Sarah's Blog

Planning a fall vacay? Fall foliage boating favorites

2010-09-15T11:27:48Z

With the official start of autumn just a week away, thousands are planning fall getaways. If you're still pondering your pre-freeze vacation, take a look at some of our top picks for viewing nature's changing colors from the water. Is there really a more beautiful time to explore nature on a boat??

Here's a little glimpse of what you can experience this fall from one of Discover Boating's top spots to enjoy fall foliage - Tennessee's 'Grand Canyon' - River Gorge:

Dreaming of that boat? Now's your chance to win it!

2010-08-23T14:02:08Z

Discover Boating's new Facebook app, Making Waves, launched in June and has put thousands of boaters and non-boaters alike in the virtual captain’s chair. Whether you're a waterskier or fisherman, Making Waves brings to life a variety of on-the-water experiences through three games - Wake Rider, Set the Hook and Dock Hopper. And with summer coming to a close, there's never been a better time to start Making Waves... and for one of you, it could mean making the game come alive for years of REAL boating fun. Until August 31st, you can enter the Making Waves sweepstakes for a chance to win $25,000 towards your own floating paradise!

What type of boat would you purchase with $25K?? Hope you get to find out!

The Value of Fractional Boat Ownership

2010-07-30T11:17:03Z

As addressed in last week's RedEye (see last post for details), fractional boat ownership is making waves as more people look for affordable options to get on the water. Check out the following video from Crain's Chicago Business to see if fractional boat ownership is something for you -

Already a part of this growing category of boaters? Share your experiences with us!

A Peek Inside Chicago's Boating Scene...

2010-07-30T09:42:41Z

Last week, the Chicago redeye interviewed several boat owners on how they got into the boating scene in Chicago - check out the story for some entertaining photos and information that may just tempt you to purchase that boat you've been eyeing and discover what fun on the water is all about!

Happy weekend!! It's time to sneak off onto the water :-)

Chicago's Nick Gauen on his boat Liquid Assets - a purchase he made with his roommate, and "the best investment he ever made..."

"A Race That Gave You Everything"

2010-07-28T09:35:45Z

The 102nd annual Race to Mackinac, aka the famous "Chicago Mac," came to a close yesterday with Lady K winning the Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division, bestowing on herself the overall win with a finish of 46:53:05. The talk amongst all participating sailors is that this year's race provided a little bit of every weather condition, making for a challenging and interesting race. Click here for the full report.

Do you have any boating experiences that gave you a bit of everything on the water?

CONGRATS LADY K! Until next year...

Mark Your Calendars: You're Invited to Discover Boating's Virtual Flotilla!

2010-06-30T10:21:38Z

Last week my fellow blogger Kelly Kaylor posted some of Discover Boating's hot spots for viewing fireworks from the water this 4th of July. Now we want to hear about, and see, YOUR favorite place to tie up and view the fireworks this year!

You're invited to tie-up at Discover Boating's Facebook Virtual Flotilla for a chance to be the Discover Boating Facebook profile pic until the end of the summer! So this weekend, take a photo of yourself, family or friends on a boat enjoying the 4th of July weekend fireworks, and post it to our event photos. Be sure to include your state! On July 5th, we'll tally the photos, and the winning state's photos will rotate as our profile pic throughout the summer.

Happy 4th of July!

Just a little something to get you ready for the weekend...

2010-06-25T10:04:37Z

Time lapse tests from the amazing view at my sisters new home. from Craig Shimala on Vimeo.

'Making Waves' Puts You in the Captain's Chair - New on Facebook!

2010-06-24T15:21:09Z

Are you a fan of Discover Boating on Facebook? If not, become a fan today and start playing Making Waves! The new Facebook app, which made its debut last week, puts YOU in the virtual captain’s chair to experience all the fun of life on the water. Want to waterski, fish or cruise? Get your fix with Making Waves' three games - Wake Rider, Set the Hook and Dock Hopper.

What's more, from now until August 31st, you can enter the Making Waves sweepstakes for a chance to win $25,000 towards your own floating paradise!

So, if you're stuck indoors, pining for your next trip on the water, get to Discover Boating on Facebook and start Making Waves today!

Things You Can Only do from a Boat

2010-06-03T09:25:42Z

What activities come to mind that you and your loved ones can only do from a boat?

I recently had the opportunity to venture to Alaska . Little did I know that most of the towns along the coast are landlocked and can only be accessed by air or water, which meant a lot of boating!! During many of my excursions, I was reminded that there are so many experiences that can only be captured on the water. In my case - whale watching, crab fishing, and admiring glaciers and untouched coasts.

Anxious to hear your "only-on"-the-water experiences!

PS - that glacier is 3 MILES wide.

Start of the Season!!!

2010-05-06T11:44:47Z

Last week on my way home from the office, I was fortunate enough to observe one of those very rare moments when the Michigan Avenue river bridge in Chicago rises. It only happens a few times a year, and one of those times is to let dozens of sailboats launch into boating season!

If you're not already a fan of Discover Boating on Facebook, become a fan today and share your Start of the Season photos with us.