So You Wanna Ditch the Bean and Catch Some Waves, Captain? A Guide to Sailing from Chicago to the Open Ocean (Without Ending Up in a Cornfield)
Let's face it, Chicago is amazing. Deep dish pizza, world-class museums, and that weird bean sculpture that divides the internet. But sometimes, a sailor's gotta sail, and the call of the salty breeze is too strong to ignore. Here's the lowdown on how to escape the Windy City and find yourself staring at an actual ocean, not just a giant lake pretending to be one.
First Things First: You're Not in Kansas Toto (or, Lake Michigan Ain't the Atlantic)
Chicago sits pretty on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. Now, these are impressive bodies of water, don't get me wrong. But they're not exactly known for crashing waves and schools of angry sharks (although there might be some very grumpy catfish down there, who knows?). The good news is, you have options!
The Great Loophole: This epic journey, beloved by adventurous sailors (or slightly crazy ones), takes you through a series of canals and rivers, connecting the Great Lakes to the mighty Mississippi and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. Think of it as a scenic backroad to the ocean, with alligators instead of billboards (hopefully not on the billboards).
The Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels Route: For those who prefer a more direct approach (and maybe have a smaller boat that doesn't require disassembling), there's the St. Lawrence Seaway. This man-made marvel lets you bypass Niagara Falls (unless you're into that sort of thing) and reach the Atlantic Ocean via the coast of Canada. Just remember to brush up on your French-Canadian pleasantries; "Merci beaucoup" goes a long way when you need to squeeze your sailboat through a giant lock.
Important Detour: You're Gonna Need Some Stuff (Besides Just Bravado)
Sailing from Chicago to the ocean isn't exactly a walk in the park (unless you're walking a very long pier). Here are a few essentials to consider:
- The Right Boat: A dinghy for the Chicago River might be fun, but for open water, you'll need something a bit more substantial. Think "sea legs" not "jelly legs" when choosing your vessel.
- Navigation Skills: Unless you plan on following a flock of migrating geese (not recommended), you'll need some serious chart-reading and compass-wielding skills. Don't worry, there are plenty of boating courses available to turn you from landlubber to Larry Legend (of the nautical variety).
- A Crew (or Some Seriously Chill Sea Shanties): Sailing a long distance solo is impressive, but also kind of lonely. Consider recruiting a crew who can help with the sails, share the watch duties, and listen to you sing sea shanties on repeat (because let's be honest, you will be singing sea shanties).
Bonus Round: How to Avoid Aquatic Mishaps (Because Nobody Wants to be Shark Bait)
- Weather, Weather, Weather: The Great Lakes and the Atlantic can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast before setting sail, and be prepared to adjust your plans if Mother Nature throws a tantrum.
- Safety First, Mateys: Life jackets? Check. Emergency flares? Check. Enough snacks to survive a zombie apocalypse at sea? Double Check.
- Brush Up on the Rules of the Road: Just because you're not on a highway doesn't mean there aren't traffic laws. Learn about proper navigation lights, right-of-way rules, and how to avoid a game of bumper boats with a giant container ship (you will lose).
So there you have it, intrepid sailor! With a little planning, some essential supplies, and a healthy dose of seafaring spirit, you can escape the confines of Lake Michigan and set sail for the wide-open ocean. Just remember, pack Dramamine, because even the saltiest of dogs can get seasick. Fair winds and following seas, Captain!
