Welcome to AGLCA's Virtual Docktails where Loopers can connect on special interest topics! Each Zoom social breakout room will be hosted by a Gold Looper or a representative from AGLCA. The groups are intended to be interactive and fun with no structured agenda or presentations!  For the September event, the breakout room topics are below.  Virtual Docktails will be held at 7 pm eastern/6 pm central.

New! Interact with other Virtual Docktails attendees before and after the event on the members-only discussion forum. You can even post your questions ahead of time so the breakout room host can be sure to answer them during the session. Then bring your follow-up questions after the September 16th event. The forum threads are linked below for each breakout room.

What To Expect on the Inland Rivers
A lot has changed on the inland river system since last year’s Looper fleet headed south toward warm weather and salt water. Between lock closures and the loss of a few much-needed places to tie up, there are several obstacles this year’s fleet should be prepared to navigate. Join fellow Loopers for a timely conversation about what to expect on the rivers this year - from communicating with tow captains and navigating locks to changing river conditions, fuel stops, anchorages, and planning where to spend the night. Come with your questions and leave with practical advice to help you tackle one of the most unique (and sometimes challenging) stretches of the Great Loop with confidence. To get the conversation started now, join this forum thread on What to Expect on the Inland Rivers.

Harbor Hosts: The Loop’s Local Experts
One of the best benefits of AGLCA membership may be waiting for you right in the next harbor. Harbor Hosts can help visiting Loopers with the kind of local knowledge you won’t always find on a chart. From where to provision and find repairs to transportation, restaurants, local attractions, and those little tips that make a stop easier and more enjoyable. This Virtual Docktails is also for members who have ever thought about becoming a Harbor Host themselves. Come learn what makes a great Harbor Host, what kinds of help Loopers appreciate most, and how sharing a little local knowledge can make a big difference for someone coming through your home waters. To get the conversation started now, join this forum thread on Harbor Hosts: The Loop's Local Experts.

Looping With Pets
The Great Loop is an adventure for the whole crew, including the four-legged members! Join us for a fun conversation about cruising with pets, from finding pet-friendly stops and managing life aboard to dinghy rides, potty breaks, and everything in between. Whether your pet is already a seasoned first mate or you're wondering if they’ll take to boat life, come swap tips, stories, and lessons learned with fellow Loopers. Virtual Docktails are FREE for AGLCA members- just BYOB (and maybe a treat for your furry crew!) To get the conversation started now, join this forum thread on Looping with Pets.

Catamaran Loopers
Catamarans offer some pretty compelling advantages for the Great Loop - space, stability, shallow draft, and plenty of room to stretch out, but they also bring a few unique considerations when it comes to beam, marina availability, locks, and route planning. Whether you're already Looping on a cat, shopping for one, or just wondering if two hulls might be better than one, pull up a virtual dock chair and join the conversation. We'll swap experiences, answer questions, and talk about what it's really like to tackle the Great Loop on a catamaran. To get the conversation started now, join this forum thread on Catamaran Loopers.

Gold Loopers Still Cruising
You crossed your wake…now what? Keep cruising, of course! Completing the Great Loop may have earned you that Gold Burgee, but for plenty of Loopers, it certainly didn't cure the cruising bug. This breakout room is for Gold (or Platinum) Loopers who are still out there exploring or already dreaming about where the boat will take them next. Come swap stories, share favorite cruising grounds beyond the Loop, talk about what comes after crossing your wake, and reconnect with fellow Loopers who aren't quite ready to hang up the dock lines. To get the conversation started now, join this forum thread on Gold Looper Still Cruising!

During the registration process, you will inidicate which breakout room you plan to attend but you will also be able to move to another breakout room during the event if you choose to do so.  
 
Upon registering, you will receive information about your Zoom link for the virtual docktails but you will also be able to find it in "My Events", which can be found under "My Account" on the homepage menu bar of the AGLCA website when you are logged in.  Just click "View Booking" by the appropriate event to see the Zoom link.
 

Registration closes on Wednesday, September 16th at noon eastern.