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September 2026 Great Loop Link
As the saying goes, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. And after announcing a plan last month for Loopers to get through the Brandon Road Lock & Dam during the upcoming closure, the plan has, of course, changed. A stop work order is in effect for the project, and the likelihood of the closure beginning September 21st as excpected is uncertain at best. Kim Russo shares more about the situation, along with the other challenges to be aware of as you begin cruising the river system this fall.
Step 7 of our Planning Guide series is here! Only a couple more are left. Hopefully, these guides have been helping you break the Loop into smaller, less intimidating steps and are getting you closer to dropping the dock lines. This month's step is all about procedures and checklists that can help make your Loop safer. From remembering to secure the coffee pot so it can't be knocked off the counter to knowing what to do in a man-overboard situation, there's a checklist for that! Download the ones that make the most sense for you, personalize them for your boat and crew, and you'll be better prepared for whatever comes your way. Julie Shea shares examples of the types of checklists available on the AGLCA website and where you can find them.
AGLCA is always looking for ways to enhance the member experience, and we've got an exciting announcement for you! We're thrilled to introduce Looper Loot! We all know that the strength of AGLCA is our community, and to keep that community active and strong, we want to reward you for participating in a variety of ways—including being a Harbor Host, seeking out a Harbor Host, submitting Best of the Loop recommendations, and interacting with AGLCA Sponsors, just to name a few. Ally Russo shares all the details about this new program, and we encourage you to check it out!
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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Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in August:
A Cool Change III
Congratulations to Denis & Tammy, who completed their Loop on July 19, 2026 aboard their Cruisers Yacht 4450, A Cool Change III.
"After 321 days, nearly 10 1/2 months, and 6,840 miles, we have officially crossed our wake in Little Current, Ontario, Canada.
"This adventure was 5 years of planning and jumping through incredible hurdles to make it happen.
"After 10 years boating in the North Channel, we thought we knew what we were doing. The Great Loop quickly humbled us with its shallow waters, tides, current, and ocean swells. The beauty of this journey isn’t about being stress free. It’s about choosing to move through the hard parts and still find wonder on the other side.
"We have travelled to 3 countries, explored 15 states, and conquered 96 locks. Highlights include Nashville, The Bahamas, and The Dismal Swamp. The breathtaking turquoise, electric blue water of the Bahamas was like nothing we’d ever seen. Add in those spontaneous encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, manatees, nurse sharks, and pelicans...every bit becomes unforgettable.
"We found an incredible community of people along the way and made friendships we know will last a lifetime. Thank you to the AGLCA for the incredible resources, we couldn’t have done this without you.
"We’re still grappling with the reality that this adventure is complete. But somehow, it feels less like an ending and more like a beginning of the next chapter of our boating life. We absolutely love and appreciate our home waters of Georgian Bay and The North Channel.
"To everyone who is dreaming about doing the Great Loop, make a plan and leave the dock. It’s more than a trip or a bucket list item to check off, it changes how you see the world, how you see yourself and your partner."
Bimini Cricket
Congratulations to Jeff, who completed his Loop on August 3, 2026 aboard his Jet Ski, Bimini Cricket,
Blessed
Congratulations to Costas (& Ari!), who completed his Loop on August 23, 2026 aboard his Beneteau Swift Trawler 35, Blessed.
Blue Loon
Congratulations to Matt & Jean, who completed their Loop on August 17, 2026 aboard their Nordic Tug 39, Blue Loon.
"We completed the Great Loop at Mackinac Island—a milestone we’re celebrating with equal parts joy and gratitude.
"On August 1, 2025, we left Duluth, Minnesota, aboard our 39-foot Nordic Tug, Blue Loon. In many ways, though, the journey began a couple of years earlier at the Trawlers Great Lakes course. Later, Jay Kraft of Trawlers Great Lakes helped us find what we believe was the right Great Loop boat for us: our Nordic Tug 39.
"The numbers are fun to look back on: 8,350 miles including side trips; 156 locks; 19 states; 3 countries; and, yes, a bit of diesel consumed by our efficient boat. Our route side trips included the run from Duluth to the Loop track, Chattanooga, two unforgettable months exploring deep into the Bahamas, the Lake Champlain route to Montréal and Québec City, and a transit down the Rideau Canal.
"But the numbers are not what we will remember most. Our greatest memories will be the people: fellow Loopers, lifelong boaters, dock neighbors, helpful strangers, and even birders we met along the way. We shared anchorages, locks, weather reports, meals, stories, advice, laughter, and the occasional unexpected adventure. Those friendships are the real treasure of this journey.
"We are deeply thankful—to everyone who encouraged us, taught us, welcomed us, traveled alongside us, and helped make this dream possible. What an extraordinary adventure it has been!"
Boot Up
Congratulations to Wes & Becky, who completed their Loop on May 4, 2026 aboard their Beneteau Swift Trawler 34, Boot Up.
"We officially began the Loop from Norfolk, Virginia, following the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in May 2025. This was our second Rendezvous and we found the information as planners and then as in-progress Loopers to be invaluable!!
"The year we spent on the Loop was unbelievable. Now that it is complete, we still have a hard time believing that we did it! The memories we made meeting new people, visiting small towns and big cities, working together as a team to plan and problem solve are the prompts for stories for years to come.
"Would we do it again? In a heartbeat!"
Braveheart
Congratulations to Jim & Chris, who completed their Loop on August 8, 2026 aboard their 53' Canoe Cove, Braveheart.
"We had been planning this trip for 8 years waiting for full retirement. What an adventure it was. The boating community is amazing and the Loopers are some of the friendliest, most caring people. Every state marina was welcoming and very helpful, some even had courtesy cars. There are so many experiences and memories that we will never forget. It is a once in a lifetime trip. Thank you to everyone we met for making this a great experience."
CURIOSITY
Congratulations to Charlie & Susan, who completed their Loop on August 18, 2026 aboard their 1997 Tollycraft 48, CURIOSITY.
"Such an awesome adventure. The new friends we made and the places we saw were spectacular. What is next? How about 2nd time around with new side trips and more new friends."
First Light
Congratulations to Herb & Belita, who completed their SECOND Loop on August 25, 2026 aboard their Ocean Alexander 42 Sedan, First Light.
"August 25th, 2026 is a special day for Belita and me. In September 2024 we took our newly purchased, lovingly used boat ‘First Light’ from its slip in the Charlevoix City Marina and began our second trip around the eastern half of the United States. We completed our first Loop in June 2007, having starting in December 2003. During that time we spent about three years in the Chesapeake. That experience whetted our appetite for cruising.
"Over the next 19 years, we discussed redoing the Loop dozens and dozens of times. In 2023 we decided to sell our cruising boat called the 'Russell Rose'. It was a 52-foot Jefferson Marquesa and it treated us exceptionally well. We longed for a slightly smaller boat and found a 42-foot Ocean Alexander in (of all places), Charlevoix, Michigan. We purchased the boat in the summer of 2024 and took our break-in cruise starting in mid-September, arriving back home in Nashville in early October. We spent the next year preparing our boat and ourselves to do the Loop once again.
"We began the second leg of our trip on October 15, 2025. What we can say is that the Loop is an incredible experience, learning every day and appreciating every experience. Today we completed our second Loop, and beginning in the next few days we will continue on towards Nashville and home (dirt life once again). What a wonderful journey it has been. Our buddy boats along this trip have become exceptional friends, and we hope to have them for the rest of our lives. To the great group of people who joined us in our celebration today thank you so much. Y’all have been such a blessing!"
Forever Young
Congratulations to Jim & Rebecca, who completed their Loop on August 20, 2026 aboard their 44' Sea Ray Sundancer, Forever Young.
"After almost four years from casting our lines, the 'Forever Young' crossed its wake in St. Charles, MO on August 20th. Jim, Rebecca, and Fritz had the adventure of a lifetime. Thanks to all those that helped us along the way. We had some highs, some lows, some setbacks and triumphs…it was all worth it...we feel very blessed to be a part of such a great community!"
Honey Badger
Congratulations to Gary & Monica, who completed their Loop on August 20, 2026 aboard their 1990 Carver 4207, Honey Badger.
"If you had told us seven years ago this would be happening, we would not have believed you. But when we found America’s Great Loop in the Fall of 2019, we knew we had to try.
"One question we get asked is 'Where was your favorite place?' If you want the honest answer… ALL of it. We also get asked 'What was your least favorite thing?' Tides and currents.
"But the Loop isn’t about the places or conditions. It’s about something much greater. The Loop IS the people. The friends you make along the way. Friends who talk you into going places and doing things you wouldn’t have. Friends that tag along when you go where they wouldn’t have. Friends that help you fix your problems. Friends you help fix their problems. Friends that help you plan. Friends that encourage you. Friends that tell you when you did something wrong. Friends that go out of their way to make you feel special. Friends that help you remember other friends. Friends that you share stories about. Friends share your stories."
Hubs HideAway
Congratulations to Mike & Teresha, who completed their Loop on July 7, 2026 aboard their Carver 444, Hubs HideAway.
"Crossing our wake was a bucket list item for my husband. Myself a reluctant spouse at first, found this trip to be amazing, challenging, fun and very glad we did this together. It does strengthen your bond as a couple, as you learn how to work together as a team. Marriage savers a must!
"The trip took us 318 days. We traversed 106 locks, traveled 5,417 miles, had 634 hours underway and traveled a total of 116 days. We used 4,695 gal of Diesel with an average price $3.19/gal. Averaged travel times of 5.5 hrs a day and 46.7 miles per day. Some were shorter, some much longer. Thank goodness for go fast boats to make some much shorter.
"The best parts of the trip are the people you meet. From other Loopers, to other boaters, to the wonderful harbormasters, dock hands, bridge tenders, lock masters and tow captains. Each area was different and the cultures we learned about amazing. Every person we met made this adventure the trip of a lifetime.
"Some of the highlights were:
- the White Cliffs of Epps, truly breathtaking beauty.
- The sunrise over the Gulf Crossing.
- The Okeechobee Waterway surprisingly pretty and wild.
- The marshes on the East Coast.
- The Dismal Swamp, truly a step back in time.
- The Atlantic Ocean is formidable but amazing.
- Crossing in front of the Statue of Liberty was very emotional and makes you proud to be American.
- The Hudson River is amazing.
- Erie Canal with its history.
- Traversing 4 out of 5 Great Lakes, awe inspiring.
- Trent Severn Locks are so beautiful and the lockmasters are amazing and the Canadian people are welcoming, warm and friendly.
- The wildlife everywhere we went was great. Bald Eagles, Ospreys, birds of all sorts, Dolphins swimming in your wake, Gators down south, one of my favorites - Manatees, and many, many more.
"It was an accomplishment we are proud of. It is a lot of work, but fun kind of work. Challenging. Good Days, Bad Days, and Thank God we landed safely days. Taking our 2 dogs, Charlie and Sammie, made the adventure even more of an adventure and they were our people greeters, loving the adventure as well.
"Would not change a thing. If you're thinking of doing the Loop, don't hesitate. Throw off the lines and go. You will be surprised and amazed at the beauty, kindness of people, and the wildlife is something to behold. No Schedule... Your motto!!"
Kwiat Nights III
Congratulations to Michael & Jan, who completed their Loop on July 30, 2026 aboard their 1998 47' Mainship ACMY, Kwiat Nights III.
"After completing America’s Great Loop aboard Kwiat Nights III, we can hardly believe we’re here. We mostly planned one day at a time rather than in long stretches, and somehow that day-by-day approach carried us all the way around.
"The best part of this journey wasn’t the miles, it was the people. Meeting fellow Loopers and the local folks along the way made every stop feel like home. We loved hosting docktails on our back deck, trading laughs and stories with new friends who quickly felt like old ones.
"We had a soft spot for the most rural stretches of the trip and especially the small mom and pop marinas, the ones with character, history, and owners who treated us like family.
"Of course, no journey like this is without its bumps. There were days when Mike and I didn’t see eye to eye, but we always forgave each other and started fresh the next morning. That’s the Loop for you: hard days and great days, often back to back, and somehow it all adds up to the adventure of a lifetime."
Luck to Yours
Congratulations to Mark & Kathy, who completed their Loop on August 27, 2026 aboard their 42' Nordic Tug, Luck to Yours.
Nautic Journey
Congratulations to Michael (aka Captain Whiskers), who completed his Loop on July 10, 2026 aboard hsi Mainship 390, Nautic Journey.
"Some adventures are measured in miles. Others are measured in courage, determination, and the memories that last a lifetime. My journey was measured by all three.
"My name is Michael L. Larkin, though many know me as Captain Whiskers. Aboard my Mainship 390, Nautic Journey, I completed one of North America's greatest boating adventures—the America's Great Loop. Traveling 5,876 miles, I navigated rivers, lakes, canals, and coastal waters that connect the eastern half of the United States and Canada into one continuous cruising route.
"This was more than a boating trip. It was a solo journey that tested my seamanship, patience, confidence, and resolve every single day. There were calm mornings when the water reflected the sky like glass, and there were days when Mother Nature reminded me that every mile had to be earned.
"Every lock I entered, every harbor I visited, and every sunrise over unfamiliar waters became another chapter in an unforgettable story. Along the way I met remarkable people, discovered places I had only read about, and experienced the quiet satisfaction that comes from relying on your own judgment while respecting the power of the water.
"One of the proudest moments of my adventure came when I crossed my wake at the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. For every Great Loop cruiser, crossing your wake is more than reaching a destination—it's completing a dream. It marks the point where the circle is closed and a once-distant goal becomes a cherished memory.
"Although I made the voyage solo, I was never truly alone. The greatest source of strength throughout this journey came from the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife of 43 years, Mari. Her support gave me confidence during the difficult days and made every success even more meaningful. This achievement belongs to both of us, because I could not have completed it without her.
"Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, I have always felt drawn to the water. The Great Loop was the culmination of a lifetime of boating experience, careful preparation, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. It taught me that life's greatest rewards often lie beyond the comfort of familiar shores.
"As I look back on those 5,876 miles aboard Nautic Journey, I don't simply remember the places I visited. I remember the challenges overcome, the friendships made, the beauty of America's waterways, and the gratitude I feel for having lived a dream that many imagine but few ever complete.
"The voyage may be over, but the adventure—and the stories it created—will remain with me for the rest of my life."
No Worries
Congratulations to Ciaran & Patty (and Ella!), who completed their Loop on July 25, 2026 aboard their Bayliner 4788, No Worries.
"We are extremely grateful for having the opportunity to complete the Great Loop. We have met new lifelong friends and visited incredible locations throughout our trip. Our one-year trip turned out to be a five-year trip with no regrets for stretching it out. We actually spent 755 days on the boat and loved every minute of it."
Odyssey
Congratulations to E.B., who completed his Loop on May 15, 2024 aboard his American Tug 435, Odyssey.
OMA
Congratulations to Paul & Suzanne, who completed their Loop on August 5, 2026 aboard their 36' Kadey Krogen Manatee, OMA.
Over Yonder
Congratulations to Annie & Steve, who completed their Loop on August 2, 2026 aboard their Eastern Casco Bay 31, Over Yonder.
"We traveled 6,651 miles thru three countries on rivers, canals, thru locks, lakes, swamps, marshes, across bays, thru channels, and on oceans. We stayed at marinas, on town walls, at community docks, on moorings, and anchored. We were inducted into the AGLCA Looper family and made numerous friends. And, we were visited by numerous family and friends that had been separated by distance. We crossed our wake at the Statue of Liberty after 414 days.
"As we were nearing the end, a friend asked us what was the best part of the trip. I remembered when we were a couple months into our trip. We were anchored out in a small bay in the North Channel on Lake Huron waiting out a storm. The weather cleared. There was a post-storm sunset. The rugged Canadian cliffs lit up with all the colors of the sunset. My spouse stated, 'This is the best day yet'.
"A few days later we stopped at a small town dock, they were having a festival, live music, food, with the pleasant buzz of newly formed Looper friends. 'This is the best day yet.'
"Dolphins riding the bow wave on a starry gulf crossing. 'This is the best day yet.' Turtles and stingrays swimming around us in the Bahamas. 'This is the best day yet.' Otters playing around the stern of our boat in the Carolina marshes. 'This is the best day yet.'
"After a while, you would think that phrase would lose its meaning, but not only was every day good, but it was different and interesting and we could not wait to see what was next. Looping was the best day yet."
Scuba-DJ
Congratulations to Marc & Patricia, who completed their Loop on July 25, 2026 aboard their Carver 37 AFT, Scuba-DJ.
"The dream of the Great Loop was born nearly 20 years ago with the purchase of our 1996 Carver 37 AFT in 2007. The planning phase spanned 18 years, finally allowing us to set sail from our home port in Gatineau on July 28, 2025. Throughout the year, we met wonderful people, visited magnificent places, and benefited from the constant support of the boating community.
"There is no such thing as the perfect time to leave; you simply have to cast off the lines and start sailing!"
Serenity
Congratulations to Gary & Julie, who completed their Loop on August 3, 2026 aboard their Marine Trader Sedan 44, Serenity.
Sly Cat
Congratulations to Geroge & Sylvia, who completed their Loop on August 27, 2026 aboard their 2018 Aquila A44, Sly Cat.
"The trip to and from the Great Lakes from here in Clearwater was quite the adventure. The two full summers we spent up there was even better. What a trip!"
Take 5
Congratulations to Noah, Zimin, Lillie, Marco, and Mei, who completed their Loop on July 24, 2026 aboard their Sealine C330, Take 5.
"It was a great family experience, bringing the five of us closer together. Literally...on a 33-foot boat."
Why Knot
Congratulations to Jeff & Sarah, who completed their Loop on August 10, 2026 aboard their Meridian 368, Why Knot.
WTF Again
Congratulations to John & Kelley, who completed their Loop on August 8, 2026 aboard their Cruisers Yachts 4370, WTF Again.
"Before we started down the rivers on our Great Loop adventure, we boated both the Michigan and Wisconsin sides of Lake Michigan including Green Bay, Door County, and Washington Island. We especially enjoyed Sheboygan and recommend visiting the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan to other Loopers. We really enjoyed the beauty of The Keys, but our most memorable time was the 4th of July weekend anchored in New York City near the Statue of Liberty. The Sail250 event with the Air Show, Tall Ships, and other festivities including fireworks was something we will never forget. In fact we've enjoyed our entire trip so much, the 'WTF Again' is starting Loop #2 in October! Yes! WTF Again!"
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