Join AGLCA September 11th & 12th in the greater Chicago area for Great Loop Discovery!
Registration will open Friday, June 12th @ noon eastern
What Is Great Loop Discovery?
The Great Loop is more than a boating trip — it’s an adventure of a lifetime. Great Loop Discovery is designed to help you explore what it takes to turn that dream into reality.
This immersive two-day seminar introduces future Loopers to the route, the lifestyle, the skills, and the planning involved in cruising America’s Great Loop. Whether you’re just beginning to research the adventure or actively preparing to buy a boat and start cruising, Great Loop Discovery will provide the information, inspiration, and confidence to help you move forward.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll learn from experienced cruisers, industry experts, and Gold Loopers who have completed the Loop and are eager to share their firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice.
Topics include:
- An overview of the Great Loop route and the incredible destinations along the way
- An introduction to essential cruising skills such as weather, anchoring, navigation, and trip planning
- Boat systems, DIY maintenance, and what life aboard is really like
- Budgeting, preparation, and cruising lifestyles
- Real stories, insights, and inspiration from Gold Loopers
Great Loop Discovery Agenda
Interested in Finding a Boat?
An optional Boat Buying Workshop, sponsored by Great Loop Yacht Sales, is also available for those still searching for the right boat for their adventure. Sessions cover:
- Choosing the right boat for the Great Loop
- Finding and evaluating boats
- Financing and insurance considerations
- Marine surveys and sea trials
- Avoiding common buying mistakes
The Boat Buying Workshop is free with your Great Loop Discovery registration, but you must add it during the registration process to reserve your spot for Friday morning, September 11th. It also includes free lunch.
Most importantly, Great Loop Discovery connects you with a welcoming community of fellow future Loopers who share your excitement for adventure, exploration, and life on the water.
Your Great Loop journey begins here.
What Does Great Loop Discovery Cost?
Registration is just $165 per person and includes:
- Admission to the full two-day seminar
- Lunch during the seminar
- A complimentary one-year AGLCA membership. (You don't need to create a membership to register for this event.)
If the Great Loop has been on your bucket list, this is the perfect opportunity to take the first step with guidance from those who have already made the journey.
Space is limited, so register today and start planning your Great Loop adventure! Registration is open through Thursday, September 3rd.
Where Can I Stay?
A discounted room block has been reserved at Westin Chicago Northwest where the event willl be held. Rooms are $139/night and the discounted rate is available through Friday, August 21, 2026. You can use this link to make an online reservation. You may also phone them to make a reservation by calling 630-773-4000 and mentioning America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association as well as the room type code (AGLAGLE for a king room and AGLAGLF for a queen room) to receive the discounted rate. After August 21st, rooms can still be reserved, if space is available, but it will be at the current rate, not the discounted rate. Pets (2 max) are welcome to stay for an additional fee but pets are not allowed in the meeting spaces. On-site self parking is $5 per day. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is less than 11 miles away from the Westin.
What If I Need to Cancel?
For cancellations received by September 3rd, the registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. For cancellations received after September 3rd, 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.