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January 2026 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
Happy New Year! We hope you've all had a wonderful holiday season, as thoughts begin to turn to spring thaws and getting out on the water.
There is something for everyone in this first Great Loop Link issue of 2026, no matter where you are in your Great Loop adventure.
The most important thing you need for your Loop is, of course, the boat. If you've been following market trends, you might be a little discouraged. It's important to keep in mind that general trends are created based on the boat buying market of recreational vessels as a whole. That includes a lot more than just Loop-capable boats and, in fact, Loop boats are a very small percentage of this larger whole. Our director, Kim Russo, explains what this means for the planner hoping to purchase a boat this year.
Once you've got the boat, you are going to want to make it your own ~ including adding/upgrading/changing any navigational gadgets onboard. Before you spend your entire Loop budget on electronics, begin with the basics. Gold Looper Dave Kanzler notes that, while the latest and greatest gadgets are nice to have, they might not all be necessary.
For those of you spending the winter in Florida, we've got a treat for you ~ literally! The Gulf Coast is, of course, a seafood haven and Gold Looper Malissa Marsden shares some of her favorites. Lobster, clams, oyster, crab...you really can't go wrong. You have to dodge the crab pots at the end of your Gulf crossing ~ now is your chance to enjoy some of the bounty those fishermen are bringing to shore!
As always, we have your fellow members' wake crossings that were reported to us in December. There are a lot of them! Make sure you check them out.
Your Home Port Crew wishes you a year of joy and safe cruising!
In this issue:
Members only
Members only
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in December:
Adagio
Congratulations to Ken & Deb, who completed their Loop on September 8, 2025 aboard their Nordic Tug 34, Adagio.
"Exactly 365 days after releasing our lines, we crossed our wake in Northport, MI with so many mixed emotions. A huge sigh of relief, a great feeling of accomplishment, and a longing to continue on with all of our Looper friends. That makes Adagio's third Loop and we look forward to meeting next year's fleet in the Great Lakes."
Adrian Leigh
Congratulations to Al & Lynn (along with Xena & Millie!), who completed their Loop on September 1, 2025 aboard their President 47, Adrian Leigh.
Ageless Wanderer
Congratulations to Robert, who completed his Loop on July 31, 2025 aboard his 16' Weldbilt 1656MV, Ageless Wanderer.
"Solo and single engine speed record."
Almatime
Congratulations to Jim, who completed his Loop on December 19, 2025 aboard his Meridian 408, Almatime.
Bad Idea III
Congratulations to Tim & Jen, who completed their Loop on December 19, 2025 aboard their Jefferson SE Sundeck 42, Bad Idea III.
Betty Sue
Congratulations to Ron, who completed his Loop on October 15, 2025 aboard his Rosborough RF 246, Betty Sue.
"I completed my Loop in three sections over three years. It was an enjoyable, easy trip. Too much gas $$$ but no groundings, no breakdowns, no problems. I wouldn’t do it again but I’m glad I finished it."
Bluebird
Congratulations to Hervey & Kitty, who completed their Loop on December 10, 2025 aboard their 44' Nelson Trawler, Bluebird.
"The journey brought its gifts. And we are deeply grateful for them. Our dog was just happy to be with us (and to see dolphins!) and the cat…Well, the cat was happy to be fed regularly. You can follow our entire journey at www.bluebirdtrawler.com.
"The rhythms of travel are familiar to our origins as a nomadic species and our world shrinks to the inside of the boat and the ever-changing world outside. The changes from one region to another are discernible and interesting, and not just in the natural world: the people and cultures change too.
"Meeting fellow boaters from all over the world, many of whom we see over and over again, and spending time with the people in coastal towns develops a certain feel for the complexity of the world and an understanding of the cultural narratives that people tell themselves about where they live and the hearts of their communities."
Cetus
Congratulations to Jim & Jennifer, who completed their Loop on December 12, 2025 aboard their 48' Kadey Krogen Whaleback, Cetus.
Clear Choice
Congratulations to Dan & Renee, who completed their Loop on December 11, 2025 aboard their Fleming 55, Clear Choice.
"Adventure of a lifetime!"
Crazy Horse
Congratulations to Francine & Thom, who completed their Loop on November 26, 2025 aboard their Dettling 51, Crazy Horse.
Cuore e Mari
Congratulations to Kevin & Ann, who completed their SECOND Loop on October 9, 2025 aboard their 58' Absolute Navetta, Cuore e Mari.
"Second Great Loop completed. Platinum status earned and a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity. Doing the Loop is more than miles on a logbook – It is a rhythm, resilience, and a growing sense of home on the water. Plans are flexible by default; contingencies are built in, and the cruise confidence grows with navigating surprises together. Your boat becomes a trusted companion, going through seas, fogs, and locks. There were countless sunrises, quiet nights under starry skies, and Mother Nature to enjoy. Each harbour welcomed us with new friends and old friends from our previous Loop. There were new adventures and bike trails to enjoy. As each body of water offers its own trials and rewards, so does each bike trail. There are historical sites to be seen, trails to be planned, and different terrain to be traversed. The Looping community is a family, sharing knowledge, providing and receiving aid when needed, and leaving a positive footprint for future Loopers. We as well would like to extend our gratitude to Kim and all the other members of the AGLCA who make this adventure possible. Now on to our next adventure, whatever it may hold."
Dream Lady
Congratulations to Skip & Linda, who completed their Loop on November 1, 2025 aboard their Carver 530 Voyager, Dream Lady.
"Two years to complete with multiple challenges both personal and mechanical. We learned that patience, resolve, and resilience made our experience and relationship much stronger than when we began the Loop. A life experience for sure."
Flew-the-Coop
Congratulations to Scott & Dawn, who completed their Loop on December 21, 2025 aboard their PDQ 34, Flew-the-Coop.
"This was a bucket list adventure, and what an incredible journey we had as we traveled America's Great Loop! Exploring small towns, big cities, and embracing the beautiful natural landscapes was such an amazing opportunity that will leave us forever grateful. Everyday was something new, whether it was navigational, weather related, locking through, or just planning what and where to go next. It made the journey sometimes challenging, but always rewarding when you completed the day, sharing docktails with other Loopers and exchanging stories and knowledge over some incredible sunsets. Best of all are the people you meet along the way, the new friendships formed and those small world stories that really put a perspective on just how connected we really are.
Thank you AGLCA and Harbor Hosts for all your support and resources. A special thank you to our buddy boat, Knot Tide Down, it was an awesome adventure!"
Francesca
Congratulations to Chuck & Margaret, who completed their FOURTH Loop on September 3, 2025 aboard their Bayliner 3988, Francesca.
Grace
Congratulations to Marian & Jolanta, who completed their Loop on November 7, 2025 aboard their Galeon 460 Fly, Grace.
Gypsy
Congratulations to Wesley & Melody, who completed their Loop on December 14, 2025 aboard their Ranger Tug R29, Gypsy.
Her's IV
Congratulations to Doug & Margie, who completed their Loop on July 21, 2025 aboard their SeaRay Sundance 48, Her's IV.
His Hand
Congratulations to Les & Marthanna, who completed their Loop on August 27, 2025 aboard their Irwin 37, His Hand.
Intuition
Congratulations to Ed, Karen, Brian & Amy, who completed their Loop on November 30, 2025 aboard their Aquila 44 Catamaran, Intuition.
"The Loop is everything you thought it would be and more! From the people you meet, the history, the lovely towns and of course the endless scenery! We met and boated with other Loopers that are now lifelong friends. Every day is a new adventure! If you have been thinking about trying something like the Loop, do yourself a huge favor and do it! There are great memories to be made!
"We started our Loop in May 2024 near Tampa Bay, Florida. Many knowledgeable people said we started too late in the season. It worked out great for us as we were a little behind the 'Group' and found getting into marinas less challenging! We enjoyed great weather and met a few other stragglers along the way! We caught up to many Loopers in Lake Michigan and down the river system in mid-September.
"We decided to pause our Loop in late October 2024 due to hurricane damage on the west coast of Florida and decided to stay at Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht in Luka, Mississippi. They were recommended by other Loopers for their quality of service and they certainly lived up to their reputation! We restarted our Loop in late October 2025 and crossed our wake a month later.
"Currently we are doing the Loop again, this time visiting the Florida Keys and the Bahamas before heading north!"
Isabelle
Congratulations to Jim & Di, who completed their Loop on December 7, 2025 aboard their 30' Beneteau Swift Trawler, Isabelle.
"Our trip started in Navarre, near Pensacola, Florida. Ten months later, we have a lifetime of memories and new friends. So many new adventures, oceans, rivers, locks, wildlife and great friendships around every corner. Our tips to Loopers are slow down enough to take in the moments and RESPECT Lake Michigan. Thank you to everyone we traveled with, friendships hopefully for a lifetime. We had NO boating experience! We are proof that you can make the Loop if you’re open to learning new things! (And don’t mind asking questions.)"
Jellybean
Congratulations to Rob & Chellie, who completed their Loop on December 3, 2025 aboard their Nordic Tug NTK-32, Jellybean.
"With great elation from our hearts intertwined with deep sadness from our soul, Chellie and I can now announce the completion of our Great Loop Adventure. For the past year, we have been cruising our beloved Jellybean around the 6,000 nautical-mile Loop around the Eastern United States. We laughed, waltzed, and tangoed with thousands of dolphins along our journey. We sang Christmas songs while making a snowman during a freak Florida snowstorm. We ducked and dashed the drizzle of a fox’s wedding utilizing, and enjoying, the fabric fedoras of many of New York City’s finest hidden neighborhood gems. When the sea slowly gave up her salt, we welcomed family aboard to experience the Northern migration to the summer cruising ground. We spent the entire summer cruising Canada on some of the best fresh water in the world. Our summer officially ended on Labor Day weekend in Mackinaw when forecasts of snow flurries chased us south. We enjoyed a real Chicago autumn while visiting with Mom and sisters. When the cold north winds arrived, the big river guided us home past St. Louis, Paducah, Chattanooga, and Mobile. We finished up in our home port of Ocean Springs. For the first time in over a year we have laced up our dreaded shoes, zipped up something other than shorts, and transformed back to our former life as a friend, neighbor, and rancher. The Jellybean will be back on the Great Loop with a new crew at her helm. Give her a great big wave if your paths should meet. If you are lucky, she may give you a big ole blast from her Tug whistle."
Journey
Congratulations to Mike & Julie, who completed their Loop on December 29, 2025 aboard their Sabre 47, Journey.
Knot Tide Down
Congratulations to Everett & Rhea (and Joy!), who completed their Loop on December 13, 2025 aboard their Mariner Seville 38, Knot Tide Down.
"We dreamed of this trip for 25 years, it was EPIC! We dropped our anchor in Cayo Costa State Park in Florida after 276 days on the Loop, 6,098 miles, 17 states, and Canada. The most memorable parts were shared with our four-legged mate, JOY, and our buddy boat, Flew the Coop. The Loopers we met along the way and the friendly people we met on land enhanced our experience. We crossed our wake but our journey continues."
KOSWEKAN
Congratulations to Douglas & Laurie, who completed their Loop on December 11, 2025 aboard their Lagoon 43PC, KOSWEKAN.
"Meeting friends for life is what the Loop is all about! You will remember the people much longer than any one stop."
Little Loopy
Congratulations to Tad & Jane, who completed their Loop on January 17, 2025 aboard their Formula 34PC, Little Loopy.
"Our Loop adventure was a wonderful experience exploring our wonderful country and Canada by water. We met up with 36 friends and family along the way which made our trip even better. We are often asked what part we liked the most, and we just say all of it. But if you forced us, we would have to pick the Georgian Bay. We weathered the passing of hurricanes Helene and Milton while docked for a month at Grand Harbor Marina in Yellow Creek, MS, waiting for the marinas to reopen along the Florida coast. Mechanically, the boat ran great until we were five days away from crossing our wake in Cape Coral, Fl. Near Destin, FL, our port gimbal bearing failed which destroyed the bellows, and water started rushing in on the port side. A 15-mile push to the nearest lift with the Coast Gaurd beside us to make it to safety on the hard. Two months later we relaunched and finished our Loop. Even with the excitement of our last two weeks of the trip, I would like to take a second ride around the Loop and my First Mate is still thinking about it. We would like to thank the AGLCA and all the other Loopers out there that helped us make this dream a reality."
Mai Oh My
Congratulations to Mai & Dave, who completed their Loop on October 19, 2025 aboard their Cutwater C30CB, Mai Oh My.
Missed Tee Time
Congratulations to Dwayne & Michelle, who completed their Loop on November 13, 2025 aboard their CHB 42 Present Sundeck, Missed Tee Time.
Next Chapter
Congratulations to John & Cindy, who completed their Loop on May 26, 2025 aboard their American Tug 34, Next Chapter.
Pelican
Congratulations to Harvey & Mei, who completed their Loop on November 1, 2025 aboard their Mainship 430 Trawler, Pelican.
re-fraiche
Congratulations to Ted & Coleen, who completed their Loop on November 12, 2025 aboard their 53' Grand Alaskan RPH Trawler, re-fraiche.
"We not only completed the Great Loop but also did a year exploring the Bahamas and a year taking on the Down East Circle Loop. It was a 3-1/2 year journey all together. We left our home port of New Orleans on July 1st, 2022 and returned on November 12th, 2025. We covered over 12,000 miles, visited 4 countries, 24 states, and the District of Columbia.
"Year 1 ~ we traveled into the Bahamas, down the western end of the islands to Turks and Caicos, making our way back up through the eastern portion, and crossed our wake in Florida May of 2023.
"Year 2 ~ we accomplished the Down East Circle Loop (DECL). Starting in Florida, we traveled up the east coast through New York, down the St. Lawerence, around Canada’s Gaspe’ Peninsula and Nova Scotia, and back into the states crossing our wake at the Statue of Liberty in November 2024.
"Year 3 ~ we completed our journey of America's Great Loop. From Norfolk we traveled back up through New York, into the Trent-Severn, through Georgian Bay, down Lake Michigan and the river system, and crossed our wake at Alabama’s Dauphin Island bridge November 2025.
"It was a journey of many challenges:
- dodging hurricanes, reefs, rocks, and logs
- surviving a direct lightning strike hit
- getting blown off anchorage by Katabatic winds
- fighting 6-7 knot currents and 12-15 foot tides
- and of course, continually maintaining the boat
"It was also a journey of breathtaking scenery: from the crystal-clear waters and remote islands of the Bahamas, iconic anchorages like the Statue of Liberty with the New York city skyline in the background, to navigating down the powerful St. Lawerence River up into the gorges of the Saguenay Fjord, rounding the cliffs of Gaspe’ Peninsula and the Perce Rock monolith, traversing the historic Erie Canal and Trent Severn Waterway, and the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Michigan, and experiencing the river system passing landmarks like the St. Louis Arch.
"But above all, it was a journey of friendships: we were truly fortunate to share these experiences with so many of our friends and family who visited us and we made so many more new friendships along the way.
"A truly amazing journey!"
Remedy
Congratulations to Lee & Cathy, who completed their Loop on October 15, 2025 aboard their 41' Beneteau Swift Trawler, Remedy.
"The weather (challenging at times), the tides, the ROCKS, the wildlife, and the people made this our trip of a lifetime. Our top three: New York Harbor, Georgian Bay, and cruising downtown Chicago."
SamAnnetics
Congratulations to Anne & Sam (along with Jetty!), who completed their Loop on December 1, 2025 aboard their North Pacific 45 Pilothouse, SamAnnetics.
Scott's n Water
Congratulations to Mark & Libby, who completed their Loop on December 14, 2025 aboard their 2024 Greenline 45 Hybrid, Scott's n Water.
"Loved the journey, but mostly the people we met along the way. We started in May 2023 in our trawler Cloud Nine, stopped in Ft. Lauderdale to pick up Scott's n Water, took a year off to enjoy the Great Lakes, marry off the kids, and welcome a grandchild. We resumed the journey in fall of 2025."
Sea Fever
Congratulations to Don, who completed his Loop on December 4, 2025 aboard his PDQ 34 Powercat, Sea Fever.
Sea Horse
Congratulations to Ken & Christine, who completed their Loop on December 4, 2025 aboard their Kadey Krogen 52, Sea Horse.
Sedulous 2.0
Congratulations to Robert, who completed his Loop on December 24, 2025 aboard his 2003 American Tug 34, Sedulous 2.0.
"Lifelong goal accomplished. You meet the nicest people on the Loop."
Side Trip
Congratulations to Chris, who completed his Loop on December 4, 2025 aboard his 2008 Mainship Trawler 34, Side Trip.
Spirit of Adventure
Congratulations to Gregory & Deanna, who completed their Loop on December 18, 2025 aboard their Carver 366, Spirit of Adventure.
"After 290 days and 136 stops, SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE crossed her wake upon entering Tampa Bay. We celebrated the event with fellow Loopers and champagne. Completing the Loop has been an incredible adventure and a dream come true; we feel blessed to have experienced it. Although we expected to see new places, the connections we made with fellow Loopers were an unexpected bonus.
"The Loop is more than just traveling – it's a journey of self-discovery. It challenges you to grow and pushes you to your limits. You learn to trust yourself, your partner, and the people you meet along the way.
There are good ships and wood ships and ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are the friendships and may they always be. ~ Looper Toast
"AGLCA we couldn't have done it without you and the community of cruisers you have fostered."
State of Grace
Congratulations to Grace & Bob, who completed their Loop on December 14, 2025 aboard their 45' DeFever Pilothouse, State of Grace.
"It is said a good traveler is not intent on arriving and yet we have. Our decades long plan to Loop changed several times while cruising, but the dream never did. We are grateful to have experienced the adventure and shared inspirations, challenges, laughs, quiet moments, and a lifetime of memories with each other and the friends we have made along the way. From the inspiring sunrises, glorious sunsets, incredible wildlife, beauty of nature, small towns and big cities of two countries, hospitality and goodness of people along the way...it is not an adventure simply summarized but it is one tremendously treasured. After over 9,700 cruising miles, we have no plans to stop just yet so we hope to meet more of you along the way. Thanks to all who supported the journey."
Summer Address
Congratulations to Doug, who completed his Loop on August 1, 2025 aboard his Sea Ray 400, Summer Address.
Tahawus
Congratulations to Debbie & Norm (and the hounds!), who completed their Loop on November 15, 2025 aboard their 44' Endeavour TrawlerCat, Tahawus.
Terrapin
Congratulations to Eric & Jeanette, who completed their Loop on December 26, 2025 aboard their Marine Trader 38AC, Terrapin.
"The journey took 677 days, spread out over 4 years. Along the way we:
- traveled 9,145.47 miles (4708 of them this year alone)
- put 1,397.7 hours on Terrapin's engine
- traveled through 18 U.S. states
- spent 51 days in Ontario, Canada
- dipped our keel in all 5 Great Lakes
- Circumnavigated the island of Manhattan
- transited 133 locks, including the entire Erie and Trent-Severn Canals, 2 hydraulic lift locks, and a railway lock over dry land & a highway.
"What a journey its been, and what a great boat to do it on. Terrapin has taken exemplary care of us. Don't ask what's next: we need a minute!"
The Walrus
Congratulations to John & Mary, who completed their Loop on December 27, 2025 aboard their Monk 36, The Walrus.
"Completing the Loop has given us memories we will never forget. The friendships we made along the way and the people we met in the small towns are what make it so special. Flying the AGLCA flag is a symbol that tells other boaters we are in this together...it opens the door to share stories, make friends, and to give and receive advice and assistance as needed. We are very happy to have crossed our wake and are ready for our next adventure."
THETA GIRL
Congratulations to Kevin, who completed his Loop on November 24, 2025 aboard his 20' handmade vessel, THETA GIRL.
"Scratch built boat by Captain (Me) with two by fours, plywood, screws and fiberglass. Completed Great Loop in five legs, 1. Chesapeake Bay to Tap Florida via the Keys 1 March 2023 - 1 April 2023. Second leg, Chesapeake Bay to Albany NY May 2025. Third leg, Erie PA to Kentucky Lake Dam June 2025. Fourth leg, Erie PA to Albany NY September 2025. Fifth and final leg, from La Bella FL to KY Dam November 2025."
Too Nasty
Congratulations to David & Candace, who completed their Loop on December 29, 2025 aboard their Atlantic LRC 37, Too Nasty.
TopsOptional
Congratulations to Denny & Kathy (along with Bubbles!), who completed their Loop on August 31, 2025 aboard their 48 Navigator Classic, TopsOptional.
"We're planning our next Loop!"
Tortuga
Congratulations to Andrew & Kate, who completed their Loop on September 12, 2025 aboard their Transpac Eagle 32, Tortuga.
"The Great Loop was the trip of a lifetime. We were so lucky to spend 367 days with an always-changing water view. Our 7,000-mile journey started in September in Michigan, taking us through Chicago, down the rivers, and around Florida to the Bahamas for the winter. March 2025 found us back in the U.S., heading up the East Coast all the way to Montreal, cruising the Rideau and Trent Severn waterways, across Ottawa to Georgian Bay and the North Channel. Cruising down the familiar Michigan shoreline after all those miles, we were overcome with feelings of gratitude, accomplishment, and awe over everything we had experienced over the last year.
"We couldn’t have done it without all the encouragement and enthusiasm from friends back home, and camaraderie and advice from new friends we made along the way. Looking forward to our next adventure (in a bigger boat)!"
Wicked Good
Congratulations to John & Paula, who completed their Loop on May 16, 2025 aboard their 48' Kadey Krogen Whaleback, Wicked Good.
"We really enjoyed our Looping experience, thanks to the AGLCA and its members. I first became aware of the Great Loop as a boy (water rats, lol) in the sixties helping tie up the Loopers at the fuel dock at Pirates Cove Marina (Three Rivers Junction, NY) as my parents readied the boat for summer. I actually told the story to a fellow Looper who said the Great Loop was not around then and I explained the Great Loop was first completed after the reversing of the Chicago River in the late 1800's. As a lifelong boater and full-time cruiser I kind of forgot about the Great Loop with all the cruising to be had and it wasn't until we cruised to the beautiful Thousand Islands that the locals informed us how beautiful Georgian Bay was. After planning our trip and how close we were to the rivers, we decided to do the Loop and not return east after Mackinac Island. We are so glad we decided to do the Loop. Our most unexpected surprise of our journey was the river system, middle America, the diversity in wildlife and community. Our favorite parts of our trip were the Trent Severn through the North Channel and the Exumas. Thank you AGLCA for the knowledge and friendship you bring to the Great Loop."
Yensid
Congratulations to David & Carmel, who completed their Loop on November 4, 2025 aboard their Jefferson 42 Sundeck, Yensid.
"We finally made it. Yensid left Safe Harbor Regatta Point Marina in Palmetto, Florida, on June 1, 2022, and finished November 4, 2025 at the same dock. Our Loop was in 4 segments over 3 ½ years, but we were determined to finish our adventure. The Loop was not without challenges with Carmel’s health issues and we were limited to about 4 months’ travel each year.
"Here are some of our highlights. We were hosted by friends at their yacht club in Florida, St. Augustine, Hilton Head, making it to Norfolk the first year.
"The second year started with weather issues all through the Chesapeake to Staten Island, NY and many delays. Hardest part was the Atlantic Ocean around New Jersey. At Manhattan we turned right thru the worst smoke from the Canadian fires and spent one week in Rhode Island with family. Friends cruised with us on the Hudson River from Manhattan to Albany. The Thousand Islands were beautiful, but Carmel was diagnosed with cancer and we left Yensid in Alexandria Bay to go home for treatment. Jim and Pam at JP’s Marina and Harbor Hosts Lynda and Eric Baurer made sure it was moved to a boatyard and properly winterized.
"The third segment included the wonderful people along the Trent-Severn waterway and the scenery in Georgean Bay to Lake Michigan. We explored beautiful Door County, WI and wintered the boat in Green Bay. The last year we traveled down the rivers, friends and family met us when they could, and we made many new friends. We had very little weather issues except waiting eight days in St. Mark’s, FL for the effects of Hurricane Michelle to subside. Crossing the Gulf, then, was beautiful and smooth.
"We are grateful we traveled the Great Loop, met so many friendly people and saw so much of our country."
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