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April 2026 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
April will find most Loopers cruising through Georgia and the Carolinas, moving north in step with the warming weather. With longer days and plenty of memorable stops ahead, it’s the perfect time to lean into the journey—so let’s get cruising!
We begin this issue with Step 2 of the 10-step Great Loop Planning Guide: budgeting. Your budget can be as simple or as detailed as you like, but having a clear sense of your anticipated expenses can help minimize surprises along the way. We cover the basics, and then Admiral Sponsor Cathy Aull of Edward Jones—who has recently embarked on her own Great Loop adventure—helps us deep-dive into the details.
For the foodies among us, Malissa Marsden (Valhalla) returns with can’t-miss dishes to enjoy before leaving the southern coast behind. While seafood remains a staple throughout this stretch, you’ll also find African and Italian influences adding unique flavor to the experience. And with your Home Port Crew based in Charleston, South Carolina, take it from us—you won’t want to miss a single bite. If your waistline doesn’t expand a little here, you may not be doing it right!
As you depart the Carolinas and approach Virginia, an important decision awaits: continue along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), or detour through the quieter, more secluded Dismal Swamp Canal. Kim Russo has traveled both routes and shares the pros and cons of each, helping you choose the path that best fits your cruising style.
As always, be sure to check out the wake crossings reported in March. There’s nothing quite like celebrating fellow Loopers as they complete their journey—and imagining the day you’ll make your own crossing.
In this issue:
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Wake Crossings Reported in March:
Bobcat
Congratulations to Pancho, who completed his Loop on March 27, 2026 aboard his Nordic Tug 42, Bobcat.
"Absolutely the adventure of a lifetime! Beautiful places, great food, wonderful people....there was nothing bad about The Great Loop!!"
Boomerang
Congratulations to Doug & Beth, who completed their SECOND Loop on February 28, 2026 aboard their Nordic Tug NT42, Boomerang.
Burleigh Girl
Congratulations to Kipper & Darlene, who completed their Loop on February 27, 2026 aboard their Helmsman 38E, Burleigh Girl.
"We traveled 5,943.3 miles, and went through 116 locks, finishing the trip in 326 days. We thoroughly enjoyed the small towns, big cities, and everything in between. The history, scenery and beauty was magical but the friendships and kindness displayed by so many was the ultimate reward. What a ride!"
Cuz We Can
Congratulations to Steve & Jeanne, who completed their Loop on February 24, 2026 aboard their, Ranger Tug R43 CB, Cuz We Can.
"This was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime adventure for us! The very best part of our trip was all the boating friends we made along our year-long excursion. Enjoyed all of USA and Ontario, Canada. Thank you to all who made this trip possible for us."
DODA II
Congratulations to Jan & Mike, who completed their Loop on March 22, 2026 aboard their Mainship 47, DODA II.
Ducat
Congratulations to Christian & Katarina, who completed their Loop on February 13, 2026 aboard their Gemini/105mc/33 Sailboat, Ducat.
Happy Daze
Congratulations to Ron & Kathy, who completed their Loop on February 20, 2026 aboard their Mainship 430, Happy Daze.
"7,174 Miles, 123 Locks, 11 months to complete.
"Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Little Tennessee River and New Orleans Side Trips.
"We were first-time boaters with some training by a captain. We anchored 50% of the time and enjoy that the most. Everyone asks us what our favorite stops were and there were so many we loved that we are starting again on our second Loop!
"And lastly, we enjoyed meeting new friends along the way."
I Swear
Congratulations to Gary & Tracy, who completed their Loop on February 2, 2026 aboard their Carver 405, I Swear.
"What an experience of a lifetime. We are so grateful for the opportunity to meet so many incredible people and see all of the amazing sites. Thank you AGLCA for all of the resources that you provided both in the planning phase and underway! We would do it again in a heartbeat, and who knows, maybe we will!"
KATRICOL
Congratulations to Ric & Kathy, who completed their Loop on March 23, 2026 aboard their PAMA 54LX, KATRICOL.
"We met so many wonderful people and saw amazing places we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Thinking of doing it again!"
Northern Attitude
Congratulations to Evan & Karly, who completed their Loop on March 7, 2026 aboard their 36' Marine Trader Europa, Northern Attitude.
"Our Great Loop lived up to every expectation we had and more. It is true what everyone says - it's not necessarily the places we went but the people we met along the way who made such an impression on our trip. For us, the trip was about chasing a dream while we're still young because as cliche as it is, tomorrow is not promised. We grew as individuals and as a couple, encouraging us to conquer whatever comes our way in the future. If the Great Loop is on your heart, make it happen. You will not regret it."
O'Evy
Congratulations to Dave & Evy (and Lily!), who completed their Loop on March 21, 2026 aboard their Back Cove 34, O'Evy.
"Together we did it & are so happy. There are a handful of days in life you remember & today is one of them. The water, the places & the people have all been phenomenal. Our Great Loop is completed but cruising is not, see you on the water."
Persistence
Congratulations to George & Melanie, who completed their Loop on March 3, 2026 aboard their North Pacific Yachts 49 Pilothouse, Persistence.
"After almost 3 years, Persistence crossed her wake.
"Departed Port Everglades on Apr 29, 2023 for Bimini. Arrived into Port Everglades from Miami on March 3, 2026.
"Winter pauses in Port Washington, NY from Oct 27, 2023 - May 1, 2024 & in Cheboygan, MI from Oct 8, 2024 - May 25, 2025.
"Thank you to AGLCA for information and support during our journey.
"Thanks also to the many Loopers we met along the way for their camaraderie, advice and friendship."
Redeemed
Congratulations to Steve & Linda, who completed their Loop on March 18, 2026 aboard their 36' Little Harbor Whisperjet, Redeemed.
"Wow, all the planning and anticipation was worth it! What we heard is true - the folks along the way made the adventure such a memorable experience. What a unique way to view parts of our country and Canada while celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary to boot!"
Sea U Later
Congratulations to Jeff & Jackie, who completed their Loop on March 27, 2026 aboard their Cruisers 3970 Express, Sea U Later.
"We loved the adventure and meeting really great people. Many of whom have become great friends so now it’s up to us to remain in touch. We would never believe that we would have accumulated so many Looper cards. Great memories! Though we are looking forward to seeing our extended family on more than rare occasions."
Seacrest
Congratulations to Ian & Donna, who completed their Loop on February 28, 2026 aboard their 45' Beneteau Monte Carlo 4, Seacrest.
"Wow, what an adventure. A year in the planning, a year in execution. AGLCA is a brilliant resource, and so are all its members. But even better is you can Loop exactly the way you want to. Being British added some complications to doing the Loop, having no boating experience added a whole lot more. But despite all of that we did it. Thanks to everyone that gave us help, encouragement and a lot of memories."
Silver Lining
Congratulations to Bob & Cherryl, who completed their Loop on March 3, 2026 aboard their Beneteau Swift Trawler 34, Silver Lining.
"In 45 weeks (319 days, 901 hours), we traveled 6,556 miles through the inland waterways of the U.S. and Canada, through the Florida Keys, and across the Atlantic to the Bahamas. The journey gifted us endless sunrises and star-filled nights, rich culture and history, working waterfronts of shrimp boats and barges, and unforgettable wildlife - from a swimming black bear in Canada’s North Channel to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, snakes, alligators, otters, beavers, and countless birds along the way.
"We felt the powerful military presence from the Florida Panhandle to Virginia, and witnessed rocket launches along Florida’s Space Coast.
"We stayed healthy. Silver Lining never left us stranded. And most meaningful of all was the kindness of strangers who became friends.
"Though this chapter has closed, the story is far from over. The laughter, courage, and discoveries remain, and the spirit of the journey lives on in who we’ve become."
Stray Cat
Congratulations to Jim & Josie, who completed their Loop on February 21, 2026 aboard their Aquila 44 Power Cat, Stray Cat.
"An amazing experience filled with many stops to see great friends and family along the trip, while making new friends in buddy boats during the Loop journey. Wonderful marinas supporting so many Loopers, great food, and oohhhh the stars at night. And don’t miss the ice cream in Canada. So much more to cherish and share."
Up Next
Congratulations to Jim & Sarah, who completed their Loop on March 11, 2026 aboard their Sabreline 36 Fast Trawler, Up Next.
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