Get your mind off the polar vortex by thinking about summer!
The Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, RV and Strictly Sail Show is the Windy City’s biggest marine and outdoors sales event. If you love boating, camping, fishing, RVing, or sailing, this is your show. There’s no better place to see and buy boats for every activity, lifestyle and budget.
From January 14-18, you can check out the latest in RVs, campers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, and trailers; sailboats, sailing gear, rigging and accessories; marine engines, electronics and accessories; camping and outdoor gear, and more. You can also book trips with travel, charter and resorts. Plus, there will be an incredible line up of family-friendly features, boating, sailing and RVing education, and hands-on activities that make a day at the show fun for everyone. Here are just a few highlights:
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series is coming to Chicago in June 2016 and will be held on fresh water for the first time in its 165-year history. Stop by the LVACWS Center at the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show for an exclusive, early bird pre-sale of tickets at all levels before they are available to the public. Additionally, there will be special experiences throughout the show including the America’s Cup Trophy on Saturday and Sunday; autograph sessions with ORACLE TEAM USA member Matt Cassidy on Saturday and Sunday; a video wall with past races, updates from the teams and information on the America’s Cup and the ACWS Chicago event; AC45 Racing Simulator experience; and AC45 Virtual Reality experience.
Boost your boating IQ, by learning the fundamentals of boating safety and having fun. Top-notch mariners from the Annapolis School of Seamanship will be on deck to lead an array of interactive “courses” including general boating safety seminars, proper docking procedures, a boating simulator experience, and tips and tricks to help ensure your safety on the water. It’s enjoyable and educational for the whole family.
Get an overview of the styles and types of boats and how they fit the boating lifestyle you choose at the Gateway to Boating. Gain the know-how you need to keep everyone on your boat —and on the water—safe, and ensure every outing is fun and enjoyable. Learn how to use the resources available to modern boaters—from traditional compass and paper charts, to onboard electronics, to tablets such as the Apple iPad to stay safe and have fun on the water. Learn how to manage your boats systems from stem to stern. Does docking cause you stress? Let experts “show you the ropes” with tricks, and techniques that can make docking easy. Even on a three-hour tour, a good first mate is key to a great day on the water. This session covers the skills you need as a first mate. Stop by the Progressive Insurance Welcome Center or Progressive Insurance Boat School for more information.
If you’re interested in learning what it takes to maintain, repair or upgrade your boat or engine, head to the Fred’s Shed Interactive Learning Center for practical, professional advice. Free seminars cover a variety of topics, include demonstrations of techniques and tools on boat and motor cutaways, and end with question/answer sessions. Come with your questions and projects to discuss, and leave with the know-how, confidence and inspiration to do it yourself.
What better way to get your mind off of winter with a few days of thinking about summer?
