Join AGLCA September 19th & 20th in Atlantic City to learn about the Great Loop cruising lifestyle!
Registration opens Thursday, June 19th at noon eastern.
What is the Great Loop? It's a 6,000-mile boating adventure of a lifetime that circumnavigates the eastern U.S., and a small part of Canada, via an interconnect series of waterways including the intracoastal waterway, historic canals, the Great Lakes, the inland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and more.
This event is an introduction to the Great Loop. We'll start by explaining how to find and buy the perfect boat for you. Then, we'll provide an overview of the Great Loop route and how to do it, and start to prepare you for your own Great Loop adventure. The seminar includes practical advice for planning and preparing for the Great Loop with sessions about the route and general boating topics with a Great Loop focus. You'll also hear stories from Gold Loopers (members who have completed the Loop) about their adventures. Sessions begin Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm and wrap up around 5:00 pm on Saturday.
Workshop: How to Find and Buy Your Perfect Great Loop Boat
Sponsored by Great Loop Yacht Sales
Friday, September 19, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
This optional workshop includes seminars from experts on each aspect of the boat buying process including how to find and buy the boat, how to secure financing and insurance and what to expect from the survey.
This optional workshop includes lunch and is FREE thanks to our sponsors, Great Loop Yacht Sales, but pre-registration is required during the registration process.
Main Seminar: Great Loop Cruising-A Guide to the Looper Lifestyle
Friday, September 19, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., continuing on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
What Is It Really Like to Cruise America's Great Loop?
If you have asked yourselves any of these questions, this seminar is for you!
• How much time and money will it take?
• What kind of boat do I need?
• Is it safe?
• How will I know what to do in an emergency?
• What can I expect to see and do on the Loop?
• How do I leave my home/family for that long?
• How much boating experience do I need?
Get the answers to these questions and so much more! You'll hear from industry professionals as well as Gold Loopers. Sponsors will also be exhibiting to showcase their products and services that can help you accomplish your dream of cruising the Great Loop.
Registration is $149/person and includes a one-year AGLCA membership (or membership extension) per registrant (so a couple who shares a membership and both register for the seminar will receive a two-year joint membership) as well as a cash bar reception (Friday) and one lunch (Saturday).
After registering for the event, the complimentary membership will be set up within a few days to a week by the Home Port Crew and details will be sent to you about your new membership (or membership extension). You do not need to create a new membership for yourself to register for this event.
Registration will be open through Sunday, September 14th or whenever we reach capacity for the event.
"The seminar was both informative and inspirational. At one point Saturday morning my wife looked over at me and said, 'Why aren't we starting right away?' Our plans have moved up a full year! Thank you."
"Overall, we enjoyed the seminar and found it to be informative. Pushed me over the edge to make the decision to go for it!"
"It was great to meet people and make new friends as well. Thank you for this opportunity. I feel much more prepared and am even more excited about starting our Loop."
"The seminar was specifically tailored to those embarking on this new 'looping' chapter of their lives and that is exactly where we were."
"It's hard to pick the best thing because I found it all to be so informative and loved the stories of the experienced Loopers!"
Hotel Information
A discounted room block has been reserved for AGLCA registrants at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center where the seminars will be held. The discounted rates are $109 for Thursday night and $179/night for Friday and Saturday nights. The reservation deadline is Thursday, August 21, 2025. You can use this link to make an online reservation. If you make a reservation to include Thursday night, please note the reservation will process at $179/night but the hotel will adjust the Thursday night rate to $109 once your reservation has been received. You may also phone them to make a reservation by calling 1-888-627-7212 and mentioning AGLCA and/or AGLCA Looper Lifestyle to receive the discounted rate. The Sheraton offers discounted self-parking at $12/day for registered guests. Otherwise, parking is $20/day for those not staying at the Sheraton.
Situated right in the center of Atlantic City, the Sheraton is steps away from many points of interest. As a full-service hotel, the Sheraton offers a fitness center, a convenience store and gift shop, an on-site bar and several restaurants as well as a cafe. Sleeping rooms have modern décor, complimentary WiFi and convenient workspaces. While the hotel does have pet-friendly rooms, pets are not allowed in the meeting spaces but service animals are welcome. The Sheraton is within 12 miles of the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY).
Welcome to America's Playground!
Come early or stay late to explore America’s Playground! Atlantic City began as a summer settlement for Lenni Lenape Indians and as the railroad system connected Atlantic City to Philadelphia in 1854, the area quickly turned into a resort destination. During the early 20th century, the city saw a significant boom with more hotels and attractions being built and in 1978, the first casino opened in Atlantic City, kicking off a new era in tourism and gambling. Today, Atlantic City continues to be a popular destination for tourists, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Also known as Las Vegas of the East, Atlantic City is home to nine casinos where you can try your hand at the blackjack table or slot machines. If gambling is not your thing, though, you can still enjoy a plethora of shopping, dining and live entertainment options at these gaming establishments
Most of the casinos line Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk, which inspired the game Monopoly. The Boardwalk was built in 1870 and it’s the world’s first and longest boardwalk. In addition to the casinos, its four-mile stretch is dotted with restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions while the waves of the Jersey shore can be seen and heard just steps away from the Boardwalk.
While strolling along the Boardwalk, you’ll want to explore Steel Pier. Built in 1898, it’s a centerpiece on the walkway offering nostalgic amusement park rides. You can catch incredible views of the ocean and the city skyline all at the same time while riding the Ferris wheel. You’ll, of course, want to try some of the traditional seaside snacks like saltwater taffy, homemade fudge and funnel cakes.
For a great overview of this seaside resort town, be sure to visit the Atlantic City Historical Museum as well as the Absecon Lighthouse. At 171 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the United States. Visitors can now enjoy the 2-acre property, visiting the Keeper’s Cottage Museum and Gift Shop and climbing the 228 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the magnificent view of the Jersey shore.
Be sure to bring your appetite as Atlantic City offers something for every palate. You’ll find some of the freshest seafood on the east coast like clams, oysters and crabs. If you are more in to turf than surf, there are many great steakhouses in the area. Atlantic City is also known for its Italian fare and legendary sub sandwiches. From budget buffets to five-star restaurants, you’ll find a menu sure to please.
There’s plenty to explore in Atlantic City so learn more to plan your visit.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received by September 14th, the registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. For cancellations received after September 14th, the registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee if seat(s) can be filled. If the seat(s) cannot be filled, no refund will be issued.