2024 Chicago Air and Water Show

SAILING: AUG. 17 & 18
​DURATION: 4 or 6 HOURS

Get ready for LOUD!  Get ready for SPEED!  Get ready for the BLUE ANGELS!  Headlining this year's Chicago Air and Water Show the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will thrill the crowd pushing their aircraft through spectacular demonstrations of precision flight and teamwork.

We are still waiting for the official 2024 Air and Water show Schedule.  Stay tuned for updates and/or signup for the Come Sailing Newsletter to get the latest schedule updates!

Option #1: PRIVATE 6-HOUR CHARTER
Option #1: Departure Time is 10:30 AM

This is our premiere Chicago Air and Water Show watching package.  We depart just as the air show begins.  We'll be able to see the opening demonstration teams as we make our way to the show box.  The sailing experience will be tailored to suit your preferences.  You pick the guest list, choose the music, bring your favorite beverages & snacks, and we'll take care of the rest.  Kickback and enjoy the show. Want to throw some shrimp on the barbie or flip some burgers?  We'll be happy to setup the gas grill.  The cooler will be stocked with ice and bottled water.  And, yes, there is a restroom on board each sailboat.

If you choose to sail on our Catalina 36 sailboat, BERNARD, then you have a few extra options available to you.  For instance, you may choose whether we anchor, anchor & swim, or just sail.  Booking BERNARD provides you with that flexibility!

Option #2: PRIVATE 4-HOUR CHARTER
Option #2: Departure Time is 1:00 PM

A thrilling 4-hour charter on board either of our sailboats is a perfect choice to enjoy sailing along Chicago's beautiful lakefront with the added bonus of seeing some really amazing aircraft along the way.  This charter is a shortened version of Option #1 with a focus on seeing the Blue Angels.  We will still tailor the charter to suit your preferences.  And you still pick the guest list, choose the music, bring your favorite beverages & snacks.

Timing Notes

Thursdays and especially Fridays just prior to show weekend have traditionally been practice days for the headlining precision flight team.  While they typically do not publish a schedule, we are very likely to see the Thunderbirds flying around the city midday Thursday and definitely on Friday.  The official show schedules have not yet been published but are likely to be similar to the following:

Friday, August 16 @ TBD PM (Rehearsal)
Saturday, August 17 @ 10:30 AM - 3 PM
Sunday, August 18 @ 10:30 AM - 3 PM
​
Bookings for these shows are available now.

Keep in mind when booking that it can take an hour to get to and from the "show box".  While we will see planes everywhere, the area around the show box is where the best viewing will be and where you will see hundreds of boats anchored to watch the show.

Please note that we have no control over the weather or the show schedule.  We make no guarantees as to when or if any of the performers/demonstration teams actually perform.  Our standard cancellation and refund policies apply regardless of whether any, all, or none of the scheduled performers/demonstration teams actually perform.

Learn more about the US Navy Blue Angels.
Learn more about the US Air Force Thunderbirds.

SCROLL DOWN FOR AVAILABILITY AND BOOKING

THE SAILBOATS

​S/V BERNARD

36' SHANNON SAILBOAT
6 PASSENGERS

​S/V DRUID

28' SHANNON SAILBOAT
4 PASSENGERS

AVAILABLE AIR AND WATER SHOW CHARTERS

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CHICAGO'S PREMIER ​SAILING EXPERIENCE ​AND PRIVATE SAILING CHARTER

​​Come Sailing is Chicago's premier sailing experience and private sailing charter offering a variety of boat rides, sailing charters, sightseeing tours, swimming trips, and customized private charters on Lake Michigan.  Take a break, Come Sailing, and enjoy some summer ​fun in the sun!

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