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It’s an exciting time for Loopers as many approach Chicago! Loopers know the best way to visit Chicago is by boat since you can avoid the traffic and dock in the heart of the city. In addition to the Chicago Harbor marinas dotting the city’s lakefront, Loopers can now tie up at one of the top tourist attractions in the Midwest ~ Navy Pier.

A recent AGLCA Forum thread asked, “What are things you really like having on your boat?”  Self-described as falling in the Great Loop “newbie level”, the original posters of this thread posed a simple question. All Loopers, whether experienced or not, have pondered this subject at length. When searching for a boat in which to do your Great Loop adventure, or outfitting a boat you already have, it could be helpful to pose questions to the throngs of people who have already gone before you. As the saying goes, it is less painful to learn from other people’s mistakes than from your own!

Exciting news as Loopers head to Chicago this season ~ Navy Pier Marina is excited to welcome you with plenty of things to see and do! Also check out Blue Tortuga Fitness ~ helping Loopers stay fit while cruising the Loop with a brand new fitness program just for you!

We understand that both Canadians and returning U.S. Citizens may still have questions about what they can expect while clearing customs in Michigan. While much of it hasn't changed, we encourage you to review the information before you reach out to the local Customs Border Patrol Agent.

Over the years, we have heard Loopers in the planning stage of their Great Loop adventure express their desire to spend more nights at anchorages than at marinas. Although it may be possible to attain this goal, there are factors that come into play that make this desire easier said than done. 

We encourage you to do business with those businesses that support the Great Loop! And this month, we've got three new sponsors who can help make your Loop the best it can be. Temple's Point Marina (Formerly Bishop's Marina & RV Park), West Shore Marine, and Worth Avenue Yachts are ready to help you purchase your Great Loop boat and provide dockage as you make your way around the Loop route! Don't forget to sign up to receive occasional emails from our AGLCA Sponsors and spend some time with LeBoat this season on their Canadian cruising trips!

We’re always working to make the Great Loop journey smoother, more connected, and more fun for our members—and we’re excited to share an update to the AGLCA mobile app that do just that! We also hope you will join us for July Virtual Docktails and the Atlantic City Looper Lifestyle Seminar coming in September! Registration is open now!

As I write this, the Erie Canal has opened to thru-navigation, but it’s been an unprecedented winter and spring with more snow melt and rainfall than usual. Colder temperatures lasted longer this season as well, which meant frost and other challenges for the maintenance team to get the off-season work completed before the Canal opened for the season.

Most of us growing up on boats were taught, Red-Right-Return, meaning (by International Standards) you should keep the red buoys (or day markers) on the right when coming back IN to any port. It is easy to remember! BUT, like the infamous “i before e” rule in English grammar, there are exceptions!

Everything you need to know about cruising the Welland Canal.

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors for helping make the 2025 Spring Rendezvous our best one yet! Also, help us welcome our newest sponsors ~ Schenectady Yacht Club on the Erie Canal and Adelaide Pointe Marina in Muskegon, Michigan can provide you a spot to tie up for the night. If you are still in the boat purchasing market, reach out to Pilothouse Insurance about insuring your Loop vessel!

This was a challenging legislative season in Florida leaving us with some wins, but also a disappointing loss.

After the Crossing Borders article published last month, we received additional questions from some of our Canadian members about what they should expect as they begin their Great Loop and cross the border into the U.S. We weren't 100% sure about some of the answers, so we dug deeper.

Because you must clear a 15'6" bridge, the Western Erie Canal is the water less cruised for many Loopers. Gold Loopers Dave & Nancy Kanzler share with us why, if you can clear the bridges, it is well worth exploring the western portion of the Erie Canal.

Being out on the water is a joy that can be shared with our furry friends, too! In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips to ensure your pets stay comfy and safe while you all enjoy the soothing experience of sailing together!

We have several new sponsors to share with you this month! Let Edward Jones help you fit the Great Loop into your financial plan. Navy Pier now has dockage for plenty of Chicago fun. Take a break from your own vessel and captain a vessel with NW Explorations and check British Columbia or Alaska off your bucket list! Scuttlebutt Magazines provide regional information on local boating culture, destinations, and more! And last but not least, check out the nautical chart gear available from Top Deck Gear.