GL: From Cumberland R. to Chicago

[Tom Felice]

I'm interested in taking a sailboat with a 5 foot draft from the Cumberland R. Land Between the Lakes area to Chicago, Lake Michigan.  

1) What is the route?
2) Where on the Mississippi is entry to the R. system to Chicago?
3) Will I have any concerns with a 5 ft draft?
4) I'm pretty sure I understand there is not sufficient air draft for a 48ft mast.  Where do I have to take down my mast? And when can I put it back up?

Thank you,

Tom
reply to tafelice at yahoo.com