Great Loop Radio Podcast

Is 2026 the year you take on the Great Loop? Whether you’re aiming to untie the lines next year or want to make real progress on your planning, this episode is your roadmap to what’s ahead. Join us as we share everything coming up at AGLCA in the New Year—from can’t-miss in-person gatherings and virtual events to new opportunities to connect, learn, and stay inspired alongside fellow Loopers. If the Great Loop is on your horizon, this episode will help you make 2026 your year to move closer to the dream.

Chances are you've heard about 71-year-old Robert Youens who recently completed the Great Loop on his jon boat, Ageless Wanderer, in just over 19 days. On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Robert joins us to share the story of his adventure. We'll talk about why he decided to try to break a Great Loop speed record and how his journey was similar in many ways to more "traditional" Loopers who complete the route in over a year. Robert also talks about the extensive research and planning he did before starting the 6,000-mile route, and why taking on an adventure of this nature is a privilege that must be earned.

As this year's fleet of Loopers gets ready to head up the east coast of Florida, a side trip on the St. Johns River will be on the cruising plan of many. This week, Tim & Diane Vandersall join us to share details on this pristine river that's teeming with wildlife. They'll talk about navigating the river, the places they stopped along the way, the facilities available, and the options for places to explore, eat, and simply enjoy nature!

Captain Sterling Kennedy will join us once again, this time to discuss what you should take with you on your Great Loop voyage, and, what you should leave behind. This is sure to be a lively discussion as each cruiser has an opinion on this topic.

We often get questions about what's included in AGLCA membership, so in response, this episode talks about what America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association provides to anyone interested in the Great Loop. We also give details on what membership offers to those who are still planning, those who are currently cruising, and those who have completed the Great Loop.

Join us, along with Guest Host John Calascibetta, as we navigate the waters of NY Harbor, Staten Island and the Hudson River.

This week the Home Port Crew talks about what's new at AGLCA for 2025! Learn about new things coming up, existing efforts that are changing, and upcoming deadlines for participating in events, fleet shirts, stats, and more!

Heritage Harbor Marina on the Illinois River is AGLCA's Sponsor of the Year! Find out why Loopers selected this marina as the sponsor most deserving of this award as we interview Jeff Heimsoth and Bryce & Samantha Wallace. Many thanks to the entire Heritage Harbor community for their outstanding support of Loopers!

John Wooldridge, PassageMaker Magazine's Editor in Chief, will talk about Trawler Fest Anacortes, May 15-19. The event features a boat show and seminars. Capts. Chris and Alyse Caldwell will also join us in the broadcast to talk about the seminars they're teaching at Trawler Fest, including the latest in navigation.

Mark Tague with Richardsons' Maptech explains the differences between charts and maps, along with the essential publications to have when planning your cruise on the Great Loop.

Tips on cruising America's Great Loop, from best boats to side trips. Whether you are planning the cruise, or are already cruising, these tips are a valuable resource.

We explain our sponsor program on this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, including how it started, how it has changed, and why members should engage with this program. Spoiler Alert - You'll save money!

This week's episode is all about marinas. Based on listener suggestions, the Home Port Crew shares insight on how to select marinas when cruising the Great Loop, how and when to make marina reservations, and how to find long term slips or storage for your boat before, during, or after the Great Loop.

A bill (HB 481) that further restricts anchoring in Florida has passed the House and Senate and will soon be sent to the Governor. We are mounting a campaign to urge Governor DeSantis to veto this bill. Please join us for this important episode that explains the bill, why we oppose it, and how we will campaign for a veto.

Two bills filed in Florida would further limit anchoring, and one bill would create free permits to anchor for more than 14 days. This week's podcast explains the history of the issue, gives the details of the bills, and shares why AGLCA supports one and opposes two. Most importantly, please help us fund our efforts on your behalf to protect anchoring in Florida by contributing at www.greatloop.org/advocacy.

It's unlikely that someone will fall overboard during your Great Loop adventure, but you should still be prepared for this scenario. In this episode, Robert Rice joins us once again to discuss a sobering exercise in which he participated where he learned just how difficult it can be to get someone who has gone overboard back into the boat. We'll cover strategies to avoid going overboard and discuss options for retrieving someone who is in the water. Join us for this important safety episode.

Mike Tackett wasn’t running away—he was chasing something. After years of building businesses and raising a family, he felt the pull of something more: freedom, clarity, and the wide-open water. So he bought a boat named PATIENCE, convinced his wife to come along, and set out to tackle America’s Great Loop—a 6,000-mile voyage that would test, stretch, and ultimately transform him. In this episode, Mike joins us to share the story behind his memoir, Blue Mind, Bold Heart. He opens up about the storms and stillness, the near disasters and quiet revelations, and the unexpected moments that reshaped how he sees life. With honesty, humor, and a refreshing vulnerability, Mike takes us inside the journey that changed everything—from the rhythm of his days to his sense of purpose. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this all there is?” you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Your boat might be ready for the Great Loop—but is your body? In this episode, we’re joined by Gold Looper Kevin Williams, founder of Blue Tortuga Fitness, to talk about the often-overlooked side of Loop preparation: physical readiness. Kevin shares practical, Looper-specific fitness tips to help you stay strong, flexible, and safe on the water—whether you’re preparing to cast off or already cruising the Loop. From handling lines and locks to preventing injuries and fatigue, this episode will help you feel confident and capable every step of the journey.

Mark Coles, of Boating Georgian Bay, will continue his talk on cruising this great Canadian waterway and other topics pertaining to boating in Canada

Some states along the Great Loop Route require even transiting boaters to have taken a safe boating course. This means that every Looper should have taken a NASBLA approved course. This episode of our podcast talks about which states require a course for transiting boaters, what's covered in the courses, and where you can take one.