Many experienced Loopers consider Georgian Bay to be one of the finest freshwater cruising grounds in the world—and once you've been there, it's easy to understand why. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, AGLCA member and longtime Georgian Bay cruiser Dale Anderson joins us to share what makes this remarkable region so special. From picturesque waterfront towns and unforgettable anchorages to stunning granite shorelines, crystal-clear water, and endless opportunities for exploration, Dale offers practical advice and insider recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Georgian Bay. Whether you're planning your first Great Loop or returning for another adventure, you'll come away with a better understanding of what to expect, where to stop, and why so many Loopers consider Georgian Bay a highlight of the journey. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that Loopers cruiser aboard their own boats. At its essence, it's a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop.

What's the "right" boat for the Great Loop? Ask ten Loopers, and you'll probably get ten different answers. In this point/counterpoint episode of Great Loop Radio, Kim Russo is joined by Tsali and Jacque Bentley for a lively discussion of some of the most enduring debates in Great Loop boat selection. Is a single engine the smarter choice, or are twins worth the added complexity? Is a flybridge enough, or is a dual-helm boat the better option? Should you prioritize speed or embrace a slower cruising lifestyle? Rather than trying to declare winners, we'll explore the advantages, tradeoffs, and real-world considerations behind each choice. Along the way, you'll hear differing perspectives, practical advice, and plenty of food for thought. Whether you're still searching for your Great Loop boat or simply wondering if your current boat is the right fit, this episode will help you think through the compromises every Looper makes—and come away with a clearer understanding of which features matter most for your adventure. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out what it's actually like? Join AGLCA for accurate and thorough Great Loop information and access to other members. Find out more at www.greatloop.org/joinus.

If you're considering a side trip on the Rideau Canal during your Great Loop, this episode will help you decide if it's the right adventure for you—and show you how to make the most of it. Gold Looper and AGLCA Mentor Bill Ogilvie joins us to share his extensive knowledge of his home waters, one of the most scenic and historic inland waterways in North America. Bill explains where the Rideau Canal fits into a Great Loop itinerary, the draft requirements and other considerations for transiting the canal, and what makes this waterway such a favorite among cruisers. Along the way, he highlights can't-miss stops, shares practical cruising tips, and offers insights that will help you plan a safe, enjoyable visit. Whether you're actively planning to cruise the Rideau or simply curious about what this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer, this episode is packed with valuable information from someone who knows these waters exceptionally well. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

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. Often described as the adventure of a lifetime, America's Great Loop boasts a 'low risk, high reward' travel experience. Boaters journey over 5,000 miles around the Eastern part of the United States and into parts of Canada. The Great Loop was once a route known only to lifelong boaters and long-distance cruisers, but the secret is out. Join us as we unpack the Great Loop planning steps, from buying a boat to securing boat insurance; dive into a variety of stops and excursions along the way; share the highlight of Loopers who've crossed their wake; and of course, answer all of your questions about how to make this dream a reality. Enjoy our videos, join America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA), and add this adventure to your bucket list!

Most Loopers know about AGLCA’s educational resources, events, and community support, but are you taking full advantage of all the benefits included with your membership? In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the Home Port Crew shares five of the most under-used AGLCA member benefits that can make your Looping journey easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Kim Russo and Karen Nettles discuss how the Member Directory can help you connect with fellow Loopers with whom you have something in common, why Harbor Guides are one of the most valuable planning tools available to cruisers, and how downloadable .gpx files can simplify route planning and navigation. They also highlight discounts and special offers available from AGLCA sponsors and explain how the AGLCA App puts important resources right at your fingertips while underway. Whether you’re still dreaming about the Loop, actively planning, or already cruising, this episode will help you get even more value from your AGLCA membership and introduce you to resources you may not even realize you have access to. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out what it's actually like? Join AGLCA for accurate and thorough Great Loop information and access to other members. Find out more at www.greatloop.org/joinus.

Planning to cruise into Canada during your Great Loop adventure? In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Home Port Crew members Karen Nettles and Kim Russo walk through the process of entering Canada by boat, helping Loopers understand what to expect before they cross the border. From when and how to check in with Canadian authorities to the documents you'll need onboard, Karen and Kim break down the requirements in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They also discuss what items may be restricted or prohibited, common mistakes that can lead to delays, and how procedures can vary depending on where and how you enter Canada. Whether you're planning to cruise the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Rideau Canal, Georgian Bay, or other Canadian portions of the Loop, this episode will help you arrive prepared and confident so you can focus on enjoying some of the most beautiful cruising grounds on the Great Loop. Join us as we demystify the Canadian entry process and share tips to help make your border crossing smooth and stress-free. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out what it's actually like? Join AGLCA for accurate and thorough Great Loop information and access to other members. Find out more at www.greatloop.org/joinus. AGLCA Members can view the webinar on this topic here: https://www.greatloop.org/great-loop-information/webinars/crossing-borders.html

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. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Cruising the Great Loop often means being away from home for months at a time, but life’s paperwork doesn’t stop just because you’ve left the dock. In this episode of Great Loop Radio, we discuss ways Loopers can handle personal business remotely while traveling. Our guest, Angie Boynton of Happy at Law, explains how remote online notary services can help cruisers sign and notarize documents from virtually anywhere, along with the technology and preparation needed to make the process smooth. We also discuss Powers of Attorney, including the different types, when they may be helpful, and how they can allow trusted individuals to handle financial, legal, healthcare, or other matters while you’re underway. Whether you’re planning your Great Loop adventure or already cruising, this episode offers practical tips to help you stay prepared and connected while managing life from afar. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Whether you’re flying for work obligations, traveling home for a family event, welcoming guests aboard, or planning a crew change during your Great Loop adventure, getting to and from the boat can sometimes feel like a logistical puzzle. In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we’re joined by Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales to talk through practical tips for making travel days easier while Looping. We share strategies for identifying airports near the Great Loop route, including using AGLCA’s interactive Great Loop map to locate airports and plan your travel logistics. We also discuss ways to get from the marina to the terminal, and how a little advance planning can save both time and stress. In addition, we cover how your membership in America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association can help along the way through Harbor Hosts who often provide local knowledge—and sometimes even rides to and from the airport—as well as member discounts on rental cars. If air travel is part of your Great Loop plans, this episode is packed with practical advice to help make the process smoother and easier.

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. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.