Information On Cruising The Great Loop

Amy and David Deutl share the stories of their Great Loop adventure, including details on the challenges they faced, their thoughts on anchoring, details about their Looping boat and their new boat, and the social aspects of the trip.

On this week’s episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we launch a new monthly series on “How I Found My Great Loop Boat”.  We’ll talk to members about how they searched for, found, and purchased their Great Loop vessel.  First up are Mark & Catherine Aboard “What’s Next”, a 42 Regal Fly.  

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we bring you part 2 of our mini series on different ways to try out the Looper Lifestyle before buying a boat and committing to cruising the Great Loop.  On this episode, we talk to two AGLCA sponsors to find out how they can help you "try before you buy".  First up is Jay Kraft from Trawlers Great Lakes who will share information on what to expect when chartering a boat.  Second, we'll talk to Karen & Scott DeVoll of Capable Cruising about how you can get a "Taste of the Loop" before going all-in.  

Harlan and Sarah Vince tell the tales of their Great Loop adventure aboard "In-Vince-ible", a 28' Sea Ray.

This week, we start a two-week series on how to gain experience aboard and how to get your feet wet on the Loop before buying your own boat.  This week’s episode is all about crew aboard.  We’ll start with member Paul Goss, an experienced sailor who has taken on crew throughout his sailing career.  He’ll talk about his current need for crew for the Great Loop, what makes someone a good crew member, and how the arrangement typically works.  Then we’ll bring in Susan Pellett.  Susan is a Gold Looper who started out aboard her own boat but finished the Loop as crew and co-captain aboard boats owned by other Loopers. Susan will tell her story and share details about what it’s like to crew for someone else.

Gold Loopers Ken & Celeste Freeman share stories of their Great Loop adventure on this bonus episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast.  Ken & Celeste looped aboard a 1970 Hatteras and discuss details about the boat, their Looping timeframe and more.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we focus on the AGLCA Harbor Host program. Learn about this network of volunteers who will provide local knowledge as you cruise your way around the Great Loop, including how to find them, what types of services they provide, and how to become one. We'll also have a conversation with Beth Tyler. Beth and her husband, Rip, are our newly selected recipients of the True North Harbor Host of the Year Award.

Join us as Greg and Susan Costa aboard "Lucky Me" tell the tales of their Great Loop adventure, including information about the charitable giving they did along the way and their e-Books about the Bahamas and Ladies on the Loop.

On this week’s episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Bob Malkin joins us to walk us through the process of daily cruise planning on the Great Loop.  He’ll teach us how to plan for each travel day the evening before, including what information to gather, what factors to consider, and how to prepare for a stress-free day of cruising.

On this week’s episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Mike Marsiglia of Chesapeake AED Services joins us to explain why Loopers should have these lifesaving devices aboard, and how and when to use them. He’ll also talk about any special considerations for using them aboard a boat.

Join us as Mike & Sharon O'Malley aboard "My Sharona" (a 20' Robalo center console) tell the tales of their Great Loop adventure.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, our guests are Scott Croft of BoatUS and Peter Wiles who is on the Board of Directors of Canal New York.  Scott & Peter will help explain what's happening with the oversight of the New York State Canals and the current bill before the New York legislature that would make changes to the current structure of canal management.  This is an important topic for Loopers since the Loop can't be done without these vital waterways.

On this week’s episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the AGLCA Home Port Crew answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Great Loop.  We’ll cover the specifications required for a Great Loop boat, popular boats for the Loop, “traditional” Great Loop time frames to be in different places based on the seasonality of the route, AGLCA events, and more.

Join us as two-time Harbor Host of the Year winners, Robert & Kay Creech, tell the tales of their Great Loop adventure live!

Each Dock-Tales session features one Gold Looper boat whose owners share the stories of their Great Loop advenuture.  Our guests on this episode are Gold Loopers Dan & Jodi Symes aboard "Done Diggin'".

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, our guest is Sarah Bowlin, also known as Mom With A Map.  We'll provide background on the status of the Welland Canal during COVID, explain some of the discrepancies you may be hearing about procedures, and share the experiences Sarah and her family had getting their boat through the Welland in 2020.  Sarah will also share some of her family's favorite ports on Lake Erie, which they visited after finishing the Welland Canal.  This is the route many Loopers will take if the U.S./Canadian border does not reopen in time for the Fleet of 2021 Loopers to come through.

On this week’s episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Gold Loopers Sam & Rev Crouse aboard “Here’s to Us!” tell how they shared their Great Loop adventure on their YouTube Channel, “What Yacht to Do”. They’ll include how they started, how the channel grew, and tips for those considering sharing their adventure on social media.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Steve Arnt of Columbus Marina shares what to expect from marinas during Covid. We'll include tips on keeping yourself and the marina staff save and share information on what amenities may be unavailable due to Covid.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Ken Marks of Marks Marine Insurance joins us to provide an update on the status of the marine insurance marketplace.  Ken will discuss the current challenges for those seeking to insure their Great Loop boat and provide useful information to help you work your way through the process.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Cindy Lewis of Sterling Associates joins us to share her expertise on how to finance your Great Loop boat. Cindy will talk about current requirements for financing and share some of the reasons why financing may be the best option, even if you're able to pay cash.