Strictly Sail Chicago

It's back. Next week Thursday - Sunday, Navy Pier will be taken over by the largest group of sailing enthusiasts in the mid-West. Nothing beats the winter doldrums like a little glimmer of sailing and connecting with other sailors.

Chicago Sailing will be in residence at Booth #149, just to the right of the center entrance. We'll have copies of our brand new, shiny brochures and Hershey kisses, as a preview of our 25th Anniversary celebrations.

There's a great line-up of free seminars for people attending the show. Scroll down to find the hourly seminars offered.

Throughout the show, we'll post highlight videos from our booth and checking out some of the other exhibitors. Don't be surprised if you see a few friendly faces. Some of our instructors and office staff will be on hand to help introduce people to Chicago Sailing.

This year you can purchase your tickets online or at the door on the day-of the show. Through the end of this week, use "facebook fan" to receive $3 off web ticket orders. This link will take you to a printable coupon for $2 off tickets at the door.

We can't wait to see everyone and start getting ready for our 25th Anniversary.

Staff Update

With the off season halfway through and Strictly Sail coming up, we thought it was time to let you know what our seasonal staff have been up to.

Instructor Scott Meyers has the biggest news to share. He is getting married to his fiancée Brittany in July and setting sail for an around the world adventure in September. They are spending this winter preparing their boat, Rasmus (a Halberg-Rassey 35’ keelboat) for the journey. Check in on their preparations and keep track of the journey on their blog, http://www.windtraveler.blogspot.com.

Brett Doudican is using the off-season to pursue getting his Captain’s license. We’re excited to add another captain to our roster, not to mention having Brett back as an instructor.


Natty Clapp and Mike Burlando celebrated the New Year with a return to Lake
Michigan. They plunged into the water on North Ave Beach with the Polar Bear Club.



Eric Hansen is enjoying the water in a much warmer locale, the British Virgin Islands. He and his brother are bareboating a Beneteau 34.6 for a week of R & R.



Ronan Adams is back in Ireland, just starting to sober up from his 3 month road trip in Canada. He is currently freezing his arse off in a banana republic that has no leadership with the capital city being closed down with less than half of an inch of snow. And, his feckin water pipes are frozen solid, since last Friday. All is good though, as he is off to Spain next week for a week of sun and surf. If anyone has a job for Ronan, he is available!


Magda Gaca has been traveling around Europe since her return to Poland, though she tells us there isn't much to report. We have investigated and know that she has visited Paris and Berlin in the last two months with her boyfriend Dawid.


Beth Ericksen is venturing to the west coast (Seattle) to visit Teryn Bergo and then they are both heading north to catch the Olympics. **Jealous!

Heather Smith is teaching a class on Chicago planning at DePaul. At her day job she is planning an annual conference on planning. This year's focus is the built environment, bicycling and public health. The big news for the concert is they have David Byrne confirmed to come to our conference. If anyone wants more info it is at cnu18.org.



As for your faithful blogger, I've spent my weekends and evenings away from the dock working on my piece of the American dream. After a complete gutting of the kitchen, down to studs and floor joists, and some serious educational opportunities, we get to start unpacking our kitchen this week!

AEL Catering

Ever wonder who is behind those really good food days, like last season's Oktoberfest party, at Chicago Sailing? Chef Andrew Lawrence and his wonderful staff are the creative geniuses!

Just check out some of the food from Oktoberfest.


And look at all the people enjoying it!

There is even a guy from Germany in that picture. He couldn't believe he found food that good in Belmont Harbor.



Check out AEL Catering's sample menus online and get contact information by clicking here.


Chef Andrew Lawrence with Heather at Oktoberfest