Chicago Strictly Sail Show

[crazycarl]

The 1st Strictly Sail Show we attended in Chicago was at McCormick Place. 

Not only a huge venue, but it was packed with trailerable sailboats like Compacs, Potters, Catalinas, Sanibels, Precisions, and Seawards to name a few.

It cost us $13 a ticket plus parking.

For some time now it has been held at Navy Pier, a much smaller venue, and only a few trailerable boats on display.

This year's show returns to McCormick Place, but is now the "Boat, RV, and Strictly Sail Show" at a cost of $30 a ticket, plus parking.

I've lost interest with all the big boat only displays, I don't think we'll be attending this year.

C.C.

[rbh1515]

Carl,
Agree that the show is not what it once was, but I still like to go.  This is the 2nd year at the new location.  Com-Pac will be there, and they are bringing a Horizon Day Cat.  Tickets are actually cheaper that what you paid in the past....$12 if you buy them on line before the show.  The web site also says you get a magazine subscription, but if you don't want it (worth $7) it sounds like you can turn in your ticket and get a refund for the subscription:
http://www.chicagoboatshow.com/admission
I'm going to go Thursday, the 1st day of the show...no crowds.
Rob

[kickingbug1]

   im kind of with carl on this one. the really big yachts dont interest me much since there prices put them out of the reach of anyone but the filthy rich. it was interesting to talk to some of the prospective buyers however. ill never forget sitting in the salon of a 54' hanse yacht with my nephew. down the companionway came two "super model" jet setters. they stood there in front of us (free entertainment) and one talked about her house somewhere in the keys and how she thought this boat wouldnt have enough fuel for an extended cruise. the other woman answered that it was a "sailboat". the first acted like she didnt understand. both of them surely couldnt figure out why we were laughing so hard. as carl pointed out this years show will be about rvs and powerboats with sail as an afterthought i would expect. i know that i will never own anything larger than the 18 footer i sail and i dont begrudge someone owning the big stuff but if im gonna spend that kind of money it will be for a house and land. this from a retired "working stiff"

[rbh1515]

Actually its not all about RVs and powerboats.  Its more like 3 different shows.  The sailboats are all in one area, which is probably close to the size of the Navy Pier location.  I typically don't go on many of the larger boats unless there is something really interesting. There are some good deals to be had on sailing things, and I always seem to find a few sailing related things that I come back with.  Last year I had just sold my Catalina 28 and had ordered my new HDC, so there were a few things I needed for the boat.  I was hoping to get a good deal on a Torqeedo outboard, but last year was the first year they didn't go to the show.
Rob

[kickingbug1]

   rob, it appears that you may be in driving distance of Carlyle lake. if so give some thought to coming to this years CLR in july.

[rbh1515]

Unfortunately I don't have a good tow vehicle.  I rent a Uhaul to take it in and out of the water.
Rob

[rbh1515]

Was at the show yesterday.  If you are looking for the ComPacs, there is only one...an HDC (not a brand new one, I assume it was built a few years ago, and is apparently owned by a someone in Wisconsin, and was not a great boat to put in the show...it just looked a bit rough, and the display around it was very busy).   It is very hard to find it.  Its not in the sailboat part of the show.  It is in the exact opposite side of the show from the sailboats.
The show was OK.  I always find one or two things to buy.  Looked at a couple larger boats.
Rob