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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!

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

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.

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.

What does it really take to turn a true fixer-upper into a Great Loop-worthy cruiser? When Mike Smith discovered the boat that would carry him around America’s Great Loop, it had spent a decade as a dock queen—and didn’t even run. But with determination, creativity, and a whole lot of help from friends, Mike brought her back to life and transformed her into a sound, safe, and comfortable home for his 6,000-mile adventure. On this week’s episode, Mike shares the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons learned from resurrecting his Looping boat. If you've ever wondered whether a project boat can make the journey, this is one you won’t want to miss.

There's been a lot of talk lately about Looping in record time, but how about completing the Loop over almost 13 years? And, what if you could compare a trawler, a powercat, and a motor yacht as liveaboard Looping boats? Bruce & Hilary recently completed the Great Loop after more than 12 years, and over that time, they did Loop segments aboard a Silverton, an Endeavor catamaran, and a Mainship. They'll share their unique insight into Looping slowly, and the features of the three very different boats they used to complete their Great Loop. 

As Loopers prepare to head down the inland rivers, the Great Loop Radio podcast this week covers the part of the Great Loop route from Chicago, IL to Paducah, KY. This route section includes the Illinois Waterway, Mississippi River, and Ohio River. Wes and Amy Litsey join us to share the details.

As this year's fleet of Loopers heads south on the inland rivers, we pick up this week where we left off in early September. Carolyn and Pete Westbay are our guests this week and they provide tips on navigating from Paducah, KY along the Ohio River to Mobile, Alabama on the Gulf Coast. We'll cover strategies for communicating with lock operators and tow captains and provide some ideas for where to stop and what you'll see along the way.

Day Shapes are required by the rules of navigation to be displayed under certain circumstances, but recreational vessels seem to rarely use them. Robert Rice joins us once again this week to tell us all about Day Shapes, what they mean, and when to use them.

Several pieces of anti-anchoring legislation are being heard in Florida this session. AGLCA and the other members of the Boaters' Rights Advocacy Coalition have been active in protecting your right to anchor in Florida's waterways. This episode gives details about the bills of concern and how you can help with our grassroots efforts and fundraising.

As this season's Looper fleet approaches the New York Canals, this episode provides a timely lesson on how to handle all of those locks on the Great Loop. Platinum Loopers, Tsali & Jacque Bentley, join us this week with tips on locking on the Great Loop.

If you enjoyed our episode a few weeks back on "Looper Lore", then you'll appreciate this episode as we bust some Great Loop myths. Kim & Ted from Pony are our guests as we explore some of those Looper sayings, or pieces of advice, that you might want to reconsider when planning and cruising your own Great Loop adventure.

What do you do after you've finished the Loop? Post-Loop blues is a real thing! For Rev & Sam, they turned Life After the Loop into a business where they help others fulfill their Great Loop dreams, and they also continue boating in new and different settings. Listen this week as we catch up with Rev & Sam and hear all about their Life After the Loop.