Sailing Adventures Aboard Windy

Each day of our daily and weekly sailing schedule is unique, with every trip dependent on the direction of the wind. No two tours are alike. Each sail also has a tour theme led by our enthusiastic crew-educators! Our tall ship crew are multi-talented individuals, many of whom have experience in the study of history, maritime lore, the arts, music, and theatre- ready to bring their experience to enhance your enjoyment aboard Windy! You can simply relax on deck in quiet, or gather around for storytelling and hands-on fun! On any given day, you may find one or more of these sailing themes occurring during our famous Chicago Skyline day sails...

Sailor's Paradise- The Life of Tall Ship Sailor - What did it take to survive and thrive out here in the Great Lakes as a sailor? It was a wild life of adventure! Great Lakes sailors knew how to build a life for themselves, independent and courageous, they turned these waters into a "Sailor's Paradise" Come find out why..

What were the differences between the saltwater and the inland sea sailors? You'll soon know!

Hear a lively tune or a traditional story!

Learn the difference between a not and a knot in hands-on techniques you can use at home!

See if traditional navigational technology can compete with modern computer in the chip log experiment!

Real Pirates of The Inland Seas, A SPECIAL EVENT SAIL, will take you through the misty curtains of time to prove that not only is our great country founded on piracy with some of our forefathers as real pirates, but some of the most exciting and incredible tales of true piracy happened right outside of your front door - right here on these magnificent inland seas.

But were all pirates "Bad Guys"? Where did the life of piracy originate? The answers may surprise you!

Come along today and hear stories from 1600's to the 1960's of Great Lakes Piracy, tales from the Golden Age of Piracy all the way to its Twilight�� and we may just have to engage the enemy as we "privateers" defend our beautiful Chicago coastline!

Windy's "The Sailor and the Sea" Sail - The Ecologically Aware Tall Ship Sail - It's Sailing! It's Science! It's Adventure!
Don't get bogged down in the scientific doubletalk and fad advertising, -- Being Green is simple! . Here on the Tall Ship Windy we know that it could be as simple as just picking the right cruise! We use 80% less fuel then any other boat on the pier. Going green never was easier.

Do a Hands-on science experiment!

Play with the newest technology in alternate energy, it might surprise you!

Hear about sea monsters that roam the deep! Perhaps even see them with your own eyes!

Blue Frontiers - A Chicago Maritime History Sail - Live and learn the Adventures of the Great Lakes Heroes and Heroines! Experience for yourself the inspiration of the these incredible waters.

Could you explore three thousand miles of water in just a canoe? They did.

Do you have what it takes to survive the isolation of lighthouse keeping? He did.

Could you risk life and limb in a harrowing rescue attempt to save the lives of an entire ship? She did.

Learn not only about the tallest building but where "Skyscrapers" came from.

Where was Chicago's secret "vice district"?

What can you see of the "old" and what's great about the "new"?

Project Origin - A bold retelling of our Country's glorious beginning though the history of sail. The origin story of our Country's founding usually starts with Columbus or sometimes with Plymouth Rock, but if we part the waters of history and peer into pools of mystery we will hear stories not only of European explorers, but also of brave Vikings, explorers from the Far East, and Ancient Peoples. In these inclusive tales, we discover whom we are, in their saga of adventures on the high seas, lakes, and rivers of time that feed into our Great Lakes.

Windy's Fireworks Sail, A SPECIAL EVENT SAIL, - Our rousing adventure, on Wednesday nights and Saturdays, when you will be treated to Navy Pier's spectacular starlit Fireworks display, from the "best seat in the house" – sailing across the brilliantly lit skyline! Have a cool house specialty or a glass of wine from our bar* and relax to enjoy the show!

Sea Shanty Sails - Sea shanties (singular "shanty", also spelled "chantey"; derived from the French word "chanter", 'to sing') were shipboard working songs. Some speculate that shanties may have been sung as early as the 15th century. Shanties coordinated the movements of the sailors as they toiled at repetitive tasks. They also served a social purpose: they relieved boredom, and lightened the burden of hard work, of which there was no shortage on long sea voyages. You'll hear (and sing with us) a sampling of these legendary tunes….

Moonlight Sails - Our late evening peaceful sail under the stars! What better way to end the evening but with a nightcap aboard our majestic ship sailing across the amber-lit brilliance of the city skyline! Check the sunset times.

Spirit Ships and Haunted Harbors (September and October), A SPECIAL EVENT SAIL, A rousing sail and story telling adventure that peers into the dark waters of Great Lakes ghost ships and darker deeds of souls that sailed its shorelines. Written and performed by area historian, playwright, and storyteller Orion Couling; the WINDY invites you to sail through the misty curtains of time to hear stories that uncover mystery, history, legend and lore of our Sprit Ships and Haunted Harbors.

Water under the Bridge - A candid look at our past, a celebration of our diverse future! The Tall Ship Windy prides itself on being a modern vessel where anyone from any background, persuasion or orientation can enjoy sailing and the sea, but we recognize that history wasn't always as open. Water under the Bridge will look at the sociological structures that excluded courageous brothers and sisters for being different and celebrating the brave pioneers who paved the way for our future. Chicago's first Pride sail! Date will soon be announced.

* Concessions and Bar: Windy has a soft drink and snack concession all day, and limited bar service. Bar service is cash only, and includes a selection of beer, wine and Tall Ship Specialty drinks of the day! You may be treated to Red Witch Royale or the soon-to be famous Windy Breeze.

Although Windy will be having bar service aboard, it is not the intention to function as a full-service drinking establishment. Windy supports the spirit of Navy Pier as a family oriented visitor destination, and in order to maintain the serenity of the sailing experience, we actively discourage a "booze-cruise" atmosphere. We do permit safe and responsible drinking. Windy is, as always, a non-smoking and drug free environment. Windy reserves the right to refuse bar service to guests.

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