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

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.

Planning a stop along the Gulf Coast? Turner Marine, a family-owned boating destination since 1962, offers full-service boatyard facilities, convenient dockage, and a laid-back welcome for Loopers. Plus, they’re serving up a little extra hospitality with a Thanksgiving lunch celebration! Find out more about this longtime AGLCA sponsor.

It’s October and the “You Make the Call” team is gearing up for another Gulf crossing season!

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.

Registration Opens August 5 at Noon Eastern! This event sold out last year, so don't wait! Mark your calendar, set a reminder, and be ready when registration opens.

For many Loopers—both those planning and those already underway—the Great Loop is often thought of as a single 6,000-mile route through a connected system of waterways across the eastern United States. It links the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, inland rivers, and the Gulf. It doesn’t take long, however, to realize that the Loop is far from a single fixed path. In fact, there are numerous alternate routes within the Loop itself. This flexibility is one of the reasons many Gold Loopers continue cruising in pursuit of the Platinum Burgee—they discover there are far more ways to complete the Loop than they originally imagined.

Dreaming of cruising the Great Loop but not quite ready for the full adventure? Want to test your boating skills on a smaller scale? The Florida Loop is an excellent way to dip your toes into long-distance cruising.

If you look upon the Gulf crossing with some degree of trepidation, you are not alone.

For most Loopers, one of the most anticipated—and sometimes anxiety-inducing—segments of the Great Loop is the crossing from Carrabelle, Florida, to Tarpon Springs. This stretch offers Loopers two distinct options: the Direct Gulf Crossing or the Big Bend Route. Each has its own character, challenges, and rewards. Understanding the differences between these routes will help you make the right decision for your vessel and crew.

Help us welcome Albany Yacht Club, Angler Marine, and Pelican's Perch Marina & Boatyard. We encourage you to support the businesses that support the Great Loop!

Thinking about crossing the Gulf? "You Make the Call" assists in educating Looper Captains in making their own decision regarding crossing the Gulf.