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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!

Our popular "Story of our Loop" series returns this week as we feature Malcom & Rachel from "Stay Cool", a Mainship 390 that completed the Great Loop in 2023. Malcolm and Rachel share why their chose their boat, the details of their adventure, how they stayed in compliance with regulations as Canadians traveling for an extended period time in the U.S. and advice for future Loopers. You can learn more about Malcolm & Rachel on their YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@staycool123.

Local Notice to Mariners are something that should be in every Looper's toolbox. Checking these reports can give insight into the local issues you may encounter on each movement of your boat on the Great Loop. Robert Rice joins us once again this week to discuss where to find Local Notice to Mariners and how you can use them to be more prepared for the Great Loop.

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.

With the Erie Canal undergoing repairs between Locks E16 and E17, that route is not yet open to Loopers needing to transit the area to continue the Great Loop route. The Lake Champlain route option is a popular choice in most years, but even more Loopers are considering it this year instead of waiting for the Erie Canal to fully open. This week, AGLCA member Bill Ogilvie joins us to discuss this route, the specifications of boats that can clear the bridges and fit in the locks, and what to expect as you navigate this scenic route option.

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.

Update on the New York Canals! Join us as Shane Mahar, Director of Public Engagement – Canals at the New York Power Authority & New York State Canal Corporation, discusses the status of the Canals, and the delayed opening of most sections, on what was expected to be opening day system-wide. We'll also discuss the Erie Canal's Bicentennial celebration happening this season.

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.

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.

How do you know how much boat you can afford? How can you be sure you'll have enough money left after the Loop for the rest of your retirement? And how can you make sure the money you've saved for the Loop goes as far as possible? Join us for this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast as Cathy Aull, Certified Financial Planner with Edward Jones, discusses how to plan for the financial aspects of Looping.

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.

When Foster & Susan did the Great Loop, they decided not to follow the pack to the "usual" Looper stops. Instead, they asked 7 questions to locals around the Loop that helped them find the hidden gems, the waterways less traveled, and ultimately, make the Loop their own. Join us this week as Foster & Susan share their 7 questions that led them to the best food, drinks, places, and sights along the Great Loop route.

Most Loopers have their favorite sayings that apply to the Great Loop. This week, we share some of the best "Looper Lore" that you'll hear during docktails and other discussions on the Great Loop. Tsali and Jacque Bentley, Platinum Loopers and AGLCA award winners, are my guests this week as we reveal and explain some of the favorite Looper Lore submitted by our members.

Looping in segments has become more popular in recent years as Loopers look to do the Great Loop in a way that works for them. But how do you decide how long each of your segments should be? How do you find a place to leave your boat while returning home between segments? What do you do to prepare your boat before you leave for a period of time? This week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast answers these questions and more. Join us as new Gold Loopers, Dick & Louise aboard Nine Lives, share the details of how they Looped in segments over multiple years.

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.

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!

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.

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

Our "Story of Our Loop" series continues this week with Scott Wake sharing the details of his Great Loop adventure aboard his Krogen Express 52 with his wife, Lauren, and dog, Sully. Some of you may have followed Sully Does the Loop on social media. Scott shares how they made the Loop work for them before retiring, including how Lauren traveled between work and the boat, how they welcomed many guests aboard along the way, and why they did it now.