SAILBOAT WATCH UPDATE (READER EMAIL)

I can't remember the last time I was this excited. Probably right before Craig Kimbrel blew that Thursday night save against the Cardinals late September BUT I DIGRESS THIS ISN'T A CUBS BLOG. 

We're here to check in on the great Sailboat Watch 2019. You can get all the background here:

And a bonus explanation on exactly what the fuck is going on with these bridges: 

I put a call to action at the end. If you know this guy, send him my way. Details? Let me know. This is a high impact community story and I want as much collaboration from you guys as possible. 

One sailor had this to share after spending all of yesterday on the Chicago River high seas:

Carl - I don't own the boat that's still stuck in the river, but mine was on the river trip yesterday so I know where that guy is coming from.

Yesterday's river trip was excruciatingly long because it's one of the last bridge lift days of the year with the weather getting shitty. The Lake and Randolph bridges held everybody up and didn't get to Congress until rush hour. And then because of traffic laws, they had to wait until 630pm to raise it again. My boat didn't get to dry storage until 730 pm making for a total trip time of 11 hours in 40 degrees and rain. Fucking brutal.

My guess is that guy got frustrated with the wait or had an emergency.  He's got a couple more chances to get off the river before the season ends so it's not all lost. But still. Those are some awful circumstances. 

ELEVEN HOURS ON A SAILBOAT CHEESE AND FUCKING RICE ARE YOU KIDDING ME

I'd rather sink the boat and take my chances on a fraudulent property damage claim with the General than sit thru that clusterfuck

I got no beef with anyone ditching their boat under those circumstances. In fact I'm stunned we don't have more sail boats anchored in the river smoking out the bridge traffic. Probably hanging out on the River Walk slamming overpriced chardonnay with a couple of late-30's sixes aka every real man's dream. 

Fingers crossed he's milking it. 

LUNCH TIME UPDATE STILL THERE 

MAN ON THE STREET UPDATE

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Q&A WITH SAILBOAT OWNER WHO WAS ON THE RIVER YESTERDAY

Is there damage risk in these conditions?

Damage risk isn't much due to the snow, it is water after all.  We don't cover our boat in the offseason (we are in the minority though).  Water temps are still well above freezing so motor/bilge pump shouldn't be impacted by temps. Risk is more related to leaving your boat unattended downtown and having someone break in or other foul play.

Thank God and v good point about snow being water. Some times people forget.

How much does a sailboat like that one cost you think?

Not an expert on sailboat models but I'll take a shot.  There's an outboard motor and outboard rudder on back which should mean less expensive.  Looks to be in the 26-30' range.  $5,000-$15,000 depending on condition.

An outboard motor/rudder combo is for the poors no offense. And that's coming from a guy who does not have $5,000 to spend on a boat much less emergency, life-saving surgery. Nothing dries the babes up quite like a good look at your rudder. At the same time I still want to crowdsource a used sailboat and $5k will not stop me. Nothing will.

Could he be wandering around west loop getting hammered until Saturday?

My guess as to why they climbed off the boat in first place is that they ran out of great tasting less filling Miller Lites and went to get more.

Dad? 

Is he facing any fines?  Is it against the law to sleep on your boat while parked in the river?

Yes.  Illegal to dock on the river outside of designated areas 

Illegal = bad boy

bad boy = why you own a boat in the first place

send him to me [email protected]