About Tall Ship Windy:
Tall Ship Windy offers 60-75 minute sailing adventures departing from Chicago's Navy Pier. Sails include views of the Chicago skyline, as well as helping to raise sails and relay commands, and more. Each "interactive journey" features Great Lakes history and "tales of courage on the inland seas." Popular programs are the Arrrrchitecture Cruise, Real Pirates of the Inland Seas, and Spirit Ships & Haunted Harbors. Tall Ship Windy also hosts fireworks cruises, concert sails, and special events. New in 2012 is a Friday Night concert series on the ship.
What is "Windy":
Windy is a 148-foot traditional four-masted gaff topsail schooner. Modeled after a traditional Great Lakes trading ship, she is built of modern materials and boasts all the character and charm of the Golden Age of Sail. Windy fully meets all appropriate United States Coast Guard regulations and can accommodate up to 150 passengers. (Learn about this app for a fun, historical battleship game for people with an interest in historical naval battles.)
From Where Does Tall Ship Windy Sail:
Sails leave from Chicago's Navy Pier at 600 Grand Avenue. Specifically, Tall Ship Windy is docked about halfway down the pier on the South dock. Look for Tall Ship Windy's masts or its ticket booth.
Getting to Tall Ship Windy:
The CTA provides seven bus lines with more than 200 buses that serve Navy Pier daily on the #29 State Street, #65 Grand Avenue, #66 Chicago Avenue, and the #124 Navy Pier Express (serving Metra lines at Millenium Park (Randolph Street) and Ogilvie and Union Stations). During weekday rush hours, the #2 Hyde Park Express, #120 Northwestern/Wacker Express (serving the Ogilvie Transportation Center), and the #121 Union/Wacker Express (serving Union Station) run every fifteen minutes from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. throughout the summer and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. the rest of the year. (Check out our Guide to Taking Public Transportation in Chicago.)
You can also also drive to Navy Pier, which has on-site parking.
When Does Tall Ship Windy Sail:
Dates and times depend on the type of cruise on Tall Ship Windy you want to do, including Arrrrchitecture Cruise, Real Pirates of the Inland Seas, and Spirit Ships & Haunted Harbors. Most cruises are daily in the summer months with varying times starting at 11 a.m. and going as late as 9:15 p.m. for a fireworks or haunted cruise. Check out Tall Ship Windy's August 2012 schedule for examples of cruise dates and times.
How Much Does a Cruise on Tall Ship Windy Cost:
Themed cruises, which range in cost from $25-$30 for adults, and $10-$20 for kids 2-12 years old. Group rates for more than 20 passengers are available for most events. View ticket prices and date options for cruises.
About Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago:
Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago owns Tall Ship Windy and offers sailing trips aboard several of Chicago's finest cruising sailboats, including "Pianissimo" - a 2011 Beneteau Oceanis 50. Tall Ships Adventures of Chicago is owned by Karen Randall and Capt. Bruce Randall who have "years of experience and knowledge of the Chicago cityscape and lakefront." Per the Tall Ship Windy Web site: "The personal touch of Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago continues with custom options. You may wish to have us provision, prepare your picnic, BBQ, or hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. For those who like to sail more frequently, but don't want to be locked into a time-share arrangement, generous discounts will be available for multiple date booking."
If you have a group larger then six (6) but still want to enjoy a lively sailing experience, Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago can offer you the option of a sailing trip aboard the Tall Ship Windy
How to Book a Sail on Tall Ship Windy:
You can purchase tickets online for any of Tall Ship Windy's cruises on the Tall Ship Windy Web site. You can also call 330-667-3168 if you are experiencing any technical difficulties.
