We’re Baaaccckk!

By Michael Argyelan

Winter break is over here at Lakeside Story. We are up and running and writing again. Perfect timing as great things are happening here at Crowley’s.

Can you say Stars and Stripes? America’s Cup? Abracadabra? Yes ladies and gentlemen, Crowley’s is now the winter home of 2 AC (properly referred to as IACC)  boats brought to Chicago by the new program Next Level Sailing. Check out their site here and a quick video of the first boat to arrive at the yard, Abracadabra, here. Stars and Stripes pulled in this morning and will be offloaded from the truck and into building D later today. Just a minute ago the masts rolled in. Very cool stuff.

Around the yard, mechanics are doing the typical winter gigs plus doing a complete re-power (changing out engines). That’s a huge job that requires a high level of expertise. In the fiberglass shop, Crowley’s is painting 3 hull sides and two Awlgrip non skid decks. This is on top of the usual touch ups, repairs, keel works, and other cool gigs.

Ritchie Geoghan (www.ritchiegeoghan.com) is overhauling a Nelson Marek 68. The project includes a complete re-core of the cabin top, relocating the companionway, building a custom internal companionway slider, re-coring the bow, full deck reconfiguration, Awlgrip non-skid deck, hull sides painting, deck painting, complete interior rebuild, and adding a custom electronic pod in the cockpit. The scope of the project is incredible. See the post of pics right here on the blog. 

With March around the corner, it’s time for Yachtapalooza! We are pretty psyched about the event this year. New seminars (updated list coming soon), live music, the Tamale Spaceship is back (http://www.thetamalespaceship.com/), a preview of the IACC boats, and more. I’ll be updating more about the event each week including not-to-be missed specials in the Ship’s Store. The event is here at the yard on Saturday, March, 28^th from 8am – 4pm.

Even though it’s pretty frigid out there, it’s starting to feel like Spring around the yard. The promise of warmer weather ahead has us fired up and working harder than ever to get boats ready to rock for the upcoming boating season. Speaking of Spring, check out the updated 2015 Spring Commissioning Form here. 

If you have any questions about scheduling work, your departure, or your account please call Customer Service at 773.221.9990 ext 330.

I hope this finds you all well and warm.