greetings all! I'm relatively new to the forum, just signed up and paid to become a NIOC member last week. Owner of a new to me (last year) 1991 Baja 320 ES. Looking to head to the Chicago air and water show this year. I'm free all weekend and usually put in over in portage Indiana but can drop in closer. My wife and I were considering going out Friday but may also do the weekend if anyone is going. I'm new to boating and have never been to the air show via boat so I'd love the opportunity to meet some more members and learn more about these awesome machines. Anyone provide some guidance on attending via boat? Anyone planning to head out and possibly meet up? I look forward to hearing back from you all. Thank you!

The closest marinas to drop in at would be either Burnham Harbor or Diversey harbor....either one is more or less the same distance from the play pen...Burnham may be easier to get to since 55 takes you right to the lake where as to get to diversey you have a good 4 miles of stop and go city traffic
Friday is definitely the day to go if you can...they do a full show as a practice run to prepare for the weekend....to get out there on Sat or Sunday you NEED to be at the harbor WAY EARLY! lat time i went down there on a Saturday morning we rolled into Diversey at 7:30am and we were the last ones allowed in as the lot was full already!!
Im not sure if will will make it out there but i am trying hard as hell to get my project wrapped up and out there for the friday practice run....sat we leave for florida....

We're definitely leaning towards Friday as well. As I said I am relatively new to boating having just got this boat last year. While I've grown in my abilities I'm still learning how to do certain things. It makes it harder that my wife doesn't drive the boat or the truck lol. I'd likely put in over in Hammond Friday and take the lake front up to the practice area m. Keep me in mind if you decide you can head out.

I'm definitely trying my best to get out there! Its been a loooong time since my boat last hit water and im itching bad....not only to actually boat but from the fiberglass work as well!! LOL
If i make it out there for the practice show, look for an all white 22' stinger....looks like the boat below...i took that image off the net...mine doesn't have the scoop on the engine hatch like this one does or the docking lights...and it sits on a yellow trailer.

I tried to post a pic but it won't let me until I have at least ten posts. Lol