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August 2026 Great Loop Link
As summer begins to wind down, there's no mistaking the signs of the changing seasons. Department stores all along the Loop route are already filling their aisles with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Christmas decorations! Fortunately, Loopers still have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes before beginning the journey south through the inland rivers.
Before you get that far, though, it's important to be aware of a lock closure that will affect travel on the river system. While the Brandon Road Lock & Dam closure won't prevent you from continuing your southbound cruise, it will require some coordination with fellow Loopers. Kim Russo explains what to expect, how the process will work, and what you need to know to keep your journey on track.
We've also reached Step 6 in our Planning Your Great Loop One Step at a Time series. Now that you've found your Loop boat, it's time to make it your own. Preparing for life aboard doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, your day-to-day routine may not change as much as you think. The things you enjoy and rely on at home are often the same things you'll appreciate aboard. Julie Shea shares practical advice for deciding what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to make the transition to life aboard as comfortable as possible.
Many of you have told us how much you value AGLCA's advocacy efforts to help keep the Great Loop's waterways open, accessible, and safe for cruisers. While we aren't currently facing any immediate legislative threats, maintaining a strong presence with lawmakers is essential. That's especially true in Florida, where the lack of representation several years ago resulted in the loss of a handful of anchorage locations. This year's advocacy fundraising has been slower than usual, and we encourage every AGLCA member to consider supporting these important efforts. Kim Russo explains why your support makes a difference.
As always, be sure to check out this month's Wake Crossings. There's nothing quite like celebrating fellow Loopers as they complete their Great Loop adventures—and imagining the day you'll make your own crossing.
In this issue:
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Wake Crossings Reported in July:
Barefoot Get Aweigh
Congratulations to Curt & Beth, who completed their Loop on June 20, 2026, aboard their Cruisers Yachts 415, Barefoot Get Aweigh.
"Forty years ago, Curt learned of the Great Loop and was determined to do it one day. After a solid five years of planning and obtaining our Loop boat, we set out on September 2, 2025, from our homeport of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. We are experienced boaters and have taken numerous trips around the Great Lakes, but this was a whole new level.
"The trip was everything we thought it would be! We especially enjoyed our side trip to Nashville on the Cumberland River and our five-week stay at The Galleon Marina in Key West! If anything surprised us, it was the amount of commercial traffic on the inland river system. We knew the Mississippi would be busy, but it was just as busy on the inland rivers! It’s a whole different world of barge traffic! Also surprising were the 6-8 foot tides in Georgia and the Carolinas, oh my!
"For the most part, the trip was a slow enjoyable ride, taking in all the beautiful scenery & sights. We did have a couple of lumpy travel days: our daylight crossing from Carrabelle to Clearwater Florida and the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina.
"We lived on our boat for over 10 months, and we have memories that will last a lifetime, but we are happy to be back in our homeport near our family & friends!"
Bertha
Congratulations to Ellen & Greg, who completed their Loop on July 19, 2026 aboard their North Pacific 49 Euro Pilothouse, Bertha.
Coast
Congratulations to Myron & Rene, who completed their Loop on June 25, 2026 aboard their 2010 Marine Trader/Flush Deck, Coast.
"After years of planning and preparation, just like that our Loop journey ended on June 25, 2026, when we crossed our wake in Sandusky, Ohio on Lake Erie. Completing America's Great Loop comes with many mixed emotions, including a sense of great accomplishment, yet we are sad the journey is over, at least for now. We do hope to set out on future explorations. We traveled 5,600+ miles at an average speed of about 7 knots through 18 states. Every waterway has its own personality. Although we have boated most of our lives, we learned more in the one year while Looping, than all our years combined on the Great Lakes. The journey was beyond expectation, and we had high expectations. Thankfully, we chronicled our travels, nevertheless, it is impossible to take it all in. What a wonderful way to see the waterways and port communities that helped build this country. It is true, that the key element of the journey is the outstanding people you meet along the way. We met so many helpful, friendly, fun, and knowledgeable people in every corner of our travels, many of whom we are honored to now call friends. Some people call the Loop a trip, but it is best described as an adventure. Even with the best laid plans, you were unsure what a day will bring. We learned being flexible brings unknown adventures and opportunity. This journey has changed our perspective on life in many aspects. Our thanks to AGLCA, the Harbor Hosts, and all the Loopers we were fortunate to meet along the way."
Cross Rhodes
Congratulations to Kevin & Tina, who completed their Loop on July 1, 2026 aboard their Meridian 441, Cross Rhodes.
"It’s easy to give statistics such as we traveled 8,000+ miles, moved on average every other day over the year, and that our boat gets 30 'smiles per gallon'. But it's a little more difficult to summarize our year's worth of adventure & personal growth while boating around the eastern half of the United States and into parts of Canada.
"A necessary part of the trip is constantly learning new boating skills such as how to navigate through locks and safely pass enormous commercial barges on winding rivers, while constantly being attentive to weather, boat traffic, hazards, etc. We were mentally and physically exhausted by 5pm for the first several months as we constantly taxed ourselves in new ways.
"But our hope was not just that we would complete the Loop, but that we would grow along the way:
- By spending even more time together and in challenging situations, we had to communicate better, and be more graceful with each other and ourselves.
- We focused on our health in different ways to stay physically fit, and worked on our weaknesses such as anxiety and liking to have control. We are now more 'go with the flow' and 'yes' people.
- Seeing parts of the U.S. and Canada where hard-working people are providing us services we are dependent upon but never get to see increased our respect and interdependence. Transportation of basic resources such as grain, fuel and construction materials on the rivers is just one example.
- Learning about history and the influences on our present world opened our eyes to different perspectives on current issues and greatly increased our respect for our military and the incredible sacrifices made for our freedom.
- We realized in new ways just how much we all need each other! We were not meant to do life alone and, thanks to the AGLCA, we didn’t have to do the Loop alone! A hearty 'Thank you!' to all the people who make the AGLCA the valuable resource and support that it is!!! The Looper community exceeded our expectations and we have gained lifelong friends and skills as a result.
- Our relationship with God had to become less driven by routine and more about authentic hearts wanting to spend time with Him and follow His lead. It was a joy to see so much natural beauty in our world and worship in those moments! What a privilege we had to remind so many individuals that God loves them in many creative ways.
"For now we will continue cruising new waters on our boat visiting family & friends. And perhaps some day soon, we will be Loopy again!!!"
Current Obsession
Congratulations to Donnell & Barbara, who completed their Loop on July 20, 2026 aboard their Silverton 372 Aft Cabin, Current Obsession.
"Woohoo, we did it!
"It all started as a wild dream and now after 1000’s of nautical miles, locks, sunsets, dolphins in our wake and manatee off the bow, a Cubs win at Wrigley, the mighty Mississippi, an extended stay in Iuka, Shiloh Battlefield, Cotton fields and Muscle Shoals, Frank Lloyd’s Rosenbaum House, Rascal Flatts in Nashville, the Tombigbee and U.S. Thanksgiving in Bashi Creek, Biker Week in Daytona, the unpredictable and aptly named Cape Fear River, a ‘Timeless’ intervention in Albemarle Sound, a photo shoot with Lady Liberty, a delectable dining experience at Les Cheneaux Culinary School to colorful cocktails at Jaco’s Pensacola, to the nights we rocked gently to sleep and the nights with wind and waves punching the boat, to Dockmaster Donn and Georgian Bay’s wind swept pines and granite, to all of the amazing people and the soulful encounters and a few docktails.
"It was the trip of a lifetime with memories we will treasure forever!
"Fair winds and following seas to our family, friends, fellow Loopers, and everyone who followed along on ‘Our Big Adventure’!"
Double Trouble III
Congratulations to Kurt & Christine, who completed their Loop on July 17, 2026 aboard their Sea Ray 480 Sedan Bridge, Double Trouble III.
El Manuelo
Congratulations to Sandy & Helene, who completed their Loop on July 29, 2026 aboard their 2011 Mainship 395, El Manuelo.
Enchanted Circle
Congratulations to Kathleen & Tim, who completed their Loop on July 4, 2026 aboard their Navigator 4400 Classic, Enchanted Circle.
"What began as a boating adventure became so much more. We watched countless sunrises and sunsets, navigated calm waters and rough ones, discovered places we'd never seen, and met people we'll never forget. Along the way, we realized that the journey isn't measured by the distance covered, but by the memories made and the connections formed. As we prepare to pass our boat on to its next owners, there's a bittersweet feeling that comes with closing this chapter. Fair winds, following seas, and until the next adventure."
Hobo
Congratulations to Jake & Katie, who completed their Loop on July 7, 2026 aboard their 30' Sundowner Tug, Hobo.
K-Plan
Congratulations to Brian & Kathleen, who completed their Loop on July 20, 2026 aboard their Meridian 411, K-Plan.
"It was an adventure for our lifetime!! Traveling to places by water gives you a fresh and unique perspective on the places, people, daily challenges, and history of the many towns on the water that contributed to the local cultures we discovered along the way. From the AGLCA, to marina staff, to our fellow Loopers who are now lifelong friends, we will cherish every memory and hope to make more.
"We are a little older, a little wiser, a lot more flexible, and very excited to continue on our journey to explore more waterways and meet new and exciting people. The Looper family is the best!!!"
Sea-Bash
Congratulations to John & Carol, who completed their Loop on July 18, 2026 aboard their Carver 404, Sea-Bash.
"Trip of a lifetime ~ tough balance between running a business and completing the Loop. Great people and lots of great memories we will have forever."
Stray Dog
Congratulations to Tom & Greg, who completed their Loop on June 12, 2026 aboard their Parker 2120 Sport Cabin, Stray Dog.
"Never met so many nice people at the marinas and harbors. Erie canal lockmasters were the best. I found Rock Hall Marina in Maryland a great Port to visit ~ highly recommended."
TENASI
Congratulations to Will & Jackie, who completed their Loop on July 25, 2026 aboard their Cruisers Yachts 4050, TENASI.
"It is like a dream that we actually crossed our wake. We have been planning and thinking about the Loop for years before we threw our lines last November. The experience was sometimes grand and sometimes intense. We as a couple/team grew together and overcame obstacles. The people we met have enriched our lives. We hope to stay in contact with those new friends. Some have said that we completed the Loop too fast, but we don't think so. We saw what we wanted and were held up by weather many times. Each stop offered a new experience and something unique to that area. Now that we crossed our wake we have another week of travel to get home to Knoxville."
Thin-Line
Congratulations to John, who completed his Loop on July 26, 2026 aboard his 1973 20' Potter SeaCraft, Thin-Line.
Tinker Toy
Congratulations to Douglas & Grace, who completed their Loop on July 6, 2026 aboard their Ranger Tug R25, Tinker Toy.
Warbler
Congratulations to Harald & Cathy, who completed their Loop on July 20, 2026 aboard their Mainship 400, Warbler.
"It all started in September 1997 with a chance meeting in Chicago. A couple on a sailboat with the mast down said they were starting the Great Circle Loop and gave us a quick description. And that was it. The Loop was now on the bucket list.
"For years we were sailors, but finally in March 2020, we hit Trawlerfest ~ right before the world shut down. Delayed only slightly, we purchased our Loop boat in 2023. During the delivery voyage in early May, a warbler sought refuge with us for over an hour as we traversed a cold, foggy Saginaw Bay. The little guy sat on our heads, shoulders, and pecked at our lunch plates. The name came to the boat, and Warbler it was.
"Taking the advice of our Loop mentors, we did a mini-loop in 2024. The weeks-long trip consisted of the western Erie Canal, and the southern third of the Rideau Canal. It was a shakedown of the boat, lifestyle, and marriage. All were stressed at times but ultimately prevailed. Loop plans were in motion.
"Lessons from the shakedown trip led to extensive refinements and preparations ~ not complete, there's no such thing ~ just extensive. Ready or not, July 3, 2025, we set off 300 miles east from Cleveland to start with the Trent-Severn. What a great way to begin ~ friendly locks, great scenery, and the amazing Looper community. Next was Georgian Bay, the North Channel, a toe in Lake Superior, Mackinac, the west coast of Michigan, Chicago, the big rivers (with big locks!), Panhandle, Gulf Coast, Keys, Bahamas, eastern ICW, Hudson, Erie canal, and back to Trenton. There were memorable side trips to Florence, Dry Tortugas, Bahamas, and The Thousand Islands. There were temperatures from 23F to 105F, calm to gale winds. It was all simply fabulous.
"During the journey our tendency was to get off the boat and experience the ports. We sought out the places that define a region: the museums, music, festivals, and events. The Great Loop showcases the history of eastern North America as it was founded ~ from the water. There was so much learning about the grand themes of the nation's origins ~ European explorers, trading, indigenous peoples, slavery, and the gilded age.
"The highlight list is long: dolphins riding the bow wake, turtles, rays, sharks, manatees, yoga on the dock, Dry Tortugas after hours, Muscle Shoals, impromptu regattas, misty mornings at anchor, hunkered down during gale winds, Thanksgiving dinner in Panama City, the Little Current Cruisers Net, Friday night grill-n-chill, fresh fish, airshows, and of course Docktails!
"Then there are the many, many great people that make up the Looper community ~ supportive and helpful, both experienced and novice. Over and over, our faith in humanity was reaffirmed.
"It has been an amazing journey on our sturdy trawler, Warbler. As a team we developed the magic flow of a quiet boat, smoothly transiting locks and docks, and living on a boat. It makes for a stronger marriage.
"So what's next? We're not sure. As much as we experienced, it highlighted how much more is out there and we are looking forward to writing the next chapter. Thank-you to everyone that was part of this one."
Wasted Awave Again
Congratulations to Derrick & Tricia, who completed their Loop on July 25, 2026 aboard their Mainship 400, Wasted Awave Again.
"Around August of 2022, I was delivering a helicopter for a client to Nantucket from Austin. On the trip up, I decided to fly the New York Helicopter route since I had never done it before. Being fairly well-traveled as a ferry pilot, I had seen a lot of the world. However, the New York skyline and helicopter route is a spectacle that you can experience nowhere else. The way the city comes into full-view when approaching the Verrazzano Bridge and how the city just stops at the George Washington Bridge is truly amazing. Then you proceed up the Hudson with all the history that entails up to West Point. I couldn’t help but think about how cool it would be to rent a boat for a weekend and explore from the water.
"Once I had the helicopter delivered to Nantucket, I got to googling boats to rent. I somehow stumbled across the Great Loop and read about how people could go around the waterways of the U.S. Long story short, by the time I was landing commercial back in Austin, I had a Loop boat picked out. I told Trish what I was thinking and we were on our way to Jax to look at Wasted Awave. And this is how we started our Loop journey. We went from a Seadoo on the Guadalupe river to a Mainship 400. We hired a captain for a day and I took the online 6-pack course.
"After a few weekends in the St. Johns River, a good amount of maintenance work and little confidence, we were about brave enough to set out. I still have a business roaring at home in Seguin, Texas, so I could only slip away for 3-5 days at a time, which was fine because it forced me to get out of the shop and try to relax a bit. I can’t say it was all relaxing, but it did force me out of the office. Then we chipped away 2-300 miles at a time as long as we could get to a marina close to an airport.
"Our first winter was in Branford, CT and that was a big learning experience. Once spring rolled around we were back at it and through the summer of '24 we made it to St. Louis for another winter. Then in spring of '25 we kept moving albeit at a slow pace through the rivers and ended up in Mobile for a couple of months for some maintenance. Around February of '26 we eased our way around FL and back to Jax.
"Our trip was a non-standard way of doing the Loop, but it worked for us. We made a lifetime of memories in between the stops above with stories that will be told until we are gone. One thing I realized about the Loop is a special appreciation for America. Our original transportation system was built around the waterways and many, if not most, Americans have no clue the true extent and importance our waterway system provides. Being able to sail the intracoastal from Brownsville, TX to New York, then take the canal systems up through the Great Lakes and the rivers back to the Gulf of America is a true marvel and one of our greatest freedoms. It is very unfortunate that very few people will ever experience it."
WATERVIEW
Congratulations to Denis & Sylvie, who completed their Loop on June 30, 2026 aboard their Sea Ranger 38 Europa, WATERVIEW.
"We loved cruising the Great Loop and we met a lot of great people. Every part around the Loop was different and that’s why we appreciated each one. A big thanks to the AGLCA community and everyone who helped us along the way."
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