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As the Fleet of 2026 makes its way south toward the Gulf and eventually Florida, a familiar set of questions comes up every year. From planning the Gulf crossing to understanding Florida’s registration requirements, finding a place to spend the winter, and navigating this season’s waterway closures, a little preparation can make your Florida adventure much smoother.

From Chicago comfort food to Southern soul food, Cajun flavors, and a little lagniappe along the way.

From a relaxing waterfront retreat in Charleston and a downtown Sarasota marina to expert underwater services in Chicago, innovative tender-lift solutions, and a premier boating destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this month’s featured businesses have something to offer Loopers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're looking for a great place to dock, a little peace of mind below the waterline, an easier way to manage your tender, or a comfortable place to enjoy all that Southwest Florida has to offer, these businesses are ready to help make life on the Loop a little more enjoyable. Take a look at what they have to offer!

As your Great Loop departure gets closer, you may find yourself thinking about everything you’re leaving behind. What will happen to your house and belongings? How will you stay connected with family and friends? What about mail, healthcare, and all those everyday details that keep life running smoothly?

Sometimes the Great Loop journey takes an unexpected turn—or, in this case, asks you to slow down and stay awhile.

Heading south to Florida this fall? We’ve got two new sponsor marinas worth putting on your radar—Four Fish Yacht Club & Marina on the Treasure Coast and Westshore Yacht Club & Marina in South Tampa. Consider them two more great places to drop the hook, tie up, and enjoy a little Florida sunshine! And dreaming about your next adventure? Meet Sundowner Travel, our newest sponsor—and future Loopers—who can help you plan your next getaway, whether it’s by boat, ship, or somewhere far beyond the horizon.

You’re Looping in the digital age! These days, a tremendous amount of information is right at your fingertips, making life on the Loop easier than it was even a few years ago. About 3-6 months before departure, you'll want to investigate some boating apps and find your favorites.

A lot has changed on the inland river system since last year’s Looper fleet headed south toward warm weather and salt water. Between lock closures and the loss of a few much-needed places to tie up, there are several obstacles this year’s fleet should be prepared to navigate.

For most people, living aboard and moving the boat regularly is a new endeavor, even if you’ve been a weekend boater for years. There are a lot of moving parts (figuratively and literally) that will need attention at the right points in time.

It’s all about marinas along the river system this month! We’re thrilled to welcome back Grafton Harbor Marina and welcome Kuttawa Harbor Marina to the AGLCA community. Both are ready to assist Loopers as you begin your southbound cruise. Heritage Harbor Marina is also looking for a resident marina ambassador—essentially, a Harbor Host based at their marina—to assist Loopers this fall. Check out their ad for all the details! As always, we encourage you to support the businesses that support the Great Loop!

Earn free membership and swag!

Buying the right boat is only part of preparing for the Great Loop—making it comfortable enough to truly feel like home is what transforms a boat into the perfect platform for your adventure. It's time to make the boat your own.

Help us welcome our newest sponsors! Bay Harbor Marina (Michigan), and Bridge Port Marina (Ontario) ~ make sure to stop in at both marinas on your way towards Lake Michigan this fall and take advantage of their amenities to make your stay a joyful one. Thousand Island Yacht Spa (New York) is all about service and storage. They offer transportation services as well. Have you ever looked at a boat and said to yourself, it looks good on paper, but can it handle the Great Loop? Head over to Can I Loop? and get additional insight into the information you won't find on the survey.

While the 2026 legislative session in Florida ended back in the spring, the work continues to keep the waterways of the Great Loop open and safe for recreational vessels.

It's pretty uncommon to do the Great Loop in your 40s. It's even more unusual to do it as a crew of six women. Add the fact that these women will be rowing the Great Loop to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease, and the result is a truly unique and inspirational story.