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[title]Walking by the lakefront docks, I’m always amused by the names people give their boats. Recently I saw “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Boat,” a nice Jaws reference. But I can only read a few of the names from the shore. Can you give me a rundown of some of the best?—O.N., South Loop
Among the decals pasted on the hulls of boats docked from Monroe to Montrose harbors, some patterns emerge. There are women’s names (Catherine, Peggy O), pop-culture and literary references (Charlie’s Angel, Gatsby), expressions of the liberating charms of open water (Serenity Now, Painkiller4) and ones that could be Jimmy Buffett song titles (Bubbles & Finns, Captains Brew, Pure Paradise).
Still, the classic nautical naming convention has to be the pun. Like the owners of eyeglass shops (Custom Eyes, D/Vision Optical) and salons (Hairitics Dye For Your Beliefs, Twisted Scissors), and, well, Time Out Chicago editors (have you read our headlines?), recreational seafaring folk can’t help themselves when given the opportunity for some humorous wordplay. Compiled with the help of a Chicago Yacht Club dockhand, who asked not to be named, here’s a short list of some of the punniest vessels this side of Lake Michigan:
• Anchor Management
• C-Six II
• Finnegans Wake
• Gulf Course
• Hulls Angels
• Lega-Sea
• Liquid Asset
• Liquid Courage
• Knot Clewless
• Nauty Lady
• Nevermoor
• Reel shallow
• Skidmarks
• Wholesailor
Like a wedding DJ, we take requests. Ask us for cultural guidance at chicago@timeoutchicago.com.