CHICAGO — The Tall Ships Challenge is scheduled to visit Navy Pier from Wednesday through Monday.
The U.S. Coast Guard has established and will enforce a safety zone around each tall ship participating in the Tall Ships Challenge while navigating in the Great Lakes.
Due to the limited maneuverability of the tall ships and to ensure safe steerage, all spectators and commercial vessels are required to maintain a distance of 300 feet from the ships at all times. The safety zone is in effect whether vessels are transiting, anchored or moored.
On Wednesday from approximately 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the tall ships will participate in the parade of sail. The parade route starts in the vicinity of Northerly Island, just north to the Chicago Harbor lighthouse, to Diversey Harbor and ends at Navy Pier.
Crossing the parade is prohibited. If in doubt, boaters should contact the Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Command Center on VHF-FM channel 16. Official vessels assisting with the parade may be seen within the zone and will be identified with yellow flags.
Commercial passenger vessels desiring to get underway can hail the patrol command on VHF-FM channel 16 when departing the dock. The patrol command will determine whether the area is clear and safe to transit.
The recommended viewing area for this event is within the Chicago Harbor breakwall just northeast of the end of Navy Pier.
Boaters shall adhere to all posted no wake zones, especially in the harbor and channel between the Jardine Purification Plant and the north wall of Navy Pier. Be mindful of the long bowsprits on the front of the large sailing vessels.
All recreational and pleasure boats must carry one wearable lifejacket for each person aboard and children under the age of 13 are required to wear a properly fitting life jacket at all times while aboard a boat. However, the Coast Guard highly encourages all boaters regardless of age or experience to wear a lifejacket at all times.