Information On Cruising The Great Loop

What's the "right" boat for the Great Loop? Ask ten Loopers, and you'll probably get ten different answers. In this point/counterpoint episode of Great Loop Radio, Kim Russo is joined by Tsali and Jacque Bentley for a lively discussion of some of the most enduring debates in Great Loop boat selection. Is a single engine the smarter choice, or are twins worth the added complexity? Is a flybridge enough, or is a dual-helm boat the better option? Should you prioritize speed or embrace a slower cruising lifestyle? Rather than trying to declare winners, we'll explore the advantages, tradeoffs, and real-world considerations behind each choice. Along the way, you'll hear differing perspectives, practical advice, and plenty of food for thought. Whether you're still searching for your Great Loop boat or simply wondering if your current boat is the right fit, this episode will help you think through the compromises every Looper makes—and come away with a clearer understanding of which features matter most for your a

If you're considering a side trip on the Rideau Canal during your Great Loop, this episode will help you decide if it's the right adventure for you—and show you how to make the most of it. Gold Looper and AGLCA Mentor Bill Ogilvie joins us to share his extensive knowledge of his home waters, one of the most scenic and historic inland waterways in North America. Bill explains where the Rideau Canal fits into a Great Loop itinerary, the draft requirements and other considerations for transiting the canal, and what makes this waterway such a favorite among cruisers. Along the way, he highlights can't-miss stops, shares practical cruising tips, and offers insights that will help you plan a safe, enjoyable visit. Whether you're actively planning to cruise the Rideau or simply curious about what this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer, this episode is packed with valuable information from someone who knows these waters exceptionally well. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow

Article about Peter in the Shelter Island Reporter newspaper.: https://shelterislandreporter.timesreview.com/2026/06/01/a-years-voyage-with-help-from-his-friends/

Links to more details about the member benefits discussed: Member Directory: https://www.greatloop.org/interact/member-listing.html Harbor Guides: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-information/resource-library-search.html?sortBy=recent&information_type=harbor-guide GPX Files: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-route/great-loop-segments.html Sponsor Offers: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-information/sponsors/sponsor-listing.html AGLCA App: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-route/aglca-mobile-app.html  

Planning to cruise into Canada during your Great Loop adventure? In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Home Port Crew members Karen Nettles and Kim Russo walk through the process of entering Canada by boat, helping Loopers understand what to expect before they cross the border. From when and how to check in with Canadian authorities to the documents you'll need onboard, Karen and Kim break down the requirements in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They also discuss what items may be restricted or prohibited, common mistakes that can lead to delays, and how procedures can vary depending on where and how you enter Canada. Whether you're planning to cruise the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Rideau Canal, Georgian Bay, or other Canadian portions of the Loop, this episode will help you arrive prepared and confident so you can focus on enjoying some of the most beautiful cruising grounds on the Great Loop. Join us as we demystify the Canadian entry process and share tips to help make your border crossing smooth and st

In this installment of our “Story of Our Loop” series, we chat with Doug & Melissa about their Great Loop adventure aboard their Gemini 105MC catamaran. Cruising at about 4.5 knots, they completed the Loop in just over a year, proving that there’s no “right” speed or schedule for America’s Great Loop. Doug & Melissa share what life was like aboard a smaller catamaran with both a dog and a cat along for the journey, including the unique challenges and rewards of cruising with pets. While they originally planned to spend much of the trip anchoring out, they were pleasantly surprised by the incredible sense of community among Loopers. The friendships they made along the way became one of the greatest highlights of their adventure. Join us for a conversation about slow cruising, unexpected connections, and the special camaraderie that makes the Great Loop experience unlike any other. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising

Happy at Law Document Services Inc. AGLCA Lieutenant Sponsor 131 Palm TRL, East Palatka, FL, 32131, United States hello@happyatlaw.com https://happyatlaw.com 386-385-3066

AGLCA's Interactive Map: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-route/great-loop-interactive-map.html

The resource Alan & Eleanor mention for the paperwork involved in buying a yacht is:All Yacht Documentation AGLCA Lieutenant Sponsor 26406 NW County Road 239, Alachua, FL, 32615-3330, United States connie@allyachtdoc.com http://www.allyachtdocumentation.com 3864621144

Looking for ways to make your Great Loop adventure more affordable without sacrificing the experience? In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the Home Port Crew shares practical, real-world tips to help you stretch your cruising budget. From smart fuel strategies to creative approaches for reducing dockage costs, this episode is packed with ideas you can put to use right away. The crew also covers lesser-known opportunities to offset expenses—including how you can earn a free AGLCA membership along the way. Whether you’re in the planning stages or already underway, you’ll come away with actionable advice to help you cruise farther, stay longer, and enjoy more of what the Loop has to offer—without breaking the bank. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out what it's actually like? Join AGLCA for accurate and thorough Great Loop information and access to other members. Find out more at www.greatloop.org/joi

Electrified Marina AGLCA Lieutenant Sponsor 1305 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA, 23508, United States info@electrifiedmarina.com https://www.electrifiedmarina.com 757-206-2899

In this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re joined by Terri and John D’Onofrio—Loopers who decided early on that their adventure wouldn’t be limited to the “standard” route. While still on their Great Loop journey, they’ve already added an incredible 4,000 miles by saying yes to side trips that many dream about but few actually take. From cruising the iconic waters of Long Island Sound to exploring the turquoise beauty of the Bahamas, venturing out to the remote Dry Tortugas, and meandering along the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, their story is all about embracing the freedom of the Loop lifestyle. Terri and John share what inspired them to go beyond the typical route and what they’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever been tempted to stretch your own Loop into something even bigger, this episode will give you both the inspiration and the confidence to do it. America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own boats completing a

Tad and Libbie took a unique approach to completing America’s Great Loop—proving that the journey doesn’t have to be done all at once to be unforgettable. Aboard their Kadey-Krogen 39 Selkie, they tackled the Loop in three thoughtfully planned segments, balancing their love of cruising with time back on land. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, they offer an honest look at Looping—the highs, the challenges, and the realities of stepping away and coming back. They share how breaking the Loop into segments shaped their experience, the logistics of leaving and returning to the boat, and the surprising benefits of not rushing the journey. From seasonal strategy to lifestyle balance, Tad and Libbie provide a refreshing, real-world perspective for Loopers who want to make the adventure fit their lives—not the other way around. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers,

Learn more at and contribute today at https://www.greatloop.org/advocacy Have question? Email info@greatloop.org. We're happy to provide more information.

Cruising the Great Loop is an incredible adventure—but safety requires more than just the right gear. In this episode, we’re joined by Wes Notovitz to talk about how to intentionally build a culture of safety aboard your boat. Learn how to set expectations, involve your crew, and reinforce safe habits—while also discovering how a strong safety culture can reduce incidents and even lead to cost savings. We’ll also cover ways to test your readiness so you’re prepared when it counts. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that Loopers cruiser aboard their own boats. At its essence, it's a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop.

What would it take to cast off the lines and take on the Great Loop completely on your own? Jacquie did just that aboard her Rosborough 246, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that tested her resolve along the way. In addition, she reflects on what the journey gave back to her. If you’ve ever wondered if you're capable of doing the Great Loop solo, Jacquie’s story might just inspire you to find out.

Dr. Robert LevitonMaritime Medicine www.maritimemedicine.net robert@maritimemedicine.net 914-715-8102

Find Karly & Evan here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingnietzels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigatingnietzels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550850008997 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karlynietzel

You can view the video one of Lee's crew members made featuring photos of his time on the Loop here: https://vimeo.com/reviews/fe36bb9d-0571-4d8d-9be6-c6f3fd6c34b6/videos/1080218461

SkyMed International Admiral Sponsor rob@skymed.com https://skymed.com/?krajicek 813-997-2377 Webinar Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87082956772?pwd=DM5euHy0fvLj4qycFGzRWyKpFBOMBb.1