2026 CHICAGO
​AIR AND WATER SHOW

SAILING: AUG. 15 & 16
​DURATION: 4 or 6 HOURS

Get ready for LOUD!  Get ready for SPEED!  Get ready for the THUNDERBIRDS!  Headlining this year's Chicago Air and Water Show, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will thrill the crowd pushing their aircraft through spectacular demonstrations of precision flight and teamwork.

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 the sailboat.
​

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

A thrilling 4-hour charter on board our sailboat 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 Thunderbirds.  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  While they typically do not publish a schedule, we are very likely to see the Thunderbirds flying around the city midday Thursday and definitely on Friday.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 14 @ TBD PM (Rehearsal)
Saturday, August 15 @ 10:30 AM - 3 PM
Sunday, August 16 @ 10:30 AM - 3 PM

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

2026 Air and Water Show charters booking soon!

PRIVATE AIR AND WATER SHOW CHARTERS

RETURNING CUSTOMERS PLEASE NOTE

If you have not yet set a password, you may receive the following error: "This email address is already in use. Please use the Sign in button to use your existing account."  In this case, please click the "SIGN IN" button and then use the "I Forgot My Password" option to reset your password.

OTHER CHARTERS YOU MIGHT ENJOY

View Day Sail Schedule

View Sunset Schedule

View Fireworks Schedule

YOUR SAILING ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!

​​Come Sailing is Chicago’s home for authentic sailing adventures. From social public cruises on our stable catamaran, CITY CAT, to intimate private voyages on the classic sailboat BERNARD, we offer a personalized alternative to the large-scale commercial tours. Join us at our new home in Navy Pier Marina to experience the skyline as it was meant to be seen—from the deck of a sailboat. Take a break, Come Sailing, and let the lake breeze gently whisk away the stress of everyday life.