Information On Cruising The Great Loop

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Looper John Pitney joins us once again to review some of the checklists he's provided to AGLCA members.  This week we'll cover what to do when being boarding by authorities.  We'll also tackle general security aboard with the focus not on personal security, but rather, securing your boat and belongings.

AGLCA is presenting content this month focusing on anchoring while cruising the Great Loop.  This week, we bring you a replay of one of our Great Loop Radio podcasts from two years ago when Gold Looper John Martin joined us to talk about anchoring. John shares lessons on anchoring including basic gear, types of anchors and rode, techniques, and tips.  

As this year's fleet of Loopers prepare to head up the east coast, Brad Pickel, Executive Director of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, joins us to talk about the status of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, current dredging projects, and other projects that have been funded. Listen for tips on where to look out for shoaling and low-depths on your cruise north.

On this week's espidoe of the Great Loop Radio podcast, our guests are anchoring consultants Rudy & Jill Sechez.  They'll be joining us to talk about anchoring basics.  

Learn our AGLCA's Harbor Host Program and Hear from the Finalists for the True North Harbor Host of the Year Award.

John Pitney joins us again this week on the Great Loop Radio podcast to go through more of the checklists/procedures he's provided for members.  On the agenda this week, procedures for dealing with fire aboard and marina fires. 

Gold Looper Betsy Johnson is our guest on this week's episode of Great Loop Radio.  Betsy and her late husband, Rick, completed the Great Loop aboard their 22' Glacier Bay.  Betsy will share the pros and cons of Looping in a smaller boat.

On today's Great Loop Radio podcast, Gold Loopers Wendy and Bobby Wilson join us to talk about how they did they Great Loop as a family of six while staying within their budget.  They'll share some of the money saving tips they learned along the way and their plans to Loop again later this year.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Captain John Wright of the popular website, CaptainJohn.org, joins us to talk about budgeting for the Great Loop.  As Capt. John prepares for his 10th voyage around the Loop, he'll share details on how he's Looped while spending less than $8,000 on boat-related expenses (fuel, marinas).

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, find out how Jim Greer completed the Great Loop earlier this year cruising only under solar power.  Jim will explain the boat he used, including the solar equipment, and how his Great Loop experience differed due to his limited power.  

Gold Looper John Pitney is back to share more of his helpful checklists and procedures.  On this episode, we'll talk about heavy weather and the steps you can take to mitigate its effects on your crew and your vessel.

Don't miss this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast.  Our guest this week is the very popular Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley.  Carolyn will join us to talk about celebrating the holidays and preparing a festive meal aboard! 

On this episode, we cover how to use your VHF radio in emergency situations.  Gold Looper John Pitney joins us to go over important checklists he's developed for issuing distress calls, and the situations in which you should use them.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, AGLCA Members Roger and Chris VanHoozer join us to discuss cruising the Downeast Loop.  We'll cover information about the route itself, cruising stats, and highlights of the trip.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, marine weather expert, Lee Chesneau, joins us to share information about marine weather and his thoughts on why it's important for boaters to go beyond reading the forecast and actually understand weather.

Join us for this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio Podcast when Gold Looper Larry Cook joins us to explain what to expect from a vessel safety check.  He'll share what equipment you must have aboard as well as why you should complete this important safety check regularly.

On this week's Great Loop Radio, safety-at-sea expert Mario Vittone teaches the three most important drills to perform regularly to ensure you and your crew are ready to handle emergencies aboard including engine failure, man overboard, and medical emergencies.  Don't miss this important episode!

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Kevin Ewbank, Supervisory Park Ranger with the Illinois Waterway Project of the US Army Corp of Engineers, joins us to talk about the COE locks, how to handle them safely, and what to expect in terms of lock maintenance.

As we brace Hurricane Irma, this week's Great Loop Radio podcast will feature weather expert Lee Chesneau giving us up-to-the minute details about the storm's expected impact.  The episode will be coming to you live so you can call in with your questions. Lee Chesneau is a senior marine meteorologist, lecturer, & a graduate from one of the elite universities that offer degrees in meteorology, the University of Wisconsin (Madison). His B.S. Degree in Meteorology was Lee’s ticket to a distinguished & extensive career with NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), NOAA Satellite Service (NESDIS),  U.S. Navy Ship Routing Officer (SRO), a Route Analyst for a commercial weather & ship routing company (Ocean Routes, Inc.), & his first career start as a naval officer.   Today, in addition to being a highly seasoned & experienced professional marine meteorologist, Lee is an accomplished U.S. Coast Guard certified instructor for basic and advanced meteorology at six continuing training institutions for

Join us for a very special interview on this week's Great Loop Radio podcast.  Connie Bowman, one of our new Gold Loopers, will tell the story of how she and her husband, Bill, started the Great Loop together. After Bill's unexpected passing, Connie completed the Great Loop without him, fulfilling the couple's dream of becoming Gold Loopers. Listen to hear this inspirational Looper tell the story of how she prepared herself for Looping without Bill and how it felt when she finished the Great Loop.