsion. For your convenience, all our J22s will have instruction manuals for all these operations aboard.

Chicago Sailing has a new dedicated EMERGENCY telephone number: (773) 706-3910. Please store this in the cell phone that you have aboard the vessels you use. Also, remember to record your cell number with the office prior to each departure.

Donnie and Charlie have been hard at work all winter, making our fleet sound and presentable. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping them safe and presentable to the next sailors. Report any damage of problems immediately and be conscientious about footwear. Black sole marks are unsightly and stubborn to remove. Avoid cleanup responsibilities by having your guests to wear non-marking shoes.

Chicago Sailing has a new message board on the outside of our houseboat/office. In addition to general information, this board will indicate the expected weather conditions, and the day’s limitations on sail deployment and geographic sailing parameters. Each renter is required to consult this board before leaving the dock.

Schedule early to insure favorable dates

Chicago Sailing is experiencing unusually strong demand for all sailing services, particularly for choice dates. While we still have good availability, early season and holiday dates are filling quickly. Call today to reserve your first choice of lessons, rentals and charters.

Note: The Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the busiest and most spectacular weekends out on the lake. This year the show will include a Friday performance. Take advantage of this advanced knowledge if you wish to experience one of Chicago’s premier events. Click here for additional information.

Own your own boat: Easy, Fun, Cost-effective

Chicago Sailing is expanding its fleet, adding boats in the 32-42’ range. To meet these goals, Chicago Sailing is looking for a limited number of captains to purchase boats and lease them back to our program. The concept is the simplest and and most cost-effective way to own a boat.

• Sail your own boat from a premium slip

• Receive a guaranteed income for unused sailing time

• Receive significant tax benefits

• Professional management

Email Alan Veenstra today to learn how such programs would benefit you or call him at 773 252 3700

US Sailings latest news

US Sailings latest news can be found by clicking here

Attention Sailors

Sailing is an adventure, one that lasts a lifetime. And like all adventures, enjoyment comes from the journey, not the destination. Chicago Sailing makes the journey convenient and affordable in several ways, none more so than our Preferred Rental Programs (PRP). They are the perfect way to polish you sailing skills, entertain your friends and pursue your own lifetime of adventure.

New sailors appreciate that the J-24 PRP offers an average of 6 three-hour sailing slots/ month from April to October. Priced at only $1800, you will be sailing for less than $17/hr if you take full advantage of the program. In addition to reserved sailing time, you may trade sailing dates or request unused sailing time from other participants.

Chicago Sailing offers the PRP on larger boats as well, like the J30, Tartan 10 and the Hunter 326*. These programs offer the additional advantages of longer sailing times, more sailing slots and the ability to overnight at the dock.

Visit here and here for a detailed illustration of each boat in our PRP programs. Then call Alan Veenstra at 773 252 3700. He will be happy to place you in a program that supports your lifetime of adventure.

*subject to qualifications, two participations available.

Cruising Course dates set

Chicago Sailing’s cruising course 421 is more than an opportunity to learn many of the important skills necessary for successful cruising and chartering. They are a unique vacation opportunity in some of the finest cruising areas of Lake Michigan. So, in five days you will learn advanced sailing skills, the cruising lifestyle, and bareboating essentials in Lake Michigan’s premier cruising locations. US SAILING’s certifications for Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising are included.

Alert: Our first course, set for July 27-Aug1, has one berth available. Starting in Door County, you will cruise across Lake Michigan twice and visit several anchorages before arriving in Milwaukee. The vessel is the same beautiful and popular Tartan 3700 that we used last season. Participation is limited so act quickly if this date fits your schedule, otherwise we will be offering more dates soon. Call today to register or for more information.

Inquire about other dates and venues. We intend to conduct at least one course per month starting in June.

Display Your Achievements

We are proud to offer frameable sailing diplomas for each US SAILING course. You will be proud to display these handsome certificates, which come complete with your name, level of accomplishment and an embossed seal. The certificate is included in the cost of 2008 certifications. Early graduates may purchase them for $10 each.

Chartering Opportunities

Chicago Sailing is partnered with two first-class charter operators, one in northern Michigan and the other in Lake Superior. Take your sailing on the road and experience the joys of truly exquisite cruising grounds. You will find attractive rates on boats between 30 and 45’. And if your chartering plans include the Caribbean, Chicago Sailing’s partners offers a choice of locations and vessels. Call today to discuss the possibilities.