Windy City Boat & Yacht Show Successfully Launches Chicago’s In-Water Boat Show at Burnham Harbor

Published: Thursday, July 2, 2026 9:00 am

The inaugural Windy City Boat & Yacht Show concluded its three-day event in downtown Chicago’s Burnham Harbor, delivering strong first-year attendance, that exceeded our expectations, generated strong marine sales activity, and an overall engaged audience from attendees. Informa, the world’s leading event organizer, leveraged the success of its renowned boat shows in Florida and throughout North America to launch its first Chicago boating event in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, Choose Chicago, Chicago Harbors, and Suntex Marinas. Visitors to the Great Lakes in-water boat show explored nearly 100 boats and more than 70 exhibitors showcasing the best of the boating and waterfront lifestyle. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of experiences, including the Yacht Club Lounge, educational Classroom Seminars, In-Water Sail training, and other activities.

“Thank you to all of the exhibitors, dealers, sponsors, partners, and Informa team members who joined us in launching this historic first edition of what we believe will become a Chicago summer tradition for years to come,” said Larry Berryman, Show Director. “You helped us bring to life our vision for a showcase of the top boating brands and products for the Great Lakes regions and a celebration of the boating lifestyle blending the lake, the city, and the community.”

“Given Chicago’s miles of lakeshore and many active harbors, Choose Chicago was thrilled to support the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show’s inaugural event in Burnham Harbor,” said Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. “The new annual event underscores our city’s great lake attractions and amenities and generates business for the entire hospitality industry, including the hotels, restaurants, and taxis and rideshares.”

“The Burnham Harbor team was incredibly proud to host the launch of the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show in the largest and most accessible marina set amidst the backdrop of downtown Chicago,” said Marty McAndrew, Regional Director of Chicago Harbors. “The event shares our love of the water with fellow boating enthusiasts and grows our marine industry by welcoming those looking to spend more time on the lake.”

Leading boat dealers, exhibitors, and manufacturers showcased an array of watercraft, alongside a comprehensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle. There was something for boaters of every interest, from inflatable dinghies to 70-foot powerboats from top brands.

Highlights included European favorites from Spring Brooke Marine such as Cranchi, Prestige, and Jeanneau; premium Cobalt models from Gordy’s Marine; and leading brands from Skipper Bud’s including Tiara, Cruisers, and more. The full list of exhibitors, including Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, Manitowoc Marine, and Center Point Yacht Service, is available on the show’s website.

“The excitement of the in-water show in Chicago has been incredible, with a strong response from highly qualified attendees and serious boating buyers throughout the Great Lakes region,” said Spring Brook Marine. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase both new model debuts and brokerage inventory all in one place, directly in front of an engaged boating audience.

“What an incredible weekend at the Windy City Boat Show! We were thrilled to be part of such a well-attended event, with a fantastic turnout and nonstop activity throughout the weekend,” said Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales. “Beyond the strong business results, it was a great opportunity to connect with customers, industry partners, and boating enthusiasts from across the region.”

“Phenomenal numbers for a first-year show, with high-quality boats on display and equally strong buyers in attendance. Chicago proved to be a very welcoming and valuable market for us,” said Manitowoc Marina. “The show was exceptionally well produced, arguably the best in-water boat show in the Midwest.”

Exhibitors and dealers received reported buyer interest throughout the show, underscoring Chicago’s role as an active Great Lakes boating market and a valuable new destination for an in-water show.

“As exhibitors at three major boat shows each year, the inaugural Windy City Boat & Yacht Show exceeded our expectations. Chicago is a strong boating market with tremendous opportunity to connect with passionate buyers and enthusiasts,” said Sail Guage LLC. “The attendee demographics were an excellent fit, and we had positive conversations and feedback throughout the show.”

Sail America partnered with SailTime to offer Start Sailing Now, on-the-water sailing classes covering essential boating skills from start to finish and led by a certified captain. The hands-on program connected new and returning boaters with accessible training opportunities while adding to the show’s lineup of educational experiences.

“The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show delivered strong, quality leads and a return that will exceed our investment. We signed up new members, and the training program students were fantastic. We were very pleased with the operations and overall show organization. We’re planning a bigger footprint next year and look forward to returning, ”said SailTime Chicago.

The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show delivered a vibrant waterfront experience featuring live music, food, and interactive programming while bringing together boating enthusiasts, yacht club members, and newcomers alike. Exhibitors praised the quality of attendees, strong sales activity, and opportunities to connect with both serious buyers and those new to the boating lifestyle, reinforcing the event's potential as a new summer tradition on Lake Michigan.

With positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees, Informa is already planning for 2027 and building on the momentum of a successful inaugural year. The company looks forward to growing the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show into a premier and largest in-water boating event on the Great Lakes.

Stay connected with the Windy City Boat & Yacht Show to learn more about future Informa Boat Show events, including the 2027 Chicago show.