Members only
August 2025 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
Your Home Port Crew hopes you're having a wonderful summer of cruising in Canada and the Great Lakes! As you begin heading towards Lake Michigan and the inland rivers, we expect the waves on the lake may not be the only thing making your stomach do flip flops. If you are wondering what to expect when crossing into the U.S. in Michigan, we've got the details both U.S. and Canadian Loopers need to take the stress out of the process. Before you know it, you'll be trying to decide which side of Lake Michigan to cruise on your way to Chicago.
Speaking of Chicago, there is big docking news, as Navy Pier Marina opened this summer! It's the only marina in Chicago dedicated to transient boaters, so you'll definitely want to check them out and spend some time exploring the Windy City. There is so much to see and do in Chicago ~ no matter your interests, you'll find it here. And food....deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Eli's Cheesecake, Italian Beef Sandwiches...the list goes on and on. Your Home Port Crew has only one word ~ YUM! Maybe two words ~ More Please! Check out the article this month on Chicago and plan to have at least one meal in Kim Russo's favorite restaurant in Chi-town!
Platinum Loopers Eddy & Linda Johnsen join us again this month with Dock Tales. This month they ponder the question we've seen recently in the Forum ~ what things do you really like having on your boat? Eddy and Linda break down the "must have" and the "like to have" and how to determine what is right for your Loop!
And as always, don't miss your fellow Loopers' Wake Crossing announcements.
In this issue:
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Members only
Members only
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in July:
A Loan Again
Congratulations to Scott & Leslie, who completed their Loop on July 3, 2025 aboard their Trojan International 12m, A Loan Again.
"What a great adventure. Not knowing what's around each corner is the best part beside the wonderful people we met along the way. Special thanks to everyone who helped us with knowledge and guidance.
"Shout out to Sea Gem and Live de Life for your friendship and time shares.
"Thanks to AGLCA for info and updates along the way."
BEX
Congratulations to Trent, who completed his Loop on July 7, 2025 aboard his 2023 SeaDoo Explorer Pro, BEX.
Cartermaran
Congratulations to Ben & Lisa (and family!), who completed their Loop on July 16, 2025 aboard their 44' Endeavour Trawler Catamaran, Cartermaran.
"Doing the Great Loop with 3 kids seemed to be an anomaly. Anywhere we stopped along the way, people were shocked to see our young children on the boat, helping out, remarking about how they will remember this great experience for the rest of their lives.
"Resilience, problem-solving, and valuing experiences can be taught in many places, and our kids learned these things time and time again, every summer on the water. Learning these life lessons while in close proximity for 2 months at a time can tear a family apart or bring a family together even closer than you ever imagined. Thankfully, our journey led to the latter.
"Sure, we had our challenges with foul weather, boat repairs, and of course the cost of it all, but the memories, growth, and adventures far outweighed the hard days.
"Buying a boat was THE worst financial decision of our lives AND hands down the BEST family decision. We don't regret a cent.
"It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. The memories are worth 10x more than the money. (Read our blog to see how we got here along with some of our stories.)
"The biggest thing I learned is that you’re always going to face adversity.
"Don’t wait. Go. Do it. You’re always going to think you don’t have enough money or the right boat, or that the timing isn't right. Whatever the excuse, you just need the courage to start.
"There are plenty of people in the AGLCA community who will help, support you, and help solve any problem you face.
"Don’t delay. The hardest part is having the courage to start the journey and take it one wave at a time."
Don't Fret
Congratulations to Joan & Neil, who completed their Loop on June 14, 2025 aboard their 2006 Cruisers Yachts 385, Don't Fret.
"We’ve completed our Loop. It was a surprisingly emotional day. I thought we would never get here and now I wish we were still at it. This adventure has had its share of ups and downs but I wouldn’t change a single thing. We the crew of Don’t Fret have been privileged to meet so many new friends along the way. One couple in particular. Without them this trip wouldn’t have been the same ♥️. Sitting here this morning at Sugarloaf Marina listening to the birds and fish jumping. Reminiscing about so many things. My heart is so full of pride and joy a little bit flowed from my eyes. We now proudly fly the AGLCA Gold Burgee. This symbol of achievement is something that I never really understood before. I hope others have the opportunity to go and leave the comfort of their home ports and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. To all of our family and friends fair winds and following seas. Till we meet again ♥️."
Exodus
Congratulations to Dennis & Tamara, who completed their Loop on June 29, 2025 aboard their Carver 430 CP, Exodus.
"We are excited to share that we crossed our wake in Clayton, NY, on June 29, 2025, having left a year earlier on June 22, 2024, with our dogs (Nelson and Ivy) on our boat called Exodus. We thank God for safe travels, for meeting so many wonderful friends, and for amazing experiences along the way. One way to sum it up was that it was an adventure but not a vacation! Thank you to the many new friends and acquaintances who provided various types of assistance - everything from information to a vehicle loan. All help was greatly appreciated. We also recognize how much we've been able to learn and apply from those sharing their knowledge and expertise via the AGLCA site; thanks to all who have gone before us."
Freya
Congratulations to Igor & Margaret, who completed their Loop on July 8, 2025 aboard their 2000 Mainship 390, Freya.
"We went on a Great Loop adventure to experience America first-hand and challenge ourselves. And, oh boy, did we! We saw beautiful nature and met wonderful people. This trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and the memories will stay with us forever."
Great Adventure
Congratulations to Lloyd & Melinda, who completed their Loop on June 29, 2025 aboard their Carver 444, Great Adventure.
Gypsy Soul
Congratulations to Rainer & Trudy, who completed their Loop on July 6, 2025 aboard their Sabre 42 Express, Gypsy Soul.
"We had the thrill of crossing our wake at the Statue of Liberty. Our friends on LaRea buddy-boated with us for the final two days and captured the event in photos, and our friends on Loooper (yup three “o”s) waited for us to arrive as well, both making it even more special. 6,141 miles, 138 locks, 382 days and countless memories. What started out as an adventure focused on what we might see quickly became so much more. The generosity of Loopers and locals we met has restored my faith in humanity. We cherish the connections we’ve made with other Loopers. Watching Admiral Trudy's confidence grow as trepidation turned to curiosity and boating knowledge has been rewarding. It's so hard to summarize the rarity and richness of this adventure, both highlights and hardships. In the words of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, 'It's not an adventure until something goes wrong'. And yes, it’s been an adventure. We’ve learned to simplify our life and travel as fast as we need to reach our destinations, but slowly enough to appreciate what we're seeing along the way. Sage advice we received from Bev on Blue Odyssey was 'Live your life by the compass, not the clock'. We reflect on all of it with pride. We would be remiss if not recognizing the resources and support provided by the AGLCA Home Port Crew. Kim and Julie continue to excel in their commitment and conviction to this amazing wandering nautical culture."
Hakuna Matata
Congratulations to Sylvain & Marie-Josee, who completed their Loop on June 28, 2025 aboard their Absolute 47 Fly, Hakuna Matata.
"On July 15, 2024, we left Saint-Anicet in Quebec aboard Hakuna Matata, hearts filled with excitement not knowing just how deeply this journey would change us. And on June 28, 2025, we crossed our wake and shared the emotion of returning home. This journey turned out to be much more than just a nautical route.
"Almost a full year exploring the waters of the Great Loop...from Saint-Anicet, through the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys, the Bahamas, all the way to New York and back to Montreal. More than 6,600 miles, 101 locks, 3 countries, 18 U.S. states, 2 Canadian provinces.
"And always the same three onboard: the two of us and Kiara, our precious four-legged crewmate, always ready to greet fellow Loopers at every stop!
"We weren’t seasoned travellers before…but the Loop transformed us. We saw, lived, and felt so much…
- Those magical mornings when dolphins swam alongside our boat.
- Gently gliding with manatees in Florida.
- Diving with sharks in the Bahamas.
- And then…the Statue of Liberty. A chill. A silence. Tears.
"But what we’ll remember most are the unforgettable people we met. The impromptu docktails, the spontaneous conversations…and always the same question 'So, what’s your next stop?'
"A toast we’ve heard dozens of times aboard Hakuna Matata, and one that moves us every single time:
'There are good ships, and there are wood ships, and there are ships that sail the seas…
But the best ships are friendships — and may they always be!'
"Thank you to everyone who crossed our wake. Your presence left a lasting mark on our journey.
"Some friendships deepened as we shared joys, doubts, and discoveries…simple dinners became cherished memories. A bond that formed naturally over time. To those of you who were there — often, long, and wholeheartedly — you made this trip even more beautiful.
"You’ll know who you are…thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
"A heartfelt thank you to the AGLCA for your advice, your webinars, your forums…and most of all, for creating this boating family that brings us all together.
"This journey was a year of freedom, discovery, and learning. A defining chapter in our lives — one we’ll never forget.
"Thank you, life. Thank you, Great Loop community.
"And most of all… thank you to those who shared this adventure with us."
Here & Now III
Congratulations to Doug & Charlene, who completed their Loop on June 21, 2025 aboard their Morgan 45, Here & Now III.
"Happy to have completed the Loop and be home again after 8 months. Certainly wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, but we met some great people and saw some neat sights along the way."
Knot 2 Late
Congratulations to Chris, who completed his Loop on July 20, 2025 aboard his MacGregor M26, Knot 2 Late.
Lady in Red
Congratulations to Alan & Renetta, who completed their Loop on July 16, 2025 aboard their 32 Carver Montego, Lady in Red.
"Completing this adventure together was truly an experience of a lifetime. We have seen so many beautiful places in this country. We met so many wonderful people that were either fellow Loopers or acquaintances along the path. The Loop challenged us both as a couple and individuals. We are so full of gratitude for this sense of accomplishment."
Lady Lor
Congratulations to Peter Sr., Peter Jr., Eric & Kevin, who completed their Loop on July 21, 2025 aboard their Contender 40 Express, Lady Lor.
"Record breaking Loop time of 12 days 18 hours and 10 minutes completed by the crew of Lady Lor. Overcame numerous obstacles and challenges to set the fastest time ever."
Make Me Smile
Congratulations to Bert & Hilary, who completed their Loop on July 15, 2025 aboard their 400 Mainship Trawler, Make Me Smile.
"Nearly 13 years after beginning our Great Loop adventure on August 20, 2012, aboard Took the Plunge, we crossed our wake July 15, 2025, aboard Make Me Smile. We have been full-time live-aboards the entire time, first on a motor yacht, then a power catamaran and finally a trawler.
"We started our grand Loop adventure in our early 40s, our prime working years. Neither of us cared for the cold winters in the midwest and decided to relocate to warmer weather, continuing our careers wherever Took the Plunge, our 453 Silverton, carried us. She took us from Lake St. Clair, MI to Biloxi, MS, where we integrated locally, continued our careers, changed boats and made many new friends. The section of the Loop we completed in 2012 was so much fun, traveling with a large group of Loopers after all being delayed in Grafton, IL, due to a lock being damaged and subsequently repaired. In retrospect, this was absolutely the best section of the Loop socially. Docktails, boating stories, and music filled many evenings during our journey south.
"Fast forward to 2015 and after three years of living, working and worshiping in Biloxi, MS, we decided it was still a bit too cold and both of us had the opportunity to transition to the east coast of Florida. Over the 2015 holiday season, we resumed our Great Loop adventure aboard Simplified, a 36’ Endeavour Power Catamaran, stopping in Merritt Island, FL. Again, we integrated locally, continued our careers, changed boats and cultivated more lifelong friendships. Nearly a decade later, we consider Florida to be our home even though we were born and raised in Michigan.
"In February 2025, we retired in our mid 50’s and resumed our Great Loop journey in mid-March aboard Make Me Smile, a 400 Mainship Trawler, crossing our wake mid-July. Our final section of the Great Loop was the most scenic, particularly the Hudson River Valley north of NYC. Traveling a bit early up the east coast this Spring, we missed the Looper comradery we experienced in 2012. We did enjoy the amazing folks at Albany Yacht Club very much during our six-week stay there waiting for the Erie Canal to open this season. We were also thrilled to have completed the entire Erie Canal the year of the 200th Anniversary.
"What’s next for us now in retirement having completed the Great Loop? We plan to enjoy our Michigan summer and then head back to Florida as the weather changes. The Looper spirit of adventure and comradery is deeply rooted within us, and we will always be cruisers in some form or fashion. We plan to transition that spirit to RV life for whatever our next chapter holds."
Moka
Congratulations to Louis & Isabelle (and their little dog, Moka!), who completed their Loop on July 7, 2025 aboard their Silverton SB410, Moka.
"We are thrilled and proud to be installing our Gold Burgee! We departed from Montreal on June 14, 2023, and officially crossed our wake on July 7, 2025—completing a 460-day journey aboard our boat (approximately 16 months). Along the way, we winterized the boat at Beacon Bay Marina in Penetanguishene on October 11, 2023, and resumed our adventure from there on July 11, 2024, continuing non-stop back to Montreal.
"Throughout this unforgettable experience, we had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people—like Indigo Seas, Sacagawea, RingUL8r, Knot Golfing, Knot Again, Hakuna Matata, Anchored Souls, Oyster, Soul Shine, A Loan Again, Arcadia, Spring Fling, Red Bow, and many others who helped make this journey truly special.
"Here’s a quick recap of our Great Loop:
1) 6,200 nautical miles, including side trips to Nashville (250 nm) and the Bahamas (800 nm).
2) 460 days aboard, including 200 days stopped.
3) 98 locks.
4) 250 nights in marinas (~$25,000 USD; most expensive: Liberty Landing, New York – $600 USD).
5) 5,800 gallons of diesel (~$23,000 USD).
6) ~$10,000 USD in repairs and maintenance, including a coolant pump failure that delayed us three days in Coinjock—on my 60th birthday! (Big thanks to the marina staff and to Brian for their help).
"Our top 3 favorite cruising areas were: The Bahamas, Lake Michigan, and Georgian Bay.
"We are now starting our second Loop this summer, heading back up to Georgian Bay and looking forward to enjoying the Trent-Severn Waterway even more this time.
"Wishing everyone a great summer and wonderful boating adventures !" ~ Louis, Isabelle, and Moka our little dog.
Next Wave
Congratulations to Bill & Debbie, who completed their Loop on July 13, 2025 aboard their Beneteau Swift Trawler, Next Wave.
"America’s Great Loop was the perfect retirement plan for us. The amazing adventure provided us with the opportunity to learn something new each day. We learned to work together as a team, to plan the route for the next destination, to check the weather, the currents, the tides and the winds before we departed. Who knew there were so many applications available?
"On the trip it felt like opening a Christmas gift each day. We were never sure what was under the gift wrap but it was always exciting.
"The scenery along the waterways in both Canada and the United States was breathtaking. We enjoyed the variety of wildlife. It was exciting to spot that first dolphin swimming alongside the boat and to see them so many days afterwards. Pelicans became a favorite instantly because they are so graceful flying over the water and then they would do a huge belly flop to catch their meal.
"We met so many interesting people traveling the water and in the many waterway towns. The boating community is filled with the most caring and helpful people. We had fun at docktails sharing stories, going out to dinner, and playing games with other Loopers. We even gifted each of our kids one of the favorite games we learned on the trip, Marble Chase.
"As for our future plans, we have more trips planned for Next Wave which include the Down East Loop, the Triangle Loop, and a trip to the Bahamas."
Nothing Else Matters
Congratulations to Casey & Keisha, who completed their Loop on July 5, 2025 aboard their 2015 Sunseeker 55 Manhattan (then changed to 2024 Sunseeker 68 Manhattan), Nothing Else Matters.
Peace and Love
Congratulations to Bill & Sandi, who completed their Loop on July 14, 2025 aboard their Bayliner 4087, Peace and Love.
"We Did It! We’re Officially GOLD LOOPERS!
"After an unforgettable journey around America's Great Loop, we’re thrilled to share that we’ve crossed our wake and earned our golden status! What an adventure it’s been—months filled with breathtaking scenery, vibrant towns, and the most amazing fellow Loopers who made the voyage so much more than just miles traveled.
"A huge shout-out to the wonderful Loopers and other people in the boating community that we met along the way. You brought warmth, wisdom, and so many memorable moments to this experience. The friendships are the heart and soul of this journey, thank you for being part of our story. You made it all unforgettable.
"Special thanks to Chris and Dianne aboard LaRea, fellow Gold Loopers and Mark Woolley, Sandi’s brother, whose presence during our wake crossing made that moment truly extraordinary.
"Here’s to the miles behind us, the memories ahead, and the incredible community that makes the Great Loop a dream worth chasing."
Pier Pressure
Congratulations to Jim & Kay, who completed their Loop on June 30, 2025 aboard their Carver 444, Pier Pressure.
"Captain Jim and Admiral Kay (commissioned by Capt Jim) began America's Great Loop adventure on Pier Pressure, their 2004 Carver 444 on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from Port Clinton, Ohio. We cast off for the 6,000-mile trip with huge grins, buoyant spirits, and high anticipation (translate high blood pressure for the admiral)! Fast forward to June 30, 2025 ~ after the Captain and Admiral being on the boat together for 239 days (the Captain was counting) with huge grins, we crossed our wake! Yes, with the same boat under our own power, in one piece, and no divorce looming on the horizon."
Providence
Congratulations to Rusty & Melissa, who completed their Loop on July 12, 2025 aboad their Mainship Pilot 34, Providence.
"America’s Great Loop is one fantastic journey and for many, us included, it is the trip of a lifetime! I would be remiss to say we did this thing ourselves, no, God did it. We went for the ride and brought all of you along with us. Our goals were to:
1. Stay close to 80 degrees.
2. Have fun.
3. Meet new friends.
4. Have fun.
5. Forget about work.
6. Have fun.
"It’s true what those Loopers that have gone before us have said it’s the people you meet along the way that make this a truly remarkable journey. It’s been said that if you’re on the lookout for bad people, you will find them and if you’re on the lookout for good people, you’ll find them too. We found that there are really great people ALL AROUND us.
"We spent seven years planning, preparing and saving for this journey and it has not let us down. We knew it would be fun, but it was even more fun than we thought it would be.
"I giggled like an eight-year-old boy when the railway carriage lifted Providence out of the water and carried her up a hill, crossed the road and down the other side of the hill then put her gently back in the water at the Big Chute lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway in Canada. Campfires and s’mores in the remote Benjamin Islands in Canada are simply amazing, and the stars! It’s THE BEST stargazing place ever! You can see stars from horizon to horizon shining brightly overhead. Spectacular!
"It was a thrilling site watching the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, pass to starboard as we cruised down the mighty Mississippi River. Even better, Melissa’s mother was able to see us pass by from a web-cam located on the Arch from her home! 😊
"We bought freshly caught shrimp right from the boat in Mobile, Alabama, and it was the best tasting shrimp we’ve eaten, EVER!!😋 Key West is just plain crazy, but in a good way. 🤪
"We were blown away by the incredible waters of the Bahamas. Who knew there were fifty thousand shades of blue? Only in the Bahamas. Fantastic!
"The people, food, and southern charm are on full display in the low country of Georgia. And the peach pie is to die for! Well, maybe not die for it but you get my point, it sure is tasty!😋
"I like to see alligators as much as the next guy, IN A ZOO, but to see them swimming silently alongside your boat in South Carolina is exciting, thrilling, and just a little unnerving. There were no takers when asked about a short swim to cool off. 🐊 Go figure! 🤣
"Crabs are in plentiful supply in the Chesapeake Bay, or they were before I tried to eat them in every conceivable way they can be eaten known to man! I think the watermen of the Chesapeake like my appetite for crab!
"The Statue of Liberty holds a special place in my heart and a tour of Ellis Island is a fantastic reminder of the hope that immigrants everywhere have of the American Dream and the unlimited potential of this land. It takes hard work but the fruits of freedom are yours for the taking.
"America’s Great Loop is more than a series of interconnected waterways. It is the heartland’s agricultural superhighway for getting grain to food hungry nations around the world, for getting goods to market, and employing thousands of people from farmers to sea captains, railroad engineers to lock and dam operators. It is a recreational wonderland filled with average everyday people like you and me just trying to cool off in the summer heat. Only a few are fortunate enough to own a vessel to ply these waters. Fewer still forge a way to make the dream happen, to travel this Great Loop. We will be forever changed by our experiences on this journey."
Saunter
Congratulations to Brian, who completed his Loop on July 13, 2025 aboard his AW Pettigrew Boat Company Black Ledge 23, Saunter.
"Started in Feb 2024 from Gulf Breeze, Florida on a larger boat which was sold in Connecticut in the summer of 2024. Restarted on new boat, Blackledge 23 for a solo Loop."
Silver Linings
Congratulations to Randy & Rachel (and family!), who completed their Loop on July 21, 2025 aboard their 1991 Carver 430, Silver Linings.
"That’s a Loop! On Monday July 21st, 2025, the Silver Linings crew—Captain Randy, Admiral Rachel, First Mates Ember (6) and Ash (5), and our furry crumb-gobbler, Springer—crossed our wake. 325 days of sunsets, adventure, and shenanigans across 17 states and 3 countries. Looping is tough, rewarding, and adventurous. Looping with little ones might make you question life choices, especially if you'd rather be a spectator than the star of the show. 🤣
"Sharing this unforgettable adventure with Ember and Ash offered us a front-row view of their growth—both physically and emotionally. Their playful moments, strong bond, and rare squabbles were a treasure we'll hold dear forever. Experiencing new places through a child's eyes and their excited chatter is nothing short of magical. We taught them by example (good and questionable) how to embrace the fun, tackle the hard stuff, and adapt when things go sideways—because they often do. Captain Randy, a dedicated builder who put his all into grueling workdays before the Loop, discovered a fresh routine blending boat tasks with fun. He’s always cherished playful moments with the kids, and the Loop gave him more chances to enjoy their time together. Rachel, our Type-A tactician, got the hang of going with the flow—turns out, the best moments come when you ride the current instead of fighting it. Our mantra 'we’re right where we’re supposed to be when we’re supposed to be'.
"The people we met—fellow boaters, marina staff, and locals who welcomed us with open arms—restored our faith in humanity. We shared stories, laughed heartily, and supported each other through mechanical mishaps and moments of doubt. Their camaraderie was the glue that made this adventure unforgettable. Bonus: stepping 'out of the loop' from the daily grind and news cycle felt like a mental retreat.
"To every soul who offered advice, a helping hand, or a laugh when we needed it most—thank you. We’re forever grateful, forever changed, and forever Gold. Here’s to Silver Linings and the adventure of a lifetime! 🤩⚓️🛥️🌊🇺🇸🇧🇸🇨🇦🌟"
Steadfast
Congratulations to Bob & Janet, who completed their Loop on June 30, 2025 aboard their Beneteau Swift Trawler 35, Steadfast.
"Several years ago as we contemplated retirement, we talked about buying a second home on the water. But which water? Ocean, bay, lake, river, inlet? Bob started researching and discovered America’s Great Loop. Rather than choosing a permanent spot for a house, why not experience many different locations by traveling and living on our own boat? We had not owned a boat prior to this and our purchase of a Beneteau Swift Trawler was a great one!
"Leaving Point Pleasant, New Jersey on July 1, 2024, we were soon surrounded by the bustling activity and dramatic skyline of New York City; the scenic beauty, rolling hills, and rich history along the Hudson River; and the rugged rocky shoreline and pink granite of the Georgian Bay. We locked through the many locks of the Erie and Oswego Canals as well as the 44 on the Trent Severn Waterway. This was all during the first 60 days!
"Cruising down the eastern shore of Lake Michigan with its sand dunes and charming harbor towns and spending two months relaxing in the Florida Keys were the most vacation-like days. Acquaintances have commented that we must be enjoying our year-long vacation. Living on a 35-foot trawler while navigating the route and daily life is not a vacation. It is more of a working adventure. Traveling the inland rivers was the most challenging segment; however, I would say many of our most rewarding accomplishments occurred and most meaningful Looper relationships were formed while making our way through the meandering and sometimes arduous waterways. We witnessed nothing more breathtaking than bald eagles soaring over Steadfast’s bow in the Illinois River, the early morning sun peaking through the fog around the river bend, the autumn leaves through the mist in Tennessee, or the white cliffs of the Demopolis Chalk Formation along the Tombigbee in Alabama.
"While we loved the natural and varied beauty throughout the many hours of cruising, once in port we focused on exploring towns on foot, touring museums large and small, learning the culture and history, sampling at local breweries, distilleries, and wineries, attending concerts and going to church. First and foremost, we enjoyed meeting the local people all along the route.
"Each section of the Loop provided its unique challenges. While as first mate I faced my share of nerves and a bit of anxiety, Captain Bob’s confidence and increasing abilities assured me that we could handle whatever came our way. Each new challenge became an opportunity to develop a new skill, rely on each other, and improve our communication. I cannot think of a better way to transition together from professional life to retirement than planning, implementing, and completing America’s Great Loop!"
Sundown II
Congratulations to Jim & Donna, who completed their Loop on July 5, 2025 aboard their Campion 300 Adventure Trawler, Sundown II.
"This has been a trip of a lifetime, our greatest adventure so far! 6,179 miles of so many favourite places, so many wonders of nature, history lessons, life lessons and wonderful people! We've seen and experienced so many wonderful places, each one unique and enjoyable in its own way. And we have met such kind people ~ such as the guy who found Jim's wallet and went out of his way to return it, or the people who lent us their vehicles so we could provision, or those who watched our boat while we returned to Canada. We have also met many other Loopers along the way, some who have become good friends, others who we enjoyed for just a short time, all that we have a connection to because we are all on a similar adventure with the same goal....all proudly flying an AGLCA burgee."
Surf Rider
Congratulations to Pam & Brian, who completed their Loop on June 30, 2025 aboard their 41' 1989 Marinette Marquis, Surf Rider.
"The Loop was such a special way to see America! When one visits a waterside town, the best facade is always on the waterfront, so what better way than by boat! Surprising to us was the amount of history we learned. And the best part was all of the great people we met along the way. It also made us appreciate the ability to live with just the right amount of 'stuff', and to take care of things along the way. We found travel planning information abundant, and help readily available. AGLCA is a very robust and well run organization. The 397 nights onboard and 7625 miles over 2 years made us much better boaters. What's next? We're not sure, but the Loop was definitely an experience of a lifetime!"
YOLO
Congratulations to Beth & Calvin, who completed their Loop on June 23, 2025 aboard their 56' Aicon, YOLO.
"Wonderful trip ~ saw beautiful sights and made lifelong friends!"
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