We're Open!

Phew! What a run up to the season.

Every year, as soon as April hits, we orchestrate a semi-choreographed maneuver into the harbor.

At the end of a Chicago Sailing season, our phone lines get transferred to our warehouse and year-round office on Campbell. The computers, printers, office supplies and everything else needed to operate an office all go there as well. Our boats get scattered. The J/22's and 24's get shoved in, jigsaw puzzle like, into the warehouse. Bumblebee, the T-10 and 2 of our Hunters head up to Racine. Our other Hunters and J/30 make their way to Great Lakes naval base. The final piece of this giant puzzle is our houseboat/office which goes to Canal Street.

April hits and we un-do all of this work to become operational. The first step is getting the houseboat to B Dock. That occurred earlier this year than others, right after St. Patrick's Day.

Our J/22's started going back in the water, the Hunter's arrived from Racine and in the week prior to opening we switched our phone lines back. A quick load-in (sometimes not so quick) of the computers and office equipment was all that was needed to get us there.

And then we waited, to see what the weather would bring opening weekend. The short answer, many smiling faces!

In a dramatic turn from last year's season opener, we had sunny skies and many smiling faces on the dock. This Sunday, our first 11 students will complete their transformation from landlubber to skipper. We've also welcomed back a number of renters to B Dock.

That all means that this week has been a busy one for our fleet management staff. We have more J/22's in the water right now than we have ever had at the start of the season. They're getting ready for Club Sail tonight and another sunny weekend of activity on B Dock.

Here are some of the shots from last weekend. We hope to see you soon!