March 2026 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
Welcome Spring! Hopefully we didn’t just jinx anything, but we are thrilled to welcome warmer breezes and brighter sunshine back to Great Loop waters. For many of you, spring means pointing the bow north on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, leaving Florida astern and setting your sights on the Great Lakes and Canada.
But don’t look too far ahead just yet ~ some of the most memorable experiences of your Loop are waiting for you in Georgia and the Carolinas.
Discover the “Best of the Loop”
Did you know we’ve marked our member-selected Best of the Loop stops directly on the Great Loop map? You’ll find them on both our website and mobile app, making it easy to spot can’t-miss destinations as you cruise.
These “Best Ofs” were submitted by Loopers who’ve traveled the route, and they cover just about everything you could be searching for on your adventure. From favorite anchorages and towns to standout restaurants and hidden gems, it’s all there — curated by those who’ve experienced it firsthand.
You’ll also find Harbor Guides for various segments of the Loop, written by local Harbor Hosts. These guides go beyond the highlights to help with the practical side of cruising, too — fuel stops, grocery stores, marine services, pharmacies, and more. Think of them as a local friend sharing their insider knowledge to help you make the most of each stop.
Still Planning? Start Here.
If you’re still in the dreaming-and-planning phase, the Best Ofs are a fantastic resource as you begin mapping out your adventure. But where do you begin when the whole Loop stretches out before you?
Never fear — we’ve got just the thing.
We created a 10-step planning process designed to take you from those early “what if” conversations all the way to dropping the dock lines and waving goodbye to family and friends. This month, we’re kicking off with Step 1: Study the Route.
Every good plan starts with a strong overview. Understanding the waterways you’ll travel — and identifying what you most want to see along the way — sets the foundation for everything that follows. This is the dreamer stage, where big ideas begin to take shape. Let us help you turn that dream into a thoughtful, workable plan.
Advocacy Update: Staying Present in Florida
This legislative session in Florida feels almost unnervingly quiet when it comes to boating issues, but we cannot afford to be complacent.
As many of you remember, when we rested on our laurels in 2015, we lost overnight access to some anchorages in Florida. It was a tough lesson — one we won’t repeat. Since then, we’ve worked hard to maintain a consistent, positive presence in the state legislature.
AGLCA has built a strong reputation with Florida lawmakers, and we’re grateful for their willingness to collaborate on solutions that work for everyone. But out of sight often equals out of mind. If we’re not at the table, we risk losing ground.
Kim Russo shares what we’re working to accomplish in Florida this year — and why it matters so much to the entire Looping community.
February Wake Crossings
And, as always, be sure to check out the wake crossings reported in February. There’s nothing quite like celebrating your fellow members as they complete this incredible journey — and perhaps imagining your own crossing day ahead.
Here’s to longer days, fair tides, and unforgettable stops just around the next bend.
In this issue:
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in February:
4th Dimension
Congratulations to Ken & Cheryl, who completed their SECOND Loop on February 25, 2026 aboard their Endeavour 44, 4th Dimension.
"Americas Great Loop is an experience like no other. The friends you make along the way will always be there to assist! We have many lifelong friends from all parts of the country that we continue to socialize with. No other type of travel creates the camaraderie that Loopers experience with one another."
Absolutely Knot
Congratulations to Kyle, who completed his Loop on July 11, 2025 aboard his Ranger Tug 31CB, Absolutely Knot.
Constant Sea
Congratulations to Sterling & Connie, who completed their Loop on February 19, 2026 aboard their Nova Scotia 47, Constant Sea.
"We started April 2021, the day after we took title to our boat. We continued through the Okeechobee canal and up the intercoastal waterway to the Chesapeake. We continued on the Loop, but when we got to Lake Ontario, we turned right and did the Down East Circle Loop. We then took a side trip to the Bahamas. We returned up the East Coast and continued on the Great Loop. The high point for us was Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes."
Mary Alyce
Congratulations to David, who completed his Loop on February 4, 2026 aboard his Beneteau ST35, Mary Alyce.
"Son, daughter-in-law, and grandson on the boat with me for 10 days. Fellow Loopers that I met along the way. Mornings on the water just before sunrise. In that order. Bent propeller, fractured shaft, last."
Miss Mosey
Congratulations to Tom, who completed his Loop on February 19, 2026 aboard his Grand Banks Classic 36, Miss Mosey.
"Completing America’s Great Loop was a huge bucket list for me. I really enjoyed stopping along the way taking in the history and uniqueness of the many places around the Loop. Much of my trip was solo but family, friends, and neighbors joined me for a good portion of the journey, all of which was very special to me. The other Loopers and local people I met throughout the adventure were especially delightful and supportive. My thanks to the folks at AGLCA for helping me to make the trip possible."
Sea Gypsy
Congratulations to Yuval & Hallie, who completed their Loop on January 25, 2026 aboard their 2005 Cruisers 405 Express, Sea Gypsy.
"The Great Loop has truly been a trip of a lifetime. We started in 2022, making it from Fort Lauderdale to the Hudson River before 'life happens' reared its ugly head and forced us to take a break. We were able to keep Sea Gypsy in the NY/NJ area and cruise locally until May of 2025 when we headed off to complete our Loop. We had so much fun in the Thousand Islands, Trent Severn, Georgian Bay, and the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. We experienced our share of mechanical problems, big waves, and stretches holed up waiting for a weather window. We learned to go with the flow. We had unique adventures such as crossing the Gulf of America overnight from Apalachicola to Clearwater with no moon, no buddy boat and no communication.
"The best part of the Loop was the community. We have met many Loopers that we now consider lifelong friends. As we recover from the trip, we have already started thinking about our next adventure."
Sea Major
Congratulations to Ray & Betsy, who completed their Loop on February 9, 2026 aboard their Jefferson Pilothouse 57, Sea Major.
- 17 states and 1 Canadian province
- ICW
- Erie Canal
- Trent Severn waterway
- 3 Great Lakes
- Inland Rivers
- 115 locks
- 5,668.4 Miles
- 335 Days
- 4 visitors
- 4 trips home
- New friends!
Sea-Tirement
Congratulations to John & Holly, who completed their Loop on February 9, 2026 aboard their Mainship 430, Sea-Tirement.
"The Great Loop was an amazing experience. We visited places we never knew existed. We met a great group of people who were always willing to help and guide us. Experience of a lifetime, bucket list item completed!"
Serengeti
Congratulations to John & Catherine, who completed their SECOND Loop on February 15, 2026 aboard their North Pacific 450, Serengeti.
"Loved it so much the first time we just kept going! The second time around was so much different than the first. We knew ourselves better and we knew the boat better. We knew there were places we definitely wanted to see again, places we could skip and new places we were excited to explore.
"We met wonderful people along the way on both journeys and some who will remain friends forever.
"Overall, it was a wonderful time and now it’s on to the next adventure. Pacific Northwest watch out because we’re headed your way."
Upcoming Events:
Admiral Sponsors
Commander and Lieutenant Plus
Lieutenant
