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by AGLCA
America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association brings you this weekly podcast providing information and inspiration to help you plan your own Great Loop adventure.
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In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Loopers Ken and Cheryl Pfeiffer share the story of completing America’s Great Loop aboard their custom trawler. They discuss how their boating journey began, what led them to choose and customize their boat, and how they prepared for an extended adventure on the water. Ken and Cheryl reflect on some of the memorable destinations, experiences, and relationships that shaped their Loop, along with the challenges they encountered and the lessons they learned along the way. They also offer practical advice for future Loopers, including the importance of remaining flexible, preparing thoughtfully, and making the journey your own. Whether you are actively planning your Loop, searching for the right boat, or simply dreaming about casting off someday, Ken and Cheryl’s story offers helpful insight and inspiration from a couple who turned their Great Loop plans into reality. 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. Not yet an AGLCA member? Join today and use code LOOP20 for $20 off your new membership.
In this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re diving into Looper Loot, AGLCA’s new loyalty points program designed to reward members for getting involved with the Association and the Great Loop community. We’ll explain how Looper Loot works, some of the ways you can earn points, where to find and track your points, and how you can redeem them for rewards. Whether you’ve already started collecting points or you’re hearing about Looper Loot for the first time, we’ll help you get up to speed and make the most of the program. We’ll also introduce Ally Russo to the Home Port Crew and learn a little more about her role at AGLCA and the work she’s doing behind the scenes to support members and the Association. Plus, we’re looking ahead at what’s coming to the AGLCA app, with a preview of some upcoming features designed to make it even more useful while you’re planning and cruising the Great Loop. Tune in to learn more about Looper Loot, meet Ally, and get a sneak peek at what’s next from AGLCA! 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. Not yet an AGLCA member? Join today and use code LOOP20 for $20 off your new membership. You can download the AGLCA app below. iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aglca/id6476233488 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.landandseasoft.aglca&hl=en_US
Cruising the inland rivers in 2026 will require some extra planning. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, the Home Port Crew breaks down several closures and service changes that could affect Loopers traveling through the region. We cover the closure at Brandon Road Lock and Dam, the Barkley Lock closure and the alternate route through Kentucky Lock, the loss of recreational vessel service from Logsdon Tug Service, and the continued closure of Hoppie’s Marina. With fewer fuel and service options available, Loopers may need to plan for stretches of up to 250 miles between reliable fuel stops. Since this episode was recorded, the stop-work order affecting the Brandon Road project has been lifted. Loopers should continue monitoring official navigation notices for any updates to the planned construction and closure schedule. Listen before beginning your inland rivers route, review your current cruising guides, and make sure you have alternate fuel, lock and service plans in place. Conditions and schedules can change, so always confirm the latest information with the appropriate lockmasters, marinas and service providers before traveling. 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. Use code LOOP20 for $20 your new membership.
Gold Loopers Bob and Cheryl Gilmore share the story of their Great Loop aboard Silver Lining, a Beneteau Swift Trawler 34. With their boating experience previously limited to a freshwater lake, they explain how they prepared for the journey, chose the right boat, and built the skills they needed along the way. They share their Loop “by the numbers," along with a candid look at their total expenses and how they balanced marina stays with anchoring. Bob and Cheryl also discuss favorite stops, the realities of planning day by day, lessons learned about boat maintenance and seamanship, and why flexibility became one of their most valuable cruising skills. Plus, hear their advice for future Loopers, including why you should know your boat, avoid overpacking, and not let some of the Great Loop’s “urban legends” make you nervous about the journey. 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. Use code LOOP20 for $20 your new membership.
Cruising through downtown Chicago is one of the most memorable experiences on the Great Loop! In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Mark Stevens, General Manager of Navy Pier Marina, joins us to share everything Loopers need to know about visiting the Windy City by boat. We cover bridge clearance requirements for navigating the Chicago River, where to tie up, possible anchorages, and other important considerations for planning your Chicago stop. Mark also shares tips for enjoying the city, including things to see and do while your boat is docked. From cruising past Chicago’s iconic skyline to spending time exploring one of the country’s great cities, Chicago can be a true highlight of your Great Loop adventure. Tune in for the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of this unforgettable stretch of 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.
Jacque and Tsali Bentley are back for Part 2 of our Great Debates on route choices! This time, we’re tackling more of the decisions Loopers face along the way—from how to cross the Gulf and which side of Lake Michigan to cruise, to navigating New York City and making time for unforgettable experiences like swimming with the manatees. Jacque and Tsali share their experiences and perspectives on each option, along with the factors that can help you decide what makes the most sense for your own Loop. Because when it comes to the Great Loop, there’s rarely one “right” route, and sometimes the choices you make along the way lead to the best memories. Whether you're actively planning your route or just curious about the many ways to complete America's Great Loop, this discussion will help you better understand the tradeoffs behind some of the Loop's biggest navigation decisions. Want to learn more about the Great Loop and connect with thousands of experienced Loopers? Join AGLCA for trusted information, educational resources, and a community that's ready to help every step of the way. Visit https://www.greatloop.org/join-online.html and use code LOOP20 to save $20 on a new membership.
There are several route choices you'll need to make on your Great Loop... and the perfect choice depends completely on you and your cruising preferences. In Part 1 of this point/counterpoint episode of Great Loop Radio, Kim Russo is joined by Tsali and Jacque Bentley to discuss some of the biggest route decisions Loopers face. Should you take the Virginia Cut or cruise through the Dismal Swamp? Stay outside or run the New Jersey Intracoastal? Choose the Erie Canal or the Champlain Canal? Every option has its advantages and tradeoffs. Rather than declaring one route "right," they explore the pros, cons, timing considerations, and personal preferences behind each option. You'll hear different perspectives, practical insights, and the kinds of conversations that help future Loopers decide what fits their own adventure. Whether you're actively planning your route or just curious about the many ways to complete America's Great Loop, this discussion will help you better understand the tradeoffs behind some of the Loop's biggest navigation decisions. Want to learn more about the Great Loop and connect with thousands of experienced Loopers? Join AGLCA for trusted information, educational resources, and a community that's ready to help every step of the way. Visit https://www.greatloop.org/join-online.html and use code LOOP20 to save $20 on a new membership.
Jenny's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSaltySideEye
America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association brings you this weekly podcast providing information and inspiration to help you plan your own Great Loop adventure.
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