Members only
December 2025 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
Welcome to the Holiday Issue of the Great Loop Link!
The holidays are, arguably, the most difficult time to be away from loved ones. But what if this year, they could come spending some time on your Loop with you? Who can say no to getting out of the cold and snow that blankets much of the northern portions of the route this time of year? Celebrating the holidays in shorts surrounded by Gulf breezes? Yes, please!
Your very next thought might be.....well....how? How can you bring your family traditions to the boat? To say nothing of the simple numbers of children, siblings, and grandkids.
One of the beautiful things about membership in AGLCA is being able to learn from those who have gone before. The vast knowledge of our group covers everything you could ever want to know about the Loop. This knowledge base includes how to bring your holiday traditions -- and your family -- to the boat. It can be done!
Carolyn Shearlock from AGLCA Sponsor, The Boat Galley, starts us off with ideas about how to transfer your holiday traditions to the boat. Carolyn encourages us to embrace the idea of celebrating aboard rather than trying to duplicate every detail from life on land. Do what is meaningful, but keep in mind your limited space. Carolyn shows us how.
Now that Carolyn has you thinking about transforming holiday traditions, next consider how you're going to bring guests aboard. How do you keep everyone safe, where will they all sleep, and what if they don't know much about boating? Home Port Crew Member Julie Shea has the answers (with a huge assist from Platinum Loopers, Kermit Ruegamer & Katherine Burik). Kermit & Katherine (aboard Good Karma) shared a great letter with us that they email to all guests ahead of their arrival at the dock. It covers everything from packing to how your guests can help out once they arrive onboard.
Whether you are hosting loved ones on the boat or headed home for the holidays, gifts are often an essential part of the celebration. If you have other Loopers on your gift list (even your crew!), you can't go wrong with our AGLCA Sponsors who have graciously shared gift ideas with us. There are even some special Looper holidays deals! Make sure you check it out.
And as always, don't miss your fellow Loopers' Wake Crossing announcements.
AGLCA Holiday Hours
So your Home Port Crew can share the holidays with their loved ones, our offices will be closed:
- December 24
- December 25
- January 1
In this issue:
Members only
Members only
Members only
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in November:
Anchored Souls
Congratulations to Chris & Cheri, who crossed their wake a SECOND time on November 6, 2025 aboard their 45 Californian, Anchored Souls.
"As with our first Loop, the beauty of this adventure is the people and relationships you form. Don’t be paralyzed by planning, get out there and go for it."
Annie Marie
Congratulations to Mark & Terry (& Annie!), who completed their Loop on February 11, 2025 aboard their Mainship 390, Annie Marie.
Azzurra
Congratulations to Robert & Sharon, who completed their Loop on November 15, 2025 aboard their Mainship Pilot Rumrunner 34, Azzurra.
"Our wonderful little mainship pilot 34 did an amazing job. With an 11'6" airdraft and 3'6" draft, she burned 1.8 gallons per hour and accommodated us very well. I am amazed at how reliable the yanmar diesel engine is. There was not one issue on the entire journey. Thanks to all of our new friends that we had met along the way. What a great bunch. Very helpful and outgoing. Look forward to seeing you all again. It was truly an incredible journey and we are all fortunate to have access to all of these wonderful waterways. Safe travels."
Conchy Jac
Congratulations to Jacquie, who completed her Loop on November 19, 2025 aboard her Rosborough RF-246, Conchy Jac.
"Completing the Loop was a personal challenge filled with fun, adventure and meeting new friends.
"My boat Conchy Jac (CJ) had taken me on test run trips to the Bahamas and Florida Keys, but getting so far from our home waters and family, solo, was a whole new challenge. I knew CJ would keep me safe, I had to do the same for her, as her captain. Together we met many joys and some challenges but I’m so proud to say, CJ and I completed my dream!
"To all the Looper friends I met along the way, thanks so much for sharing in my journey! You helped make dreams come true! Thanks AGLCA for all the support provide before, during and after the Loop. You make it easy!
"Any other single gals that are considering this adventure, you can do it too!
"And to my trusty Rossi, Conchy Jac, you are one Billy bad a$$ boat! Thank you!"
Endeavor
Congratulations to Taija & Janet (and Whisky!), who completed their Loop on July 26, 2025 aboard their Helmsman Trawler 38 E Pilot House, Endeavor.
"The miles unwound like a spool of silk. We navigated the urban canyons of the Hudson River, waved at the Statue of Liberty, and felt dwarfed by the massive locks of the New York State Canals. Each lock was a thrilling water elevator ride, lifting us toward the Great Lakes.
"The journey into the Canadian section of the Great Loop is like trading a busy highway for a serene, winding backcountry road, a passage often highlighted by Loopers as the most beautiful.
"As you cross the border into Ontario, the vastness of the Great Lakes gives way to the intricate and historic Trent-Severn Waterway. This National Historic Site is a marvel of engineering and natural beauty, connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Huron via a network of rivers, lakes, and canals. Here, the pace of life slows, dictated by the rhythm of the 45 locks—including unique lift locks—that gently raise and lower your boat through rolling green landscapes.
"Further north awaits Georgian Bay and the North Channel, considered by many to offer the best freshwater boating in North America. Here, the water is clear, reflecting the rugged, ancient granite of the Canadian Shield. You navigate through a maze of thousands of rocky islands, finding sheltered anchorages in quiet coves like the Benjamin Islands or the Bustard Islands.
"Lake Michigan was a turquoise beast, humbling and vast. We crossed it in a perfect weather window, the boat surfing the rollers, our hearts pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration.
"The scenery changed constantly: the towering bluffs of the Mississippi River, where we wrestled with massive tows and celebrated with ice cream, and the slow, cypress-lined beauty of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
"While all of the above was amazing, the best part was meeting other Loopers—a tribe of people sharing the same crazy adventure. Friends that became family.
"Pulling into our home port of Annapolis, MD, 13 months later, was surreal. The mileage on the helm read 6,198 miles. We weren't the same people who had left. We were sun-kissed, weathered, and our memory banks were overflowing. We hadn't just crossed the Great Loop; we had crossed a threshold, proving that the best adventures are simply about casting off and saying, 'Yes'."
GOLDILOCKS
Congratulations to Bonnie & Louis, who completed their Loop on October 3, 2025 aboard their Monk 36, GOLDILOCKS.
"We actually crossed our wake in Hammond, Indiana, where we took possession of Goldilocks at the Hammond Marina after driving straight from the 2024 Fall Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler. We took the boat from Hammond back to Bradenton with the assistance of a training captain for the first five days. With that being said, we would like to recognize Grafton, IL on October 3, 2025 as the official wake crossing because that is where we set off on our own after captain Tim pronounced us ready. After spending 3 months at home in Bradenton, FL, doing some minor upgrades on Goldilocks, we set out again on March 7, 2025 on a journey of wonders, visiting things and places we weren’t even aware of when we left home. We have traveled over 7,000 miles on Goldilocks. We have made friends that in 3 days seem like you have known them for years. We have been helped, and helped others when rough patches were encountered. We have somehow gone from asking a million questions to answering questions for others that are just getting started on their journey. The Great Loop is definitely a big adventure to undertake, but the rewards of new friends and experiences make it something you don’t want to end."
Grace
Congratulations to Darrell, who completed his Loop on November 6, 2025 aboard his Marex 310 SC, Grace.
Gratitude
Congratulations to Bill & Raeyane, who completed their Loop on June 9, 2025 aboard their Vista 43, Gratitude.
"The Unexpected Journey of the Loop:
"What We Anticipated ~
"We set out with clear goals: to embark on a grand boating adventure, to experience the U.S. and Canada at a gentle pace of 9 mph, to grow our nautical skills, to still be happily married at the end, and to connect with wonderful people along the way. We also fully expected to experience the 'joy' of boat maintenance and repairs in interesting places. Haha.
"What We Discovered ~
"The Loop turned out to be everything we expected—and so much more. Make no mistake, this journey is challenging! And, amazing, and wonderful and beautiful, and a growing experience. The countryside, people, and places constantly surprised us, revealing new perspectives and moments we could not have planned.
"More importantly, we grew as individuals, as boaters, and in our relationship. I believe that people yearn for connection, they crave being part of a tribe. I love to problem solve, I love connection, and I love adventure. The Loop was a year-long workshop on all of these.
"I expected to have many photos with people, but I don't. At first, this bothered me, but I realized it’s because we were often too engaged in the moment to take pictures—people live in my heart. Throughout this journey, we felt daily joy and awe at our surroundings, others’ kindness, our resolve in the face of challenges and sometimes even fear, and our mutual patience and love.
"It's a privilege to be part of this community. We don't plan to Loop again, but we'll continue cruising, learning, and evolving.
"We experienced the kindness of strangers and people's great willingness to help others. At the same time, we expanded our skills and abilities for providing help along the way. It is impossible to complete a journey like the Loop without help along the way, and it becomes important to provide assistance abundantly as well as receive it graciously. The only way to pay back the assistance we received is to pay it forward. Now that we are back, we are continuing to do this and will be serving as a Harbor Host in Annapolis.
"To those we cruised with and those who followed from afar, thanks for being part of our tribe. Keep in touch!"
Last Tangle
Congratulations to Craig & Ellen (and The Dude!), who completed their Loop on October 13, 2025 aboard their Willard Voyager 30, Last Tangle.
Rosalinda
Congratulations to Greg & Rose (& Barnie!), who completed their Loop on November 13, 2025 aboard their Tiara 44 Coupe, Rosalinda.
"Our Great Loop was an extraordinary way to explore small towns and countryside, travel through waterways and meet people that we would have never otherwise encountered. The unique characteristics of each segment kept the trip interesting and challenging. Best of all, friendships and shared experiences with fellow Loopers met along the way provided support and encouragement and a commonality of purpose that really can’t be matched. Thanks to all those who were part of our accomplishment and our fun!"
Shine On
Congratulations to Carol & Bryan, who completed their Loop on October 31, 2025 aboard their Ocean Alexander Europa 40, Shine On.
"We had a fantastic time for over eight months and 6,000 miles. We loved meeting new friends, and experiencing the diverse and changing scenery, the whole way around. Thanks to all who helped make this such a wonderful experience."
Traveler
Congratulations to Dave & Pia, who completed their Loop on May 11, 2025 aboard their Bristol 42 Trawler, Traveler.
"Simply the trip of a lifetime!"
Vaycay Everyday
Congratulations to Pete & Samantha, who completed their Loop on November 11, 2025 aboard their 43' Transworld Del Rey, Vaycay Everyday.
"After 20+ years or dreaming, Pete and Samantha Fisher left Seabrook, TX on Jan 4, 2025 and traveled almost 6,900 miles on America's Great Loop. We officially crossed our wake on Nov 11, 2025. The Loop may be over but the memories and friends made will last a lifetime."
William T
Congratulations to Doug, Brian & Bob, who completed their Loop on October 29, 2025 aboard their Greenline 39, William T.
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