The Show Must Go On

By Michael Argyelan

In case you haven’t heard, Strictly Sail is now combined with the Chicago Boat and RV show. That’s right, RVs, power boats, and sailboats all mixed into one giant show. The official name of the show this year is The Progressive Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show.

Compared to previous years, the show is moved up a week, has longer hours, an additional day, and a new location. McCormick Place is the host venue and provides an expansive space to host the expanded audience. Show dates are January 14-18, 2015 and the hours are as follows:

Wednesday: 2:00pm–9:00pm

Thursday: 11:00am–9:00pm

Friday: 11:00am–9:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am–9:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am–5:00pm

For full details visit http://www.strictlysailchicago.com/.

 

Crowley’s will still be the largest sailing retailer on site. We will be representing the

SLAM and Henri Lloyd booths, have a Service Department presence, a massive shoes and boots booth, Lewmar, Closeout, and more. You can expect the same great selection and service of previous years. Bonuses to this year’s event are easier and cheaper parking, a wider variety of people, products, and seminars, and as far as we are concerned a better venue.

 

We will have more details in the coming weeks and months to come. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email me at mma@crowleys.com. I hope this finds you well, friends. 

20 Questions with Jasmine Johnson, our new Ship's Store Associate!

How long have you worked at Crowley’s? About one month now.

How did you first start working here? Joey Harris at the Judd Goldman Sailing Center referred me to Crowley’s knowing that my summer job was ending and Crowley's needed a new Store Associate with sailing knowledge. 

Which departments have you worked in? The Store!

What is your favorite time of year at Crowley’s? So far the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall have been great.

How often do you go boating? Not as often anymore. I used to sail pretty much every day.

What kind of boat(s)? Freedoms, Sonars, and 420s.

Did you grow up boating? No. I learned to sail through the Chicago Park District Program, After School Matters.

What is your favorite boating activity? Cruising about is a great time.

How many Employees work in your department? 4

How often do they go to training? We do frequent in house training and cross training with other departments so we stay abreast of current trends.

What job specific training do you have? Time on the water is my greatest asset.  

What certifications do you have?  US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification.

What is your number one recommendation to boat owners? Teach others how to sail. The more people on the water the better.  

In your area of expertise, what can a boat owner do to maintain their boat? Maintain your cordage. This often falls to the bottom of the list and is both an important and critical part of our boats.

What is the one complaint that you hear most often? Not enough breeze!

What is your number one money saving tip for boat owners? Always ask for help! Get your friends and family to help you with projects.  

What is the toughest part of your job? Engine parts! There are so many engines and often times the same part on different engines is called something different. The boats I typically sail don’t even have inboard engines so this part of my job is pretty new to me.

When are you most likely to be found in the harbors? All summer long!

What is your favorite winter activity? Ice skating.

What is the best way to get a hold of you to ask a question? Email me at jmj@crowleys.com.