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Jacque and Tsali Bentley are back for Part 2 of our Great Debates on route choices! This time, we’re tackling more of the decisions Loopers face along the way—from how to cross the Gulf and which side of Lake Michigan to cruise, to navigating New York City and making time for unforgettable experiences like swimming with the manatees. Jacque and Tsali share their experiences and perspectives on each option, along with the factors that can help you decide what makes the most sense for your own Loop. Because when it comes to the Great Loop, there’s rarely one “right” route, and sometimes the choices you make along the way lead to the best memories. Whether you're actively planning your route or just curious about the many ways to complete America's Great Loop, this discussion will help you better understand the tradeoffs behind some of the Loop's biggest navigation decisions.

There are several route choices you'll need to make on your Great Loop... and the perfect choice depends completely on you and your cruising preferences. In Part 1 of this point/counterpoint episode of Great Loop Radio, Kim Russo is joined by Tsali and Jacque Bentley to discuss some of the biggest route decisions Loopers face. Should you take the Virginia Cut or cruise through the Dismal Swamp? Stay outside or run the New Jersey Intracoastal? Choose the Erie Canal or the Champlain Canal? Every option has its advantages and tradeoffs. Rather than declaring one route "right," they explore the pros, cons, timing considerations, and personal preferences behind each option. You'll hear different perspectives, practical insights, and the kinds of conversations that help future Loopers decide what fits their own adventure. Whether you're actively planning your route or just curious about the many ways to complete America's Great Loop, this discussion will help you better understand the tradeoffs behind some of the Loop's biggest navigation decisions.

In this episode of Great Loop Radio’s Story of Our Loop series, we talk with Jenny and Phil about completing the Great Loop aboard their 55' Marquis with their two daughters. Jenny started the adventure as a reluctant spouse, but the experience became something much more meaningful for her and their entire family. Jenny and Phil share what life aboard was like as a family of four, some of their favorite memories and experiences along the way, and the lessons they learned while completing the Loop. They also offer practical tips and advice for others planning their own Great Loop adventure. Hear how the Great Loop brought their family together, what the journey ultimately meant to them, and why Jenny and Phil hope their story will inspire other families—and even a few reluctant spouses—to take the leap and experience the adventure for themselves.

In this episode of Great Loop Radio, the Home Port Crew shares everything you need to know about AGLCA's upcoming events and how to make the most of your membership. We cover details on the Fall Rendezvous, including what attendees can expect, who should attend, and why these gatherings are such a valuable part of the Great Loop community. We also introduce AGLCA's first Great Loop Discovery Seminar, a new event designed for those who are just beginning to explore the dream of doing the Great Loop. In addition, we review AGLCA's recurring members-only virtual events, including mentoring opportunities, and Virtual Docktails sessions that help Loopers stay informed and connected no matter where they are. Whether you're planning your first Loop, currently cruising, or simply looking for more ways to connect with fellow Loopers, this episode will help you find the events that are right for you and get the most value from your AGLCA membership.

What's the "right" boat for the Great Loop? Ask ten Loopers, and you'll probably get ten different answers. In this point/counterpoint episode of Great Loop Radio, Kim Russo is joined by Tsali and Jacque Bentley for a lively discussion of some of the most enduring debates in Great Loop boat selection. Is a single engine the smarter choice, or are twins worth the added complexity? Is a flybridge enough, or is a dual-helm boat the better option? Should you prioritize speed or embrace a slower cruising lifestyle? Rather than trying to declare winners, we'll explore the advantages, tradeoffs, and real-world considerations behind each choice. Along the way, you'll hear differing perspectives, practical advice, and plenty of food for thought. Whether you're still searching for your Great Loop boat or simply wondering if your current boat is the right fit, this episode will help you think through the compromises every Looper makes—and come away with a clearer understanding of which features matter most for your adventure.

If you're considering a side trip on the Rideau Canal during your Great Loop, this episode will help you decide if it's the right adventure for you—and show you how to make the most of it. Gold Looper and AGLCA Mentor Bill Ogilvie joins us to share his extensive knowledge of his home waters, one of the most scenic and historic inland waterways in North America. Bill explains where the Rideau Canal fits into a Great Loop itinerary, the draft requirements and other considerations for transiting the canal, and what makes this waterway such a favorite among cruisers. Along the way, he highlights can't-miss stops, shares practical cruising tips, and offers insights that will help you plan a safe, enjoyable visit. Whether you're actively planning to cruise the Rideau or simply curious about what this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer, this episode is packed with valuable information from someone who knows these waters exceptionally well.

In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we continue our “Story of My Loop” series with veteran mariner Peter Reich, who completed the Great Loop aboard his Lord Nelson Victory Tug. Peter brings a depth of experience rarely matched among Loopers, with a background that includes a degree in naval architecture, years as a commercial mariner, marina operator, and lifelong pleasure boater. Peter shares highlights from his Great Loop adventure, lessons learned from a Gulf crossing that didn’t go according to plan, and the ways his decades on the water shaped the strong culture of safety he maintains aboard his boat. From preparation and seamanship to decision-making underway, this episode is packed with practical wisdom that even the most experienced cruisers will appreciate. Whether you’re actively planning your Loop or already underway, Peter’s thoughtful advice and real-world perspective offer valuable takeaways for every boater.

Most Loopers know about AGLCA’s educational resources, events, and community support, but are you taking full advantage of all the benefits included with your membership? In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the Home Port Crew shares five of the most under-used AGLCA member benefits that can make your Looping journey easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Kim Russo and Karen Nettles discuss how the Member Directory can help you connect with fellow Loopers with whom you have something in common, why Harbor Guides are one of the most valuable planning tools available to cruisers, and how downloadable .gpx files can simplify route planning and navigation. They also highlight discounts and special offers available from AGLCA sponsors and explain how the AGLCA App puts important resources right at your fingertips while underway. Whether you’re still dreaming about the Loop, actively planning, or already cruising, this episode will help you get even more value from your AGLCA membership and introduce you to resources you may not even realize you have access to.

Planning to cruise into Canada during your Great Loop adventure? In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Home Port Crew members Karen Nettles and Kim Russo walk through the process of entering Canada by boat, helping Loopers understand what to expect before they cross the border. From when and how to check in with Canadian authorities to the documents you'll need onboard, Karen and Kim break down the requirements in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They also discuss what items may be restricted or prohibited, common mistakes that can lead to delays, and how procedures can vary depending on where and how you enter Canada. Whether you're planning to cruise the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Rideau Canal, Georgian Bay, or other Canadian portions of the Loop, this episode will help you arrive prepared and confident so you can focus on enjoying some of the most beautiful cruising grounds on the Great Loop. Join us as we demystify the Canadian entry process and share tips to help make your border crossing smooth and stress-free.

In this installment of our “Story of Our Loop” series, we chat with Doug & Melissa about their Great Loop adventure aboard their Gemini 105MC catamaran. Cruising at about 4.5 knots, they completed the Loop in just over a year, proving that there’s no “right” speed or schedule for America’s Great Loop. Doug & Melissa share what life was like aboard a smaller catamaran with both a dog and a cat along for the journey, including the unique challenges and rewards of cruising with pets. While they originally planned to spend much of the trip anchoring out, they were pleasantly surprised by the incredible sense of community among Loopers. The friendships they made along the way became one of the greatest highlights of their adventure. Join us for a conversation about slow cruising, unexpected connections, and the special camaraderie that makes the Great Loop experience unlike any other.

Cruising the Great Loop often means being away from home for months at a time, but life’s paperwork doesn’t stop just because you’ve left the dock. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, we discuss ways Loopers can handle personal business remotely while traveling. Our guest, Angie Boynton of Happy at Law, explains how remote online notary services can help cruisers sign and notarize documents from virtually anywhere, along with the technology and preparation needed to make the process smooth. We also discuss Powers of Attorney, including the different types, when they may be helpful, and how they can allow trusted individuals to handle financial, legal, healthcare, or other matters while you’re underway. Whether you’re planning your Great Loop adventure or already cruising, this episode offers practical tips to help you stay prepared and connected while managing life from afar.

Whether you’re flying for work obligations, traveling home for a family event, welcoming guests aboard, or planning a crew change during your Great Loop adventure, getting to and from the boat can sometimes feel like a logistical puzzle. In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we’re joined by Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales to talk through practical tips for making travel days easier while Looping. We share strategies for identifying airports near the Great Loop route, including using AGLCA’s interactive Great Loop map to locate airports and plan your travel logistics. We also discuss ways to get from the marina to the terminal, and how a little advance planning can save both time and stress. In addition, we cover how your membership in America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association can help along the way through Harbor Hosts who often provide local knowledge—and sometimes even rides to and from the airport—as well as member discounts on rental cars. If air travel is part of your Great Loop plans, this episode is packed with practical advice to help make the process smoother and easier.

Cruising the Great Loop is an adventure for anyone—but doing it as international visitors adds a whole new layer of planning and perspective. In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we chat with British Loopers Alan and Eleanor about their journey from the U.K. to the U.S. to tackle America’s Great Loop. They share the visa process they used, how they purchased a boat in the United States, and some of the unforgettable highlights from their travels along the Loop. Alan and Eleanor also compare the Great Loop experience to their previous cruising adventures aboard their sailboat through canal in France,, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Greece. This episode offers a fascinating international perspective on the Looping lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of the Great Loop from abroad or simply enjoy hearing how cruising compares around the world, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Looking for ways to make your Great Loop adventure more affordable without sacrificing the experience? In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the Home Port Crew shares practical, real-world tips to help you stretch your cruising budget. From smart fuel strategies to creative approaches for reducing dockage costs, this episode is packed with ideas you can put to use right away. The crew also covers lesser-known opportunities to offset expenses—including how you can earn a free AGLCA membership along the way. Whether you’re in the planning stages or already underway, you’ll come away with actionable advice to help you cruise farther, stay longer, and enjoy more of what the Loop has to offer—without breaking the bank.

What does the future of Great Loop cruising look like—and will it be electric? While electric boats are making waves and the market is growing fast, the big question remains: can they handle the demands of the Loop today? In this episode, we sit down with Erick Pinzon of Electrified Marina to explore where electric boating stands right now—and where it’s headed. From emerging technology and industry trends to real-world limitations like range, speed, and charging infrastructure, Erick breaks down what’s possible today and what’s just over the horizon. If you’ve ever wondered when an electric boat might truly rival the comfort and capability of today’s popular Looping vessels, this conversation offers a candid and insightful look at what’s coming next.

Tad and Libbie took a unique approach to completing America’s Great Loop—proving that the journey doesn’t have to be done all at once to be unforgettable. Aboard their Kadey-Krogen 39 Selkie, they tackled the Loop in three thoughtfully planned segments, balancing their love of cruising with time back on land. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, they offer an honest look at Looping—the highs, the challenges, and the realities of stepping away and coming back. They share how breaking the Loop into segments shaped their experience, the logistics of leaving and returning to the boat, and the surprising benefits of not rushing the journey. From seasonal strategy to lifestyle balance, Tad and Libbie provide a refreshing, real-world perspective for Loopers who want to make the adventure fit their lives—not the other way around.

In this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re joined by Terri and John D’Onofrio—Loopers who decided early on that their adventure wouldn’t be limited to the “standard” route. While still on their Great Loop journey, they’ve already added an incredible 4,000 miles by saying yes to side trips that many dream about but few actually take. From cruising the iconic waters of Long Island Sound to exploring the turquoise beauty of the Bahamas, venturing out to the remote Dry Tortugas, and meandering along the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, their story is all about embracing the freedom of the Loop lifestyle. Terri and John share what inspired them to go beyond the typical route and what they’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever been tempted to stretch your own Loop into something even bigger, this episode will give you both the inspiration and the confidence to do it.

On this episode, the Home Port Crew dives into our advocacy mission—what it means, why it matters, and how we’re working to support it. We’ll share the key issues we’ve tackled, highlight current areas of concern, and look ahead to what’s on the horizon. Most importantly, we’ll talk about where you can make a difference and how you can help shape the future.