Tuesday, July 29, 2008

New Website online today

Today we have launched our updated website. While it is nearly finished we are still tweaking it a little and have to add some additional features and functionality. We plan on having a crew meeting section where you can post your information enabling you to meet crew or to find a spot on a boat.
We will also be adding a photo gallery where you can upload your own photos and see our archive of shots. And updating 'Our Team' with all relevant information and photos.

If you have any suggestions or comments we would love to hear from you. Please email Ronan@chicagosailing.

Thank you.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Would you like to post to our Blog??

We are always looking to hear of your experiences at Chicago Sailing. Maybe you have some good photos or videos from your time on the water or an experience that you would like to share with everyone.
Please feel free to drop a line to Ronan@chicgosailing.com and we would be happy to post on your behalf.

Thank you.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Busy, busy Sunday

Even though the sun was not splitting the docks today we had all of our boats out on the water.

It seems that sailors are just happy to be out on the weather no matter what.

Here is a shot from the water of our docks just after 2pm. You can see our dockstaff working to get the remaining boats off the dock.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Busy Day at Chicago Sailing

Today we were busy with two events taking place. We had a teambuilding regatta in the morning with Deloitte US. This event was great fun with all participants having a blast and really enjoying being out of the office and on the water. Above you can see our pre- regatta training briefing. Here we are informing the group of whats going to be happening on the water. As the sun was so hot we elected to do this under the tent.

Here you can see the teams starting to rig the jib and prepare to sail.

Our second event today was a Bumblebee sail. Bumblebee (pictured below) is our flagship vessel and can carry groups of up to 40. She is proving very popular this season and is on the water as much as she is docked. Today the company OMD chartered her for an afternoon cruise.

Bumblebee has room on deck for 40 + people while she is also wonderfully appointed down below. You can see from these shots taken below prior to the sail that the group sure was going to eat and drink well.


If you would like more information on our Group events please call Stephanie now at 773 871 7245 and she will be delighted to answer any questions that you may have.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

'Parvenu' returns to Belmont


Alan Veenstra, Chicago Sailing owner and president sailed his own personal boat 'Parvenu' down from Racine Wisconsin late last night. Alan has sailed countless miles on this beautiful vessel. We are of the opinion that she is one of the most beautiful boats in the harbor and were delighted to see her back at her mooring.

Alan tells us that he plans on doing some 'housekeeping' on her over the next few days. We look forward to seeing her sailing sometime soon.

Friday, July 18, 2008

A calm, quiet morning

Fridays are one of our busiest days for the dock staff at Chicago Sailing. Today is very calm and not too humid, perfect for getting some work done.
Order of business today for all can be seen below:
1. Do a motor check on all engines. Thats 24 engines and 6 spares!!
2. Clean any boats that need it.
3. Check rigging and sails on all boats.
4. Do fuel check confirming that we have plenty for the next 5 days, if not we will go to pick up clean gas.
5. Pump out all larger boats, check all fluid levels onboard, pump out waste tanks and completely clean and sanitize the 'Heads'.
6. Clean the Houseboat/ office inside and out.
7. Grab a much needed beer in anticipation of the busy weekend.

We do love our jobs and are very grateful to be able to work outside... hopefully everyone appreciates the distances we go to enabling us to keep delivering high standards of service !

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Verisign at Chicago Sailing

Today we co- hosted a Teambuilding Regatta with one of our sailing partners 'Gel'. Gel and Chicago Sailing work together to bring rewarding teambuilding experiences to companies in the Chicago area. Gel operates nationwide.
Verisign was the company today and we are happy to report that much was learned and gained form their time on the water.

Here you can see the teams preparing to depart the dock and some already departing.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Holiday Weekend at Chicago Sailing

July 4th weekend is traditionally one of our busiest weekends and this weekend has been no different. Below you see a shot of the dock with nearly all of our boats out on the water. The weather was great and everyone was so excited to get out and sail, hopefully we will continue to have good weekends for sailing and fun throughout the season.