Chicago Propeller Club is inviting maritime professionals to attend a special networking event and cruise to celebrate Maritime Day on May 22 – REGISTER HERE ON EVENTBRITE
The event will form part of Chicago’s annual ‘Blessing of the fleet’ ceremony which marks the beginning of Chicago’s boating season. The ‘blessing’ is a centuries old tradition and will see about a dozen boats gather, including vessels from U.S. Coast Guard, Chicago Police Marine Unit, Chicago Fire Department Marine Unit, vessels from Chicago’s popular tour boat community as well as members of the International Shipmasters Association Lodge #3
A wreath in honor of the seafarers will be blessed and laid upon the waters adjacent to Navy Pier. After the blessing propeller club guests will board the Chicago Elite vessel, operated by club silver sponsor City Experiences, for a two hour networking lunch. Fees which includes lunch: $50 for members $85 for non-members
National Maritime Day is staged to honor all seafarers who “Went Down to the Sea in Ships,” particularly Merchant Mariners who died in battle. During World War II, more than 6,600 merchant mariners and 700 ships were lost. A joint congressional resolution was passed on May 20, 1933 declaring May 22 as National Maritime Day, commemorating the first successful transoceanic voyage of the SS SAVANNAH under steam propulsion, thus making a material contribution to the advancement of ocean transportation.
Background
- Chicago Propeller Club formally rechartered in 2024 after a 15 year hiatus vowing to ramp up awareness of Chicago’s ‘underestimated’ maritime status.
- The club staged its first sold out event of 2024 at the city’s University Club with club leaders emphasizing Chicago’s maritime pedigree as the principle interior trade route to the Great Lakes, Atlantic, Mississippi River, and Gulf of Mexico.
- The Chicago Propeller Club was first established in 1933 and is a chapter of the US headquartered International Propeller Club of the United States, giving our members access to largest maritime networking organization in the world representing more than 70 clubs and 5000 individual members.
- Under new leadership, drawn from some of the leading maritime organizations on the Great Lakes, the club is planning four major networking events. This will include events around National Maritime Day on May 22 and the American Great Lakes Ports Association Conference in August.
- Our membership is diverse and our first ‘kickstarter’ events in the autumn of 2023 welcomed businesses and organizations ranging from Government agencies including Illinois International Port District, the Ports of Indiana, the US Coastguard, the St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and the US Commercial Service to shipping lines, barge operators, lake carriers, boatyards, marine equipment manufacturers, freight forwarders, stevedores, law firms, insurers and professional services companies.
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