Weekend Plans: Chicago In-Water Boat Show
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 14, 2013 10:15PM
Photo credit: Chuck Sudo/Chicagoist
People in the know—bicyclists, runners and now boaters—know the south side of the lakefront is an underutilized resource. Which is why we encourage boating enthusiasts to head to 31st Street Harbor this weekend for the Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show. Last year's inaugural event drew 12,000 people to the crown jewel of the lakefront's southern half and expectations are to match, if not exceed, those numbers.
The show's stated mission is to showcase boating for every lifestyle, activity level and budget, according to Maria Blevins, public relations coordinator for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which produces the show. And there are boats for every interest, from small craft intended for fishing to sailboats that would make Jimmy Buffet's songs seem even more like lies to giant honking yachts that make you understand why the other half lives the way they do.
The show is an opportunity to see the latest boats, gear, accessories and clothing. Guests may participate in sailing and powerboating seminars, learn to paddleboard or become a stand up paddler (SUP). Other activities include fitness seminars that bring stand up paddleboarding and yoga together and banana boat lectures.
But the star of the show is 31st Street Harbor, which opened last year after a $103 million renovation project and won the 2012 Fabien Cousteau Blue Award. Harbormaster Scott Stevenson told Chicagoist the Cousteau award was the crowning achievement of numerous awards 31st Street Harbor has received for sustainability and design. the harbor has a capacity to hold 1,000 boats; currently, 300 boats call it home. The breakwater that keeps the slips constantly on the leeward side of choppy waters was designed to hold back 25-foot waves and, on a visit THursday, was relatively calm compared to the raging waves on the outside.
The Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show will run at 3st Street Harbor 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. June 15 and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. June 16. Purchase tickets here.