Great Loop Radio Podcast

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 stress-free. 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/joinus. AGLCA Members can view the webinar on this topic here: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-information/webinars/crossing-borders.html

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 up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Happy at Law Document Services Inc. AGLCA Lieutenant Sponsor 131 Palm TRL, East Palatka, FL, 32131, United States [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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/joinus.

Electrified Marina AGLCA Lieutenant Sponsor 1305 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA, 23508, United States [email protected] 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 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. Visit www.greatloop.org for more info.

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, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Learn more at and contribute today at https://www.greatloop.org/advocacy Have question? Email [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] https://skymed.com/?krajicek 813-997-2377 Webinar Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87082956772?pwd=DM5euHy0fvLj4qycFGzRWyKpFBOMBb.1

Captain Craig's Boat Services [email protected] https://www.captaincraigsboatingservices.com/ 3215011282

The Boat GalleyJohn Herlig's VHF Quick Reference Guide

My guest is Brent Bowlin of Great Loop Yacht Saleshttps://www.greatloopyachtsales.com/[email protected] 

Scott Miller, Miller Marine [email protected]://millermarineconsulting.com/703-927-5705 

Thank you to Cindy Lewis & Sterling Associates for their AGLCA [email protected]://www.recreationfinance.com410.903.6611

Thank you to Jack Martin & Associates for their AGLCA sponsorship! Here's how to reach Jon Horton:Email: [email protected]: O 410-626-1000 | M 443-336-6838 

Thank you to Great Loop Yacht Sales for their AGLCA sponsorship! You can reach them at:Website: https://www.greatloopyachtsales.com/Tel: 855-826-4597Email: [email protected]

Blue Tortuga FitnessSome of these exercises may seem simplistic, maybe even easy.  However, when done consistently over time they will indeed produce results.  If you have questions feel free to contact me at [email protected] should be cleared by their medical practitioner to begin or sustain an exercise program.Sample Exercises:-Quarter Pickups: https://youtu.be/jWBFIBYo7I4?si=XHlAv1uYldNLdwrR-Shoulder Flexibility: https://youtube.com/shorts/0j0-3QUdJVY?si=fTEOhTaYN0l6ZH3j-Lower Back Strengthening: https://youtu.be/65HhjCtMJqM?si=V6Sx6vtWFrFEs3me-Relieving constricted shoulder movement: https://youtu.be/ary93mbg1AY?si=BTI7kF5n1wUlf3Le-How to use resistance bands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEpRV5larvw

AGLCA Upcoming Events: https://www.greatloop.org/ems-event-calendar.htmlAdd your boat name to the Fleet of 2026 T-Shirt: https://www.greatloop.org/2026-fleet-shirts.htmlOrder your Fleet of 2026 T-Shirts: https://www.greatloop.com/Contribute to our Advocacy Fund: https://www.greatloop.com/product-page/advocacy-fund-contributionNominate someone for Harbor Host of the Year: https://www.greatloop.org/interact/harbor-hosts.html

What does it really take to turn a true fixer-upper into a Great Loop-worthy cruiser? When Mike Smith discovered the boat that would carry him around America’s Great Loop, it had spent a decade as a dock queen—and didn’t even run. But with determination, creativity, and a whole lot of help from friends, Mike brought her back to life and transformed her into a sound, safe, and comfortable home for his 6,000-mile adventure. On this week’s episode, Mike shares the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons learned from resurrecting his Looping boat. If you've ever wondered whether a project boat can make the journey, this is one you won’t want to miss. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and a part of Canada. Loopers undertake this adventure of a lifetime aboard their own boats, often taking a year or more to complete the route. America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association provides information and inspiration for those planning for, currently cruising, or dreaming about a Great Loop adventure. Join us for events, members-only forum access, marina and fuel discounts, and more! www.greatloop.org/joinus

New anchoring regulations are coming to Florida—and they could change the way Loopers plan their cruise, especially around Biscayne Bay. On this episode, we break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to know before you drop the hook. Tune in to get clear, practical guidance so you can cruise Florida with confidence. 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/joinus.

Blue Mind, Bold Heart on Amazon

Solo female Loopers are still rare, but Michele proves it can be done — and done with confidence and grace. This week, she joins us to share the story of her Great Loop completing aboard her 31' Camano Trawler. You’ll be inspired by Michele’s adventurous spirit, practical approach, and refreshingly matter-of-fact attitude toward single-handing one of the greatest boating adventures there is. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 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, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Included AGLCA Sponsors:Timeless Yacht: https://www.timelessyacht.com/Trawlers Great Lakes: https://trawlersgreatlakes.com/LeBoat: https://www.leboat.com/boating-vacations/canada

This week’s guests, Mark and Cinda Boomershine, didn’t just cruise the Great Loop—they brought their two kids along and turned the entire adventure into a hit YouTube series. Join us as they share their family’s unforgettable journey aboard SeaShine, their 56' Ocean Alexander. You’ll hear how they made the boat their own, the highs and challenges of Looping as a family, and what they learned from seeing America’s waterways together, one mile at a time. You can find the Boomershines at https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoomershines 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/joinus.

AGLCA is all about Loopers helping Loopers—and YOU Make the Call is a perfect example of that spirit in action. Each fall/winter, this daily post helps Loopers determine when conditions are right for their Gulf crossing. In this episode, Tsali Bentley joins us to explain what goes into each YOU Make the Call update, where you can find it, and why he’s so dedicated to volunteering to provide this invaluable service. He also shares how the idea began and how it’s evolved to support today’s Loopers. 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/joinus.

This week on the podcast, we continue our “Story of Our Loop” series with a special father-son edition! Richard and Jacob recently completed the Great Loop together, and they’re joining us to share their incredible journey. Hear how they chose their boat, the highlights of their adventure, and what they gained—both individually and as a family—by taking on the Loop side by side. 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, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source. https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated Quick Reference guide to the NavRules. https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdf

This week's episode is all about marinas. Based on listener suggestions, the Home Port Crew shares insight on how to select marinas when cruising the Great Loop, how and when to make marina reservations, and how to find long term slips or storage for your boat before, during, or after the Great Loop. 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, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

There is an error in this episode. We discuss the Ohio River being the only inland river where Loopers going counter-clockwise (the more tyical direction) are upbound. That is incorrect.  Loopers are also upbound on the Cumberland River (if they take that route) and the Tennessee River.  Our apologies for the error.

ResourcesUSCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source. https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamatedQuick Reference guide to the NavRules. https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdf

There's been a lot of talk lately about Looping in record time, but how about completing the Loop over almost 13 years? And, what if you could compare a trawler, a powercat, and a motor yacht as liveaboard Looping boats? Bruce & Hilary recently completed the Great Loop after more than 12 years, and over that time, they did Loop segments aboard a Silverton, an Endeavor catamaran, and a Mainship. They'll share their unique insight into Looping slowly, and the features of the three very different boats they used to complete their Great Loop. 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/joinus.

As Loopers prepare to head down the inland rivers, the Great Loop Radio podcast this week covers the part of the Great Loop route from Chicago, IL to Paducah, KY. This route section includes the Illinois Waterway, Mississippi River, and Ohio River. Wes and Amy Litsey join us to share the details. If you’re looking for more, AGLCA members can check out the article about this part of the route in the September Great Loop Link e-magazine (https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-information/great-loop-link.html) and join us for our Virtual Docktails on September 17th (https://www.greatloop.org/ems-event-calendar.html) where one of the breakout rooms will also cover this topic. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and a part of Canada. Loopers undertake this adventure of a lifetime aboard their own boats, often taking a year or more to complete the route. America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association provides information and inspiration for those planning for, currently cruising, or dreaming about a Great Loop adventure. Join us for events, members-only forum access, marina and fuel discounts, and more! www.greatloop.org/joinus

Lithium batteries are a hot topic! Every time the idea of converting your boat from lead acid to lithium batteries comes up on the Great Loop forum or Facebook group, controversy ensues. Are lithium batteries safe for Looping boats? Will you realize a return on your investment if you upgrade to lithium? This week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast covers lithium batteries. Gold Looper Mike Bell is our guest. He helps explain the technology behind lithium batteries, what types of cruisers might benefit from the conversion to lithium, and answers some of the questions regarding safety issues. Join us for this enlightening discussion on lithium batteries on the Loop. 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/joinus.

Chances are you've heard about 71-year-old Robert Youens who recently completed the Great Loop on his jon boat, Ageless Wanderer, in just over 19 days. On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Robert joins us to share the story of his adventure. We'll talk about why he decided to try to break a Great Loop speed record and how his journey was similar in many ways to more "traditional" Loopers who complete the route in over a year. Robert also talks about the extensive research and planning he did before starting the 6,000-mile route, and why taking on an adventure of this nature is a privilege that must be earned. 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/joinus.

More and more people are working aboard while doing the Great Loop. Why wait until retirement to cruise the Great Loop if you can do your job remotely? This week's episode features Alison Major, author of "Remote Work Afloat". Alison is a Gold Looper and founder of Loop Life Academy, an AGLCA sponsor. Join us as we discuss tips for setting yourself up for success when transition to working aboard. Remote Work Afloat - https://www.remoteworkafloat.com/ 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/joinus.

What do you do after you've finished the Loop? Post-Loop blues is a real thing! For Rev & Sam, they turned Life After the Loop into a business where they help others fulfill their Great Loop dreams, and they also continue boating in new and different settings. Listen this week as we catch up with Rev & Sam and hear all about their Life After the Loop. Often described as the adventure of a lifetime, America's Great Loop boasts a 'low risk, high reward' travel experience. Boaters journey over 5,000 miles around the Eastern part of the United States and into parts of Canada. The Great Loop was once a route known only to lifelong boaters and long-distance cruisers, but the secret is out. Join us as we unpack the Great Loop planning steps, from buying a boat to securing boat insurance; dive into a variety of stops and excursions along the way; share the highlight of Loopers who've crossed their wake; and of course, answer all of your questions about how to make this dream a reality. Enjoy our podcast, join America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA), and add this adventure to your bucket list! Our website (www.greatloop.org) is your one-stop-shop for information about the Great Loop.

Episode resources:USCG Navigation Rules – this is the official source: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamatedQuick Reference guide to the NavRules: https://www.whoi.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Abbreviated-Guide-To-Navigation-Rules-of-the-Road.pdf

Join us as Eric Martin, our current Harbor Host of the Year and Manager at Donovan's Shady Harbor, provides tips on what to expect when needing work done at a boatyard while on the Great Loop. Eric will include suggestions on what parts to carry with you, how to go about planning for scheduled maintenance, and what to do when you need unexpected or emergency repairs.

We continue our Story of Our Loop series this week with our guests, Mike & Darlene. They did the Loop in a non-traditional way by traveling home every other weekend. They'll share how they made the frequent trips home work, how they arranged travel, and how their way of Looping may have changed their overall experience. Mike & Darlene provide inspiration for those who may need to travel home frequently while Looping to handle family, work, or health obligations.

Details about our sponsor program: https://www.greatloop.org/sponsorsRefer a sponsor: [email protected] or submit a form here

Our popular "Story of our Loop" series returns this week as we feature Malcom & Rachel from "Stay Cool", a Mainship 390 that completed the Great Loop in 2023. Malcolm and Rachel share why their chose their boat, the details of their adventure, how they stayed in compliance with regualtions as Canadians traveling for an extended period time in the U.S. and advice for future Loopers. You can learn more about Malcolm & Rachel on their YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@staycool123. 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, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org. #greatloop #aglca #boatlife #bucketlist #greatloopers