About this Experience
What you'll do:
You and up to 12 guests board Just Be, a 40-foot Gemini Freestyle sailing catamaran, and spend two hours on Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline running the full length of your horizon.
Departure options: You can push off from either Monroe Harbor or 31st Street Harbor, depending on what works best for your group.
Skyline views: The catamaran's open deck gives you an unobstructed look at the Chicago skyline that you simply cannot replicate from shore.
Lounge space: The cushioned foredeck is wide enough for your whole crew to spread out, sunbathe, or just sit and watch the city drift by.
Hanging chair: A rear chair suspended over the water is the kind of detail people talk about after the trip is over.
Sound and shade: A Bluetooth sound system handles your playlist while the hardtop bimini with tinted skylight keeps direct sun off when you want a break from it.
Bring your own drinks, load up the onboard Yeti cooler, and the boat handles the rest. The onboard bathroom means nobody has to cut the fun short.
Why we love it for your party:
Privacy: This is a fully private charter, so your group has the entire boat to yourselves from departure to return.
BYOB-friendly!: Stock the Yeti with whatever your crew drinks and skip the bar tab math entirely.
Flexible occasions: Bachelorette parties, birthday groups, corporate outings, and family trips all work well on this layout.
Capacity: The boat comfortably fits up to 13 guests, which covers most group sizes without splitting people up.
Chicago views!: Seeing the skyline from the water at this distance gives the city a completely different scale.
About this experience partner:
1st Class Charters operates private sailing charters on Lake Michigan out of Chicago, offering groups access to Just Be, a 40-foot Gemini Freestyle catamaran built for comfort on open water. The charter serves parties of up to 13 guests across a range of occasions, from bachelorette weekends to corporate outings, with departures from Monroe Harbor and 31st Street Harbor. The captain is included in private charters for groups up to 7; larger groups operating under bareboat charter rules hire a USCG-compliant captain separately.
Additional information:
Private charter (up to 7 guests): $450 per hour, 2-hour minimum, captain included
Bareboat charter (8 to 13 guests): $550 per hour, charterer arranges a USCG-licensed captain separately
BYOB: bring your own beverages and the onboard Yeti cooler keeps everything cold
Weather policy: charters may be rescheduled due to unsafe conditions such as high winds, heavy waves, or storms; the team will work with you to find an alternative date
Book This Experience
Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.
LocationChicago, IL
111 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USAChicago, IL
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we depart from??
We have two locations during the summer 31st Street Marina F Dock and Monroe Harbor just south from the Columbia Yacht Club. We can recommend parking lots and Rideshare drop off points.
Where do we sail?
Your captain will set a course based on your preferences and the conditions of the day. Sometimes the wind and waves will be ideal for cruising up and down the shoreline, and other times straight away from shore. Whatever the conditions of the day, our experienced captains know our vessels and the behavior of the lake, and will take the proper course to provide you with the best sail for the conditions.
Is there a Captain onboard?
Yes, there is always a Captain onboard to sail the boat. Recreational/Bareboat charters are a situation where a Captain is hired by the charterer from a list of pre-vetted captains.
When should we arrive for our sail?
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your sail time. Your Captain will meet you there about 5-10 minutes before your sail to do a boat inspection and to go over Safety Equipment with the Charterer. If you can, we strongly suggest arriving earlier in case you hit any delays along the way. If you arrive early, please let your Captain know you are there, and if possible, you can begin your sail early after the Safety Briefing.
Can we smoke onboard?
Under maritime law, it's illegal to possess and use marijuana on boats. This includes cannabis for recreational and medical use whether in vapes, edibles or drinks. USCG and CPD patrol the water and fines are steep.
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What about sea-sickness?
We find it uncommon except in people who are prone to motion sickness. If you are worried about it, you may want to take one of the over-the-counter medications (please read the directions) WELL BEFORE sailing. You must take it well before your sail to be effective. Staying hydrated and looking at the horizon are ways to minimize seasickness. If prone, you might want to bring along ginger chews or ginger ale to ease your stomach.
What should we bring with us, and what should we avoid bringing?
The Sun can be powerful, so a hat, sunscreen and a light covering is suggested. The temperature can drop 10 degrees on the lake and it's always easier to remove a jacket than not to have one at all. We advise against bringing balloons as they usually end up in the water. Offenders can face minimum fines of $1,500 for a first offense, jail time up to 6 months, and community service up to 200 hours. See Rules here: https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/environment/laws) We also advise against glitter or self-tanners which can leave permanent stains on vinyl, fabrics and fiberglass. We also advise against carrying firearms. See Illinois Rules here: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/il-gun-laws/
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund is available up to 2 weeks prior to the cruise date. Rescheduling is available, due to weather, after the refund period ends, up to 3 hours prior to cruise time.
What if the forecast is for rain or storms?
Cruises are not canceled for rain. Due to the nature of our concrete and steel city, most storms pass thru quickly and at other times it may rain onshore but not on the Lake and vice versa. If poor weather or conditions are forecasted, you have up to 3 hours in advance of your cruise time to reschedule. We will do our best to accommodate your group if poor conditions exist after you arrive at the harbor or during your cruise. The Captain or Charter company reserves the right to reschedule, modify the sail plan or end the cruise portion early for safety reasons including severe weather or heavy seas. Please refer to the cancellation policy if you decide to reschedule.
