Information On Cruising The Great Loop

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, we continue our series on how to deal with the closure of the Illinois River from July 1 - October 31, 2020.  This week, we tackle the idea of doing a clockwise Loop so that you're through the Illinois River in the spring, prior to its closure.  We recognize there are some challenges to doing a clockwise Loop.  Our first guest is Captain Matt Hahn.  He will address concerns about running upstream on the inland rivers.  Our second guest,  Jim Healy gives details about being on the Atlantic ICW in the fall and the implications of hurricane season on a clockwise Loop.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Kevin Dyer, Service Manager for Northport Bay Boatyard, joins us to talk about winter storage for your boat.  As many contemplate how to do the Great Loop in 2020 when the Illinois River will be closed from July 1 - October 31st, one option is to continue exploring the Great Lakes and other side trips into the fall, store the boat for the winter, and then resume the Loop the following spring.  Kevin will share details about how and when to put you boat in to winter storage.

As we continue our series on options for dealing with the 2020 closure of the Illinois Waterway, this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast gives details on heading through the Illinois River before it closes on July 1, 2020.  Gold Looper, Joe Pica, joins us to share details about the side trips we can take during the summer after come through the Illinois River in June, and Jon Horton shares insurance considerations if you decide to continue south to the Gulf and/or Florida for the summer rather than exploring the rivers via side trips.  

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio Podcast, we begin our series on the options available for dealing with the 2020 closure of the Illinois Waterway.  This episode discusses the possibility of "waiting it out" including options for waiting near Chicago until the scheduled November 1st opening, as well as moving as far into the Illinois River as is possible to wait for each lock to reopen.  We'll also discuss the availability of facilities as you proceed south later than the "normal" Looper schedule and how AGLCA can support you if this is the option you choose to handle the Illinois Waterway closure during your 2020 Great Loop.

On this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Cheryl Brown (Global Managing Director) and Darryl Bushaway (Operations Director) of Le Boat join us to talk about opportunities for chartering boats on Canada's Rideau Canal.  They'll discuss this great option for trying out the Looper Lifestyle before buying a boat.  

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Guy Conner, owner of Midway Marina, shares information on cruising the TennTom waterway, including details about marinas, anchorages, and towns along the way.

Winston Fowler of Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net is our guest on this week's episode of Great Loop Radio.  Winston will share information that Cruisers' Net has collected on the status of the ICW in North Carolina post-Florence, including details about marinas, shoaling and more.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, former Tow Captain Robbie Gwynn joins us to share what to do when you encounter a tow on the river system.  He'll cover the importance of communicating with these enormouse vessels, as well as what to do when meeting and overtaking.

Our guest on this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast is Jeremy Fowler, Marina Manager at Heritage Harbor on the Illinois River.  Jeremy will share details of cruising the Illinois Waterway from Chicago to its junction with the Mississippi River.  We'll also talk about the Army COE's plan to close the Illinois Waterway for lock maintenance in 2020.

As "safety September" continues, this episode of Great Loop Radio discusses man-overboard situations.  Safety instructor Brian Adams joins us to talk about how to avoid falling overboard and what to do if you find yourself in the water.  "You go in as you are" so don't forget to wear your personal flotation device (PFD).  Brian will also share information on ensuring a comfortable fit and checking your PFD annually.

AGLCA is focusing on safety this month, and this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast features Captain Randall Davis discussing first aid aboard.  Randy is an AGLCA member, a FEMA instructor, and a Red Cross instructor.  He'll help listeners understand the basics of how to render first aid in an emergency.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Services share basic navigation tips helpful for newer boaters planning their Great Loop Adventure.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Ben Stein from Panbo.com join us to talk about how to ensure you remain connected while cruising.  Ben will share information on cell service and WiFi aboard, and options available for voice, data, and streaming video. 

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, John Pitney joins us once again to review one of his check lists/procedures.  The focus this time around is his checklist for getting underway.  John will walk us through the things to check in the engine room, interior & decks, and helm station.  Be prepared for a day on the water by checking these things before getting underway!

Graham Lacy of Wright's Marina Limited in Britt, Ontario is our guest on this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast.  He'll help Loopers navigate waterway closures due the Forest Fire burning in northeastern Georgian Bay, where to avoid, and what areas are clear to visit.  We'll also cover general cruising information for the pristine waters of Georgian Bay.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Tom Hale joins us to cover a topic straight from our Members Discussion Forum -- Sacrificial Anodes.  Aluminum or Zinc?  Which is better for your type of cruising?  To bond or not to bond?  Find the answers on this week's episode.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Carolyn Shearlock of TheBoatGalley.com joins us to talk about her favorite gadgets and storage tips.

The Home Port Crew has been getting A LOT of question regarding the upcoming Fall Rendezvous and how to register.  So, this week's episode of Great Loop Radio will focus on the details.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, John Pitney returns to share another of his check licsts/procedures.  This week, we're covering the difference between salvage and towing and sharing important information to ensure you know which of these a tow company is about to perform on your boat.  We'll also give suggestions on preparing to be towed, as well as towing another boat.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, we'll provide details on the Route Briefing and Looper Lifestyle seminars coming up June 29th and 30th at Trent Port Marina.  Trent Port is the "Gateway to the Trent Severn" and in addition to our seminars, it's a great stop on the Great Loop!   Trent Port's Marina Manager, Kathy Lammers, tells us about the marina, and Quinte West's Senior Tourism Official, Jennifer Rushlow, talks about the things to see and do within walking distance of the marina.