Join AGLCA March 28th and 29th in Chattanooga to learn about the Great Loop cruising lifestyle!
Registration opens Friday, January 10th at noon eastern.
What is the Great Loop? It's a 6,000-mile boating adventure of a lifetime that circumnavigates the eastern U.S., and a small part of Canada, via an interconnect series of waterways including the intracoastal waterway, historic canals, the Great Lakes, the inland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and more.
This event is an introduction to the Great Loop. We'll start by explaining how to find and buy the perfect boat for you. Then, we'll provide an overview of the Great Loop route and how to do it, and start to prepare you for your own Great Loop adventure. The seminar includes practical advice for planning and preparing for the Great Loop with sessions about the route and general boating topics with a Great Loop focus. You'll also hear stories from Gold Loopers (members who have completed the Loop) about their adventures. Sessions begin Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm and wrap up around 5:00 pm on Saturday.
Workshop: How to Find and Buy Your Perfect Great Loop Boat
Sponsored by Great Loop Yacht Sales
Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
This optional workshop includes seminars from experts on each aspect of the boat buying process including how to find and buy the boat, how to secure financing and insurance and what to expect from the survey.
This optional workshop includes lunch and is FREE thanks to our sponsors, Great Loop Yacht Sales.
Main Seminar: Great Loop Cruising-A Guide to the Looper Lifestyle
Friday, March 28, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., continuing on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What Is It Really Like to Cruise America's Great Loop?
If you have asked yourselves any of these questions, this seminar is for you!
• How much time and money will it take?
• What kind of boat do I need?
• Is it safe?
• How will I know what to do in an emergency?
• What can I expect to see and do on the Loop?
• How do I leave my home/family for that long?
• How much boating experience do I need?
Get the answers to these questions and so much more! You'll hear from industry professionals as well as Gold Loopers. Sponsors will also be exhibiting to showcase their products and services that can help you accomplish your dream of cruising the Great Loop.
Registration is $149/person and includes a one-year AGLCA membership (or membership extension) per registrant (so a couple who shares a membership and both register for the seminar will receive a two-year joint membership) as well as a cash bar reception (Friday) and one lunch (Saturday).
After registering for the event, the complimentary membership will be set up within a few days to a week by the Home Port Crew and details will be sent to you about your new membership (or membership extension). You do not need to create a new membership for yourself to register for this event.
Registration will be open through Thursday, March 20th or whenever we reach capacity for the event.
"The seminar was both informative and inspirational. At one point Saturday morning my wife looked over at me and said, 'Why aren't we starting right away?' Our plans have moved up a full year! Thank you."
"Overall, we enjoyed the seminar and found it to be informative. Pushed me over the edge to make the decision to go for it!"
"It was great to meet people and make new friends as well. Thank you for this opportunity. I feel much more prepared and am even more excited about starting our Loop."
"The seminar was specifically tailored to those embarking on this new 'looping' chapter of their lives and that is exactly where we were."
"It's hard to pick the best thing because I found it all to be so informative and loved the stories of the experienced Loopers!"
Hotel Information
A discounted room block has been reserved for AGLCA registrants at the DoubleTree Downtown Chattanooga where the seminars will be held. The discounted rate is $169/night plus tax and the reservation deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025. You can use this link to make an online reservation or you can call 423-756-5150 and mention code "CDT91B" and/or AGLCA Looper Lifestyle to receive the discounted rate. The DoubleTree offers self-parking at $25/night; rates subject to change.
Serving downtown Chattanooga, the DoubleTree is steps away from many points of interest. As a full-service hotel, the DoubleTree offers a fitness center, a business center, an on-site bar and restaurant as well as a coffee shop. Sleeping rooms have city views with contemporary décor, complimentary WiFi and convenient workspaces. While the hotel does have pet-friendly rooms, pets are not allowed in the meeting spaces but service animals are welcome. The DoubleTree is within 15 miles of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport/Lovell Field (CHA).
Welcome to the Scenic City!
Come early or stay late to explore Scenic City. Known for its surrounding mountains, ridges and valleys, Chattanooga is the nature enthusiast’s playground and one of the Great Loop’s best side trips. The Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River are on full display and Chattanooga offers many opportunities to enjoy their beauty.
The Riverwalk, which spans just over 16 miles along the southern banks of the Tennessee River, winds part of its path through Chattanooga where you can experience not only nature but culture and cuisine. Lookout Mountain provides unobstructed views of seven states all in one spot. You’ll also find Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall as well as Rock City, where you can explore ancient rock formations and hundreds of species of plants, shrubs and flowers. You can relish the ride up the mountain on the world’s steepest incline railway.
You’ll also enjoy the historic Walnut Street Bridge. Built in the 1890s, it is one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges which connects the southern and northern sections of the city with stunning views of Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River. In addition, you’ll find many sculpture parks, gardens and courtyards to explore throughout Chattanooga. It boasts over 105 permanent outdoor artworks, more than any other Southeastern city.
Iconic treasures like the Chattanooga Choo Choo can be found around Chattanooga. Previously, a major industrial and passenger railway transit station in the South during the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is now a renovated complex offering shopping, dining and entertainment in an historical setting. There are also many unique neighborhoods to explore as well like the Bluff View Art District. It’s a historical district that offers a European flair and of course, breathtaking views of the Tennessee River. You’ll find shopping from fine shopping destinations to vintage antique shops to hand-crafted vendors in this district as well as everywhere else you go in the city.
Be sure to bring your appetite as Chattanooga offers something for every palate. You’ll find restaurants offering fresh, farm-to-table menus, BBQ, seafood and even international cuisine from Latin American to Italian. Many of these restaurants have unbeatable views of Chattanooga’s biggest assets, the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River, to complement their cuisine.
There’s plenty to explore in Chattanooga so learn more to plan your visit.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received by March 20th, the registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. For cancellations received after March 20th, the registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee if seat(s) can be filled. If the seat(s) cannot be filled, no refund will be issued.