Story of My Loop: Peter - 37' Lord Nelson Victory Tug

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.