Private Yacht Charters on Lake Michigan: 85ft. Power Catamaran at Burnham Harbor

Aboard the 85ft. Power Catamaran, you'll find a floating event venue that brings modern yacht design to Chicago’s lakeshore. Docked at Burnham Harbor on J Dock (700 E Waldron Dr, Chicago, IL 60605), this vessel—marketed as Nantucket in event listings—serves as a polished stage for weddings, corporate gatherings, and milestone celebrations on Lake Michigan. The boat’s open-air decks, flybridge, and full-service bar let guests drift between skyline views and the freshwater horizon with ease.

The scene outside the rails is distinct: the hard vertical lines of Chicago’s glass-and-steel skyline give way to the broad, flat expanse of Lake Michigan, where wind and light sculpt a constantly changing surface. On clear days you can pick out the Museum Campus silhouette and the sweep of the lakefront; in cooler months the wind off the water can feel sharp and cleansing. This is a shallow, freshwater system rather than an ocean, so expect glassy reflections and quick changes in wind, not tidal drama.

What makes this charter stand out is its event focus. The yacht accommodates up to 200 people, supported by a USCG-licensed captain and professional crew, event concierge, and customizable catering and open-bar packages. Design-forward interiors and expansive deck layouts keep groups moving—ideal for mingling after a lakeside ceremony or running a product launch with the skyline as your backdrop. Practical rules—no swimming, no smoking or vaping, no confetti or open flames—preserve both guest safety and the lake’s cleanliness.

Plan to meet at Burnham Harbor on J Dock for check-in; crew will orient you and manage boarding. Soft-soled shoes are required; hard heels can damage decks. The operator can tailor food and beverage through their catering menu and will handle logistics so hosts can focus on guests.

Local notes: the southward view offers quieter perspectives of the city, and small coves near the Museum Campus provide dramatic photographic angles. Look for urban gulls and double-crested cormorants riding buoy lines. Historically, Burnham Harbor sits along the lakefront reworked after Daniel Burnham’s early 20th‑century plan to unify Chicago’s public edge.

Enhancements are straightforward: customizable open-bar packages and curated catering selections can be added after booking through the events team; view the full catering menu at https://www.knotmyboatcharters.com/catering?menu=1. For arriving guests, allow extra time for loading and security—large groups often stagger arrivals to ease boarding. If weather shifts, the crew will advise alternate indoor layouts below deck. Communicate audio/AV and décor plans in advance; restrictions on confetti, open flames, and outside alcohol aim to protect the vessel and Lake Michigan, and ensure guest comfort.