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June 2025 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
As Loopers patiently wait for the New York State Canals to open for the season, many of you have been considering all the possibilities for entering the Great Lakes. Some are waiting out the Erie Canal, others are looking to the Lake Champlain route. One option that doesn't get as much press time is the Welland Canal. If you are considering staying in U.S. waters this summer, the Welland comes into play if your boat can’t clear the 15’ bridges on the Western Erie. If that’s the case, once the Erie Canal is fully open, you'll take that to the Oswego Canal to Lake Ontario and then through the Welland to Lake Erie to continue the route. But the Welland is a little different than some of the others...For example, you'll need three crew members aboard to transit the Welland upbound, which is the direction counter-clockwise Loopers are going. Gold Loopers Malissa Marsden and Brad Rasmussen share everything you need to know about cruising the Welland Canal.
AGLCA and the rest of our coalition thank all of you for contributing to the advocacy fund and reaching out to Florida legislators with your calls, letters, and email messages. The legislative season was like nothing we've seen before and while we had a few successes, we had a very disappointing loss. Kim Russo takes you through what happened.
One of the first rules of navigation you probably learned as a beginning boater was Red-Right-Return, which means keeping the red buoys (or day markers) on the right when coming back returning from sea. But as with most rules, there are exceptions. Gold Looper Ray Sirois (Shellerina) breaks it down for us this month so you know what to expect on the water.
And as always, don't miss your fellow Loopers' Wake Crossing announcements.
In this issue:
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Wake Crossings Reported in May:
A-LURE
Congratulations to Geo & Kat, who completed their Loop on May 24, 2025 aboard their 35' Eastern Casco Bay, A-LURE.
Aweigh
Congratulations to Jay & Sharon, who completed their Loop on May 27, 2025 aboard their Pacific Seacraft 38T, Aweigh.
Bandit
Congratulations to Cliff & Ann, who completed their Loop on May 26, 2025 aboard their 50' Mikelson Sportfish, Bandit.
"WE DID IT!! WE CROSSED OUR WAKE!!
"Took us a little over 2 years, 790 days, but who is counting. Adventure of a lifetime, where we traveled in our 50-foot Sportfish over 5,000 miles by water (oceans, lakes, rivers, canals) and 104 locks. Factors like weather delays, lock delays, boat issues, boat maintenance, family events and health issues all influenced the overall time. I think we all could agree that is called ‘LIFE’.
"We are both grateful for safe passage and to have met many boaters along the way, as well as the local people. All sharing their stories and supporting each other. Some Loopers we met along the way will be lifetime friends.
"Thank you AGLCA and to all the members we met. There is really no way to put feelings into words when you do the Loop, but we never felt alone and that is amazing in itself."
Chance
Congratulations to David & Diane, who completed their Loop on April 23, 2025 aboard their SeaPiper 35, Chance.
"As the saying goes, 'The Loop is an adventure, not a vacation.' Thanks to everyone who shared the adventure with us!"
DayDreaming
Congratulations to Sue & David, who completed their Loop on May 2, 2025 aboard their 43' Viking DCMY, DayDreaming.
"This has definitely been a trip of a lifetime! We met so many amazing people, saw such beautiful sights, enjoyed exploring the USA and Canada. There were 'hiccups' along the way, but that adds to our experience and stories to tell. Boaters are such wonderful people, always willing to help, share stories and developing forever friendships.
"This was a trip that was in the planning for over 18 years and it definitely lived up to our expectations. We would tell anyone asking about the trip to DO IT! Enjoying the many sunrises and sunsets, small towns, big cities, wildlife, museums, locals, restaurants, and ice cream. But the best part is the people you travel with and develop lasting friendships."
Dinky Dau
Congratulations to Hector, who completed his Loop on December 16, 2024 aboard his 42' Nordic Tug, Dinky Dau.
Emilie B
Congratulations to David & Linda, who completed their Loop on May 3, 2025 aboard their American Tug AT-34, Emilie B.
"It has been an outstanding trip, covering 7,673 miles, 352 days and 157 locks. We are glad we took some of the less travelled routes, north through the Chambly Canal, St. Lawrence, Ottawa River and Rideau Canal, the western shore of Lake Michigan and side trips to Tellico Lake on the Tennessee River and to Sanford, FL on the St. Johns River. We have met so many great people along the way, some for just a few moments and others like David and Towns on Voyager whom we had the good fortune to meet on the Hudson and mostly travel with until their wake crossing in Kentucky. We are looking forward to spending the summer boating on the coast of Maine and savoring the memories of this epic adventure."
Halcyon
Congratulations to Wendy & Trey, who completed their Loop on April 18, 2025 aboard their Marlow Explorer 53C, Halcyon.
Hudson Ranger
Congratulations to Doug & Pat, who completed their Loop on May 12, 2025 aboard their Ranger Tug 29S, Hudson Ranger.
"The Great Loop was truly an adventure of a lifetime. It's hard to believe we crossed our wake. The people we met along the way made it a truly remarkable experience. Thanks to the AGLCA and our fellow Loopers for their help and support throughout the journey."
JUBILEE III
Congratulations to Bill & Julie, who completed their Loop on March 13, 2025 aboard their Gulfstar 44, JUBILEE III.
"Trip of a lifetime! Beautiful scenery, great experiences, wonderful people, an extraordinary Looper Community. Thank you, AGLCA!"
Koselig
Congratulations to John & Gretchen, who completed their Loop on May 11, 2025 aboard their Silverton 362, Koselig.
Loop Dawg
Congratulations to Dan & Joan, who completed their Loop on May 1, 2025 aboard their Sabreline 36 Aft Cabin, Loop Dawg.
"Our Loop stats:
550 bridges, of which 103 had to be open/raised
148 locks
902 hours underway
365 nights
6850 statute miles
2800 gallon of diesel"
MADMAKS' Inheritance
Congratulations to Mike & Ann Marie, who completed their Loop on May 28, 2025 aboard their 45' Californian, MADMAKS' Inheritance.
Miss Candy G
Congratulations to David & Candace, who completed their SECOND Loop (along with Gillie & Obie!) on May 12, 2025 aboard their Novatec Sundeck 42, Miss Candy G.
"I would like to thank all those we met along our second Loop. Your kindness and camaraderie was memorable and greatly appreciated. For those just heading out, slow down. It’s not a NASCAR event. Enjoy the fudge on Mackinac island, find your favorite Nashville brisket, savor a plate of cajun redfish in NOLA, partake in a bowl of shrimp and grits in Charlestown and gobble some crab cakes in D.C. Anchor out among the stars with just you and your loved one. Breathe it all in and cherish each moment. Lastly, thank you Kim."
Perfect Agenda
Congratulations to Valerie & Bill, who completed their Loop on May 27, 2025 aboard their Monk 36, Perfect Agenda.
"America’s Great Loop is an amazing 'working adventure'. It wasn’t always sunsets and dolphins, there were days when challenges arise and that’s when you lean on each other for strength and support and work together to get the task accomplished!! With pride, you realize you have abilities you never knew you had!! At the end of the day you get to explore a new location or just enjoy the beauty around you. The comradery of the Looper community is fantastic! Whether it’s a hand shake at the dock, laughing and swapping boat cards and stories at docktails, or grabbing a line or a bite to eat together...everyone is always ready to lend a hand to a fellow Looper! We have met lifelong friends and shared a lifetime of memories together!!
"If you’re thinking about cruising America’s Great Loop think no more ~ just do it! You will not be disappointed! Thank you AGLCA! We had an amazing time!!"
Persystence
Congratulations to Walter & Debbie, who completed their Loop on May 16, 2025 aboard their 42' Grand Banks, Persystence.
Plan B
Congratulations to Michele, who completed her Loop on April 1, 2025 aboard her Camano 31 Trawler, Plan B.
"This solo adventure was made even better by the other Loopers I met, all the interesting scenery, and the challenges of Looping solo, making me a better captain."
SOLITUDE
Congratulations to Conrad & Amy, who completed their SECOND Loop on May 12, 2025 aboard their 42' Jefferson Sundeck, SOLITUDE.
"There was never a doubt when we completed the first Loop that we would keep going. The adventure is never-ending! We have really enjoyed meeting so many great people, and experiencing all the small towns, harbors, and remote anchorages. Planning to keep going!"
Sparkling Star
Congratulations to Laura & Ted, who completed their Loop on April 25, 2025 aboard their Sea Ray 390, Sparkling Star.
"Our Great Loop journey expanded our comfort zone daily. We learned new boating skills and expanded the depth of our relationship. We relied on our new Looper friends for advice, friendship, and chuckles. We saw spectacular sunrises and experienced nature as a daily course of living.
"We now have so many laughter filled stories to tell to anyone who will listen. We look forward to visiting with Looper friends and sharing our nutty experiences with amazing people who also decided to do America’s Great Loop.
"Our advice to everyone is take your trip now - don’t wait!"
Tempus
Congratulations to Linda & Chuck, who completed their Loop on April 15, 2025 aboard their 42' Grand Banks, Tempus.
"Thanks to the people we met, the constant learning, and the splendor of America, Canada, and the Bahamas. It was the best year of our lives!"
Ti Amo
Congratulations to Rio & April (and Juno!), who completed their Loop on May 16, 2025 aboard their Nordic Tug 37, Ti Amo.
"Rio says: We loved it so much...we're going again next year! Slight variations in route, stops, and timing may apply.
"April says: Thank you to everyone who supported us on this adventure! We are excited to deepen our new Looper friendships and grateful to have the privilege to cruise.
"Juno says: Woof! Woof!"
Tiger Paw
Congratulations to Brian & Nancy, who completed their Loop on May 10, 2025 aboard their Mainship 390, Tiger Paw.
"What an adventure!
"Nancy and I did not grow up around boats or water, but discovered that we both loved being on the water pretty early in our life together. When I brought up wanting to take on America's Great Loop, there was no arm twisting....she was on board. I feel very blessed to have been able to share the adventure with my best friend, who was just as excited to experience each day as I was. We experienced the kindness of complete strangers and made a few good friends along the way....not bad for a couple of introverts!
"Every area, every body of water, and every town had something unique to offer. Surprises we encountered include discovering hidden gems that most Loopers don't visit ~ like Lewes, DE, seeing Humpback Whales up close near NY harbor, watching fantastic 4th of July fireworks at Great Kills, NY, the unexpected beauty of the Hudson Valley, the wild and rocky beauty of Canadian waters; although we got our fill of Canada Geese early on....they are EVERYWHERE, seeing the huge sand dunes along the Michigan shoreline, discovering White Pelicans, seeing dolphins again when we reached Mobile Bay, and all the Locks; hundreds of them, which we learned to master together.
"We experienced two excellent side trips; the Tennessee River to Chattanooga, TN and the St. Johns River to Sanford, FL. We anchored about a third of our nights and took full advantage of free docks and walls.
"We learned so much, became better boaters and became more confident in our abilities, as we worked through various challenges, including having our credit cards cancelled, no internet at times (Nancy continued to work during our Loop...thankful for our buddy boat with Starlink!) and various boat issues.
The boating community is one of a kind; we are grateful to be part of it. We both grew into and love the cruising lifestyle; in many ways, it's much simpler than dirt life.
"We really did not want our Loop to end and had been slow-rolling it for weeks. Mother nature apparently decided it was time; Tiger Paw took a lightning strike while we were anchored fifty miles from the finish line...we were towed across our wake. We definitely made the Loop our own and look forward to our next boating adventure!"
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