Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Chicago Sailing?

Driving Directions from the North or Northwest or West
Take IRVING PARK Rd (4000 North) East all the way to the lake.
After you pass under Lake shore Drive turn RIGHT and follow Recreation Drive South for .6 miles.
After you have passed TWO consecutive stop signs and a large brown brick building (on your right),
continue for 200 yds. Take your first parking opportunity when parking spaces appear on your left.
Chicago Sailing is immediately WEST of you, on B-Dock. Look for our houseboat/office at the head
of the dock.

Driving Directions from the South, Southwest or West.
Take your first convenient opportunity to get on Northbound Lakeshore Drive (no later than Belmont
Ave). Exit Lakeshore Drive at the RECREATION DRIVE EXIT (3400 North) and take an immediate
RIGHT at the stop sign. Continue through the next immediate stop sign and past a large brown brick
building (on your right). Continue for 200 yds. Take your first parking opportunity when parking
spaces appear on your left. Chicago Sailing is immediately WEST of you, on B-Dock. Look for our
houseboat/office at the head of the dock.

Important Notes:
1. Chicago Sailing is located at the NORTH end of Belmont Harbor. We are not accessible from
the Belmont Avenue exit.
2. The large brown brick building on your Right as you approach Chicago Sailing is the
HARBOR OFFICE, NOT our facility.
3. Usually there is ample parking immediately adjacent to our facilities. It is also FREE on
Mon-Thurs (and before 8AM on Fri, Sat and Sun). After 8 AM there is an $8/day parking fee
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please have CASH ready, since they do not take other
forms of payment.
4. Traffic and parking can experience delays on weekends and on Cub game days. Consider
public transportation, walking or cycling at such times.

Public Transportation
The “L” Train RED LINE to the Addison Station.
Either walk or take the bus East (away from Wrigley Field)
Cross under Lake Shore Dr at the Addison Avenue pedestrian underpass. After crossing, continue South
until you have passed the brown brick Harbor Office building by 200 yards. Chicago Sailing is on the
first dock. Look for our houseboat/office at the head of the dock.


When and where can I pick up my course materials?
You may pick up your book at any time the harbor office is open.
The summer hours are M-F 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.+, weekends 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Call ahead to confirm that we will be available.


What time should I arrive for classes?
Punctuality, especially on your first day, is important for many reasons. First, you may experience
unexpected delays with traffic or parking. Second, there are important registration forms and
procedures that must be completed in order for the class to begin on time. Finally, an early arrival
gives you ample time to meet your instructor and fellow students. It is also a good time for a last
minute restroom visit. We recommend arriving about 30min prior to your first class and about 10 min
before each subsequent class.


What do I wear, what should I bring?
The first rule of sailing is BE PREPARED. All Chicagoans know how quickly the weather can change.
And, a nice warm day on shore could easily be 10 degrees or more cooler on the lake.

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you dress in layers that are capable of protecting you from chilly
conditions or sun. Your unneeded clothing can always be stowed aboard the boat. A windbreaker is
advisable in all but mid-summer conditions. Fleece clothing is more comfortable than cotton.

Don’t forget the sun protection (UV block, lip balm, hats, visor, etc), water, and snacks. We sell bottled
water at our dock.

Leave your textbook ashore. You will not need it and it may get wet and destroyed.


Will there be a place to store my extra gear on-board?
There is a small cabin below decks, where your gear can be stowed. While this area is usually dry, we
recommend that you lock valuable items in your auto trunk. Keep at least one cell phone aboard the
vessel in a secure, dry location. We have complimentary watertight bags available at our dock.


What kind of shoes can I wear, can I go barefoot?
For your safety and comfort, Chicago Sailing requires that you wear shoes during all sailing lessons.
While boat shoes are not mandatory, any footwear must provide sound footing and must have have
non-marking soles. If you are uncertain if in doubt about the appropriateness of your shoes, please call
prior to arrival. Boat shoes are available at West Marine, Boater’s World, DSW Shoe Warehouse and
other marine stores.


Are food and drinks allowed?
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink as long as it is appropriately consumed and cared
for. While alcoholic beverages are not allowed during class activities, you may enjoy them responsibly
during rentals and charters. It is wise to stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages. We offer bottled
water for sale at our facility.

Food is also encouraged and should be confined to items that require little or no on-board preparation.
Trail mix bars and small packaged food works the best to keep your energy up though out the whole
class. Class participants often enjoy taking turns bringing treats for the entire group.


How do we handle inclement weather? Who can I call?
Chicago Sailing takes safety seriously, including weather related hazards. To that end we reserve the
exclusive right to determine safe sailing conditions. Expect that your class, rental or charter will take
place as scheduled UNLESS YOU HEAR OTHERWISE FROM CHICAGO SAILING.. The first
day of class will NEVER be canceled, as there is much material that can be taught at the dock
regardless of weather conditions.


How much advance notice will you give me for any cancellations?
Weather in Chicago can be suddenly changeable. For this reason we will usually not make a final
cancellation or postponement determination until just prior to a scheduled event. Plan to arrive on time
unless you are contacted by Chicago Sailing. If you have any weather concerns please call us at 773
871 7245.


How are weather-related cancellations handled?
Chicago Sailing, at its sole discretion, may shorten or cancel a scheduled class. This may require that a
make-up class be scheduled for a time established by the Chicago Sailing and the class majority.
Make-up classes will always take place on a weekday or weekend evening , regardless of the originally
scheduled class day.


What happens if I have to miss a class?
Chicago Sailing strongly recommends that you plan to attend all scheduled classes. If an unexpected
emergency results in your absence, you must promptly make up the missed classwork via private
lessons if you wish to complete the course. There is an additional charge for private lessons.


Can I change my class time? Will there be a fee?
Click here for full policy or see below:

Instructional Cancellation:
Courses beginning 14+ days - Customer will receive a full credit less a $100 administrative fee.
Courses beginning 7 - 14 days - Customer will receive a full credit less a $200 administrative fee.
All other cancellations - NO credit..
Instructional Rescheduling:
For courses beginning in 7+ days there will be a $50 administration fee. All others: If Chicago Sailing
can fill your spot there will be a $50 administration fee. If not there will be no refund.
Rental & Charter reservations:
With a credit card you may reserve a boat as far ahead as you like.
Rental & Charter Cancellation Policy:
72 hours or more notification: No charge
72 – 12 hours: 50%of reservation charge
Customer will be responsible for full charges for cancellations of less than 12 hours or no shows.
Cancellations are confirmed only when acknowledged by a verification code.
Please note: Your prompt return insures that other members' reservations are honored. Please allow
sufficient time for docking and clean- up. A rescue boat will be dispatched to search for boats not tied
up at our docks (or accounted for) by 8:30pm.
Late Return Charges (In addition to hourly fees):
30 minutes or less late: 1 extra hour
31 - 60 minutes late: 2 extra hours
60+ minutes late: 4 extra hours
Dispatched Rescue Boat (tardiness): $150


What is the difference between US SAILING CERTIFICATION and being qualified to rent
boats from Chicago Sailing?
After a successful completion of the BASIC 101 class you will receive graduation papers that attest to
your achievement and your provisional qualification to rent our J22 sailboats. US SAILING BASIC
KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION is obtained by successfully completing Intermediate Sailing 161 and
passing the qualification exam. This certification is recognized throughout the world’s sailing
community as the premier standard of sailing achievement. Charter companies honor it as well on
sailing keel boats of 27 feet or more.


How much does certification cost?
The Certification fee of $100 is included in the cost of the Intermediate 161 course. It includes an
official logbook, certification of accomplishment and a one-year membership in US Sailing.
Alternatively you can schedule a private lesson with one of our instructors at the Private Lesson rate
and will be also charged the $100 certification fee.


Should I tip the staff? If so, what is appropriate?
Tipping is purely optional and always appreciated by our staff. While we are reticent to suggest an
appropriate gratuity, instructors commonly receive tips in the range of $10- $50 range for exemplar
service. Tips have been in many forms from game tickets, food, bikes and even air conditioners! If
you experienced service below your expectations, please inform our management team so that we can
discretely incorporate your suggestions into that instructor’s further training.


If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us