Chicago - Tall Ship Windy and Architectural Tour

My waterline observation of Chicago's waterfront

A recent trip to the Windy City allowed time to explore the North side of town including Wrigley Field, and also to view Chicago’s architecture by boat. A past visit to Chicago two years ago allowed this tourist to attend sightseeing destinations like the Fields Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium located on the shore of Lake Michigan. This year I strolled onto Navy Pier and saw a mix of restaurants, entertainment and a striking 148-foot Tall Ship with roots in the Lowcountry.

            

Aft view of Tall Ship Windy

The aptly named Windy is a four masted tall ship that was built at Detyens Shipyard in Charleston in 1996, and has since been stationed in Chicago with a mission to bring sailing cruises to the public. She is constructed of steel with wooden booms, and ornamentation on her three decks. Windy began her 20th Anniversary season of sailing this August, and garnered the flagship award from the City of Chicago by Mayor Richard Daley in 2006.

            

Close Up of the Rigging

Those who love architecture, and open-minded visitors, never tire of the skyline in Chicago, a city dubbed the birthplace of the skyscraper. Movies, television and many other media forms have showcased the striking buildings along the lakefront and also alongside the Chicago River. It turns out that getting on a boat in order to view the architecture is the perfect way to slow down the grinding pace of the city and also to enhance the nuance of being surrounded by towering buildings on all sides.

To view this feature story in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries on Tall Ships click on Spirit of Carolina - 2009 Charleston Harborfest

To view past blog entries about classic wooden boats click Grace - Aphrodite - Osprey - Annalee - Hinckley

Scenic View !!