January 14, 2005

• Strictly Sail Chicago -- February 3-6, 2005

  

  If there's one thing I miss about Illinois, it's being able to attend the Strictly Sail Boat Show in Chicago.

  During the cold, snowy, and often icy months between December and February, the only consolation for small inland lake sailors (aside from ice-sailing) is getting to browse sailboats and gear (and pick up free stuff and advice) at this annual event.

  The closest thing to a winter boat show here in Texas is the Houston International Boat Show that is currently going on (Jan 7-16, 2005). However, the Houston Boat Show does not solely showcase sailboats and sailing gear. In fact, very few exhibitors are sailboat companies.

  If you're in the Midwest, and you haven't seen the Strictly Sail Boat Show at Chicago's Navy Pier -- a huge indoor conference area, in which they can fit sailboats with their masts down, and also showcase larger yachts outside on the docks -- take advantage of what I cannot and go! There are few times in one's life when one can step inside a $100,000 vessel without either having to 1) schmooze or 2) go broke. Tickets cost less than it would be to see a movie in Los Angeles. Be ready to take off your shoes on deck.

  One thing I am enjoying about Texas, though, is that I can actually contemplate sailing in January. If only I weren't so busy!

  
  http://www.sailamerica.com/strictlysail/shows/chicago.asp?show=chicago

  • 8:14 pm
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