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In this episode of our Story of My Loop series, we talk with Gold Looper Marcel LaFond, who completed the Great Loop primarily solo aboard a 26-foot MacGregor sailboat. Marcel shares how he made the adventure possible on a budget, the challenges of cruising alone while managing Parkinson’s disease, and the importance of knowing when to wait for better conditions. From anchoring along the rivers to the encouragement of fellow Loopers, hear Marcel’s reflections on the unexpected demands, memorable moments, and rewards of completing the Great Loop.

In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Loopers Ken and Cheryl Pfeiffer share the story of completing America’s Great Loop aboard their custom trawler. They discuss how their boating journey began, what led them to choose and customize their boat, and how they prepared for an extended adventure on the water. Ken and Cheryl reflect on some of the memorable destinations, experiences, and relationships that shaped their Loop, along with the challenges they encountered and the lessons they learned along the way. They also offer practical advice for future Loopers, including the importance of remaining flexible, preparing thoughtfully, and making the journey your own. Whether you are actively planning your Loop, searching for the right boat, or simply dreaming about casting off someday, Ken and Cheryl’s story offers helpful insight and inspiration from a couple who turned their Great Loop plans into reality.

Gold Loopers Bob and Cheryl Gilmore share the story of their Great Loop aboard Silver Lining, a Beneteau Swift Trawler 34. With their boating experience previously limited to a freshwater lake, they explain how they prepared for the journey, chose the right boat, and built the skills they needed along the way. They share their Loop “by the numbers," along with a candid look at their total expenses and how they balanced marina stays with anchoring. Bob and Cheryl also discuss favorite stops, the realities of planning day by day, lessons learned about boat maintenance and seamanship, and why flexibility became one of their most valuable cruising skills. Plus, hear their advice for future Loopers, including why you should know your boat, avoid overpacking, and not let some of the Great Loop’s “urban legends” make you nervous about the journey.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

What would it take to cast off the lines and take on the Great Loop completely on your own? Jacquie did just that aboard her Rosborough 246, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that tested her resolve along the way. In addition, she reflects on what the journey gave back to her. If you’ve ever wondered if you're capable of doing the Great Loop solo, Jacquie’s story might just inspire you to find out.

After a full year cruising the Great Loop, YouTube creators Karly and Evan Nietzel from Navigating Nietzels share what hindsight has taught them. If they could start their Loop all over again, what would they do differently—and what would they keep exactly the same? From lessons learned to decisions they’re glad they made, their reflections may surprise you. If you’re already cruising, you might find yourself comparing notes. And if you’re still planning your adventure, their experience could help you avoid a few pitfalls along the way. Tune in to hear what made their “do again” list—and what definitely didn’t.

This week on the Great Loop Radio podcast, we continue our popular Story of Our Loop series with Lee Warner. Lee began America’s Great Loop with his wife, Kathy, looking forward to the adventure they had planned together. While on a break from their journey, Kathy unexpectedly passed away. Faced with profound loss, Lee made the difficult decision to return to the Loop and complete the trip they had started. With the support and encouragement of family and friends, Lee found a way forward. He became a “master planner” of Loop logistics, coordinating loved ones to join him aboard and help him finish the journey. This is more than a cruising story. It’s a testament to determination, the strength of the Looper community, and the power of finishing what you start—even when the journey looks very different than you imagined.