Loyal Loopers
Published: Tuesday, October 2, 2018
By: Nick Fugate
I am not talking about the radio station in Chicago 97.9 the Loop, rather I am talking about the trip many boaters take that encompasses much of the eastern part of the United States.
Doing the Great Loop? If so then you are in for an epic adventure. Many “loopers” are starting the venture south this time of year. At times the boats will look like a flock of seagulls heading out the Cal-Sag or the Chicago River from Lake Michigan and down the Illinois River until you hit Grafton, IL. Taking the Chicago River will give you a great view of downtown Chicago, but beware there is a fixed 17’ bridge along this route. If you are not able to clear the 17’ bridge then head south to the Cal-Sag. Either way you go there will be a 19’ 1” fixed railroad bridge once you hit the Illinois River. Be sure to clear this or you will be forced to make a U-turn.
Most sailboats making the loop trip will have their mast up during the summer months on the Great Lakes. Once they head south they will have to un-step the mast in order to clear the bridges mentioned earlier. Here at Crowley’s we un-step at least a dozen loopers looking to continue south. We will either set the mast back on the owner’s boat or we will set them on a truck and send them as a group down to the mouth of the Mississippi where they will get stepped once the boats arrive there.
Crowley’s Yacht Yard can be a great resource for boaters doing the great loop. We have a very expansive ship store that includes engine parts, rigging items, the most line selection in the Midwest, cleaning products including compounds and waxes, foul weather gear, and much more. We have transient dockage space for overnight stays with 30A or50A electrical outlets and water hookup at the dock. What more could you ask for?
We communicate with and recommend customers visit Turner Marine in Mobile Alabama to have them step your mast once you exit the Tombigbee Waterway. Turner Marine is PROUD to say “we have been the Americas Great Loop Cruisers Association Members choice for mast delivery, storage and stepping for the past 6 years.”
3434 East 95th Street Chicago, IL 60617
773 221.9990 www.crowleys.com
tags: Lake Michigan, Service & Repair, The Great Loop
