Members only
March 2025 Great Loop Link
FROM THE EDITOR'S DECK
The annual cruise north on the Atlantic ICW is about to begin! I think we probably speak for many of you when we say, "Good riddance, winter!"
As you turn the boat towards Canada and the Great Lakes, we encourage you to take the time to explore. To that end, Gold Loopers Karen & Dave Ratte share some of their favorite stops in North Florida and South Georgia. From the wild horses grazing at the Dungeness estate ruins, to the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort (one-time winter destination of the rich & famous), there is much to see in the Georgia Low Country!
One of the Home Port Crew's favorite things is learning about our members. We love learning how you heard about the Loop and what has inspired you to take on the adventure. In the past few months, one of our newer members posed a question (Why leave?) in the Discussion Forum on our website and, while reading the responses, we found Gold Loopers Brian Brown & Loral Jagman's Loop story. The Great Loop had originally been Brian's dad's dream. Life had other plans (as it so often does), and the dream became Brian's. It pulled Home Port Crew heart strings. Read this month's Not Your Average Looper article to learn more.
Legislative sessions are heating up all over the Loop route! We recently shared a preview of the bills we expect to see this session, and we are keeping close eyes on several of them ~ mostly, as you can probably guess, in Florida. Information is changing daily and our director, Kim Russo, is on top of it. She shares what she knows right now, what our official stance is on the new bills, and what is at stake.
And as always, we have your fellow Loopers' Wake Crossing announcements.
In this issue:
Members only
Members only
Admiral Sponsors
Wake Crossings Reported in February:
Affection
Congratulations to Jeff & Judy, who completed their Loop on December 15, 2024 aboard their 44' Tollycraft Aft Cabin, Affection.
"The Loop was like a mystery gift, wrapped in layers of giftwrap and successively larger gift bags and boxes. We thought we knew what was inside the box but actually had no idea. It turned out to be more like Mary Poppins’ bottomless bag!
"As we cruised around the Great Loop, we unwrapped layer upon layer, uncovering Loop lessons and learnings, vulnerabilities and strengths, and joys and sorrows. We opened a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other, and to the innumerable gifts of friendship offered by Loopers and others along the way.
"The gift turned out to be in the unwrapping - the joy truly was in the journey. We are grateful for our first Loop, and we look forward to seeing our Looping friends out on the water again soon!"
Bella Vita
Congratulations to John & Nancy, who completed their Loop on January 10, 2025 aboard their 2005 Carver 44, Bella Vita.
"This was a fantastic once in a lifetime experience for us. We met so many fantastic people and had so many wonderful experiences and memories. We are grateful to all the countless people who helped us along the way. We are so grateful to have been able to complete this Loop. Thanks to the great AGLCA community!"
Gypsea
Congratulations to Dennis & Ellen, who completed their SECOND Loop on October 12, 2024 aboard their 36' Marine Trader Trawler Sundeck, Gypsea.
"What is the Great Loop? For Moree and I, our second Loop was an incredible journey full of daily challenges, adventures, and rewards. As we navigated the scenic waterways of eastern United States and Canada, we were awed by incredible landscapes, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and all the great people throughout our route. There was also a proud sense of accomplishment when successfully overcoming mechanical issues, challenging weather, and navigation. The highlight of our journey was visiting and boating with old and new friends. The Great Loop is a life-enriching experience."
Jewel
Congratulations to Rich & Melanie, who completed their Loop on January 3, 2025 aboard their 2005 Carver 39, Jewel.
"What a great trip. Meeting all the fellow Loopers and making friends for life were the best part of the trip."
Katie B
Congratulations to Anthony & Katie, who completed their Loop on January 29, 2025 aboard their Great Harbour GH47, Katie B.
"We spent two years on our Loop with a variety of adventures and misadventures, now all equally treasured. Along the way, we met an amazing group of people, many of whom may be lifelong friends after our journey has ended. We are grateful to the AGLCA as well as those along the way who helped us through this remarkable experience.
"Our plan is to spend another month at Marlin Bay followed by a month in Key West, studiously avoiding weather apps for the next eight weeks. Our biggest boat problem remains excessive beer on board. Stop by and help out if you’re in town. Afterward, we can be found in our home port of Jacksonville at Port 32."
Lovin' Life
Congratulations to Pete & Cindy, who completed their Loop on January 18, 2025 aboard their Back Cove 37, Lovin' Life.
"Captain Pete and Cindy Whiting, with Loop Dog Bailey, completed their Great Loop Adventure on Lovin’ Life on January 18, 2025, completing 6,056 nautical miles, with an escort into Hillsboro Inlet, Pompano Beach, FL, by family and friends.
"It all started several years ago when a co-worker of Captain Pete planted a seed. He mentioned a boat trip called America’s Great Loop. With just a little research, and then joining AGLCA, that seed grew fast and fully blossomed. The perfect boat for us was purchased and outfitted and a plan was put in motion. As a ship Captain I have planned and prepared for voyages all around the U.S. coastal states and many foreign ports, but not one voyage was more exciting to plan for as this one.
"Even before the departure date, we had met several other Loopers and had received a vast amount of information about the Loop trip and what could be expected. Within a brief period, a date was set for departure. That departure date came fast, and with all the preparations complete, we cast off the lines on April 16, 2023. We were fortunate enough to be escorted out of Hillsboro Inlet by family and friends to start our Great Loop.
"From day one we continued to meet and talk to fellow loopers. So much information is shared at the famous docktails. The Looper boating community is a very tight-knit group. Everyone is always out to make friends or assist in one way or the other. We met so many great folks along the way.
"Our journey took us from South Florida, up the East Coast and into the Great Lakes, and then across Canada via the Trent Severn Waterway. We then enjoyed the Georgian Bay and North Channel, until we came back into the United States at Detour, MI. We made stops along Lake Michigan until we put the boat up for the winter of 23-24.
"Seven months later we were back at it. We decided to summer on Lake Michigan to avoid the hurricane season on the Gulf Coast. After a great summer on the lake, we headed down the inland rivers, with a side trip to Chattanooga, TN. Coming down the rivers during the fall sure had nature’s beauty on display. Once out of the rivers and back in the saltwater of the Gulf, we really felt we were heading toward home. We traveled along the Gulf Coast and then down the West Coast of Florida and rounded the Florida Keys back home. All along the voyage we had met up with friends and family that we call Inter-Loopers.
"The almost two-year adventure was worth it. We met so many amazing people and fellow boaters. All past or present Loopers were fantastic. We saw and enjoyed parts of the United States that most people will never see. At times it is a bit of work, but that adds to the adventure.
"For anyone thinking about doing the Loop, all we can say is, cast off the lines and go, you will not regret it. There is no better time than the present. Will we do the Loop again? Yes, but Capt. Pete will not be working.
"Thanks to the Home Port Crew, harbor hosts, sponsors and others that offer support which makes the Great Loop what it is, a Great Adventure and Voyage."
MY ETCETERA
Congratulations to Ian & Yolanda, who completed their Loop on February 12, 2025 aboard their 1981 Albin 36 Classic Trawler, MY ETCETERA.
Nine Lives
Congratulations to Dick & Louise, who completed their Loop on February 15, 2025 aboard their Endeavour TrawlerCat 44, Nine Lives.
PartnerShip II
Congratulations to Douglass & Rebecca, who completed their Loop on February 22, 2025 aboard their Mainship 400, PartnerShip II.
"What an experience! We met so many wonderful and kind people, experienced beautiful places and overcame many challenges. This trip proved both our inner and outer strengths. We worked together to overcome every challenge, a reflection of our commitment to each other, hence the name of our boat, PartnerShip II."
Rock 'n Gipp
Congratulations to Roxie & Jerry, who completed their Loop on October 30, 2024 aboard their Ranger Tug 31-CB, Rock 'n Gipp.
"The Great Loop provided us with far more than we ever anticipated for our first retirement adventure. From the outset, we relied on research, organization, preparation, communication, and a deep appreciation of each other's skills and trust. These elements were our constants, growing stronger with each passing day. Stressful situations became routine, yet each segment of our journey presented new challenges that tested us in unexpected ways.
"The most precious moments were those spent reconnecting with family and friends along the way. What a fantastic way to travel and visit loved ones! However, these reunions were rivaled by the joy of meeting fellow Loopers and locals at each stop. We encountered many wonderful, welcoming people who shared fascinating stories and extensive knowledge about local areas, their boats, and the Looping lifestyle.
"This unique mode of travel gave us a newfound appreciation for the areas we visited and presented logistical challenges as we endeavored to explore as much as possible at each stop. We saw so much, yet there was always more to discover. As many Loopers say, the journey takes you through isolated, rural, urban, congested, and industrial areas, each beautiful in its own way. We now understand why so many continue the Looper lifestyle. The resources provided by the AGLCA were invaluable during our adventure.
"There were countless moments when we had to pinch ourselves to believe we were truly living this dream. We fulfilled childhood aspirations, reaching Lock #1 on a Mississippi side trip and visiting places we would never have seen through any other means of travel. We feel incredibly blessed to have completed this journey and to have made and renewed friendships along the way."
SeaBatical II
Congratulations to Steve & Nancy, who completed their Loop on February 14, 2025 aboard their North Pacific NP43 Pilothouse, SeaBatical II.
"As every Looper has described, the Great Loop is an adventure, not a holiday, not for the faint of heart. We started our Loop in Marathon, Florida with very little knowledge and very naive as to what we were about to embark upon.
"Statistically we travelled over 6,000 miles, managed over 150 locks which included the commercial locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway, manually managed locks of the Rideau, the beautiful Trent-Severn, bollards on the rivers, and the most in need of maintenance of the Okeechobee Waterway.
"As we journey home, our hearts are full with new lifelong friendships and loving memories of the Great Loop Adventure."
Ship Faced
Congratulations to Steven & Theresa, who completed their Loop on January 17, 2025 aboard their Prestige 500 Fly, Ship Faced.
"We won't bore you with all the details, but we traveled over 6,000 miles including Canada, navigated over 150 locks, met the best people and made some forever friends! We are now proudly displaying our Gold Looper flag.
"Thank you to all those who have helped, supported and joined us on this journey. A great big thank you to the Home Port Crew of America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association as well as the harbor hosts and other AGLCA members for their help, information and support!
"What's next for Ship Faced you might ask. We have continued our journey south to the Keys and over to the Bahamas with some of our forever Looper friends to continue to live the 'lifestyle'. After that, who knows!"
Six Pack
Congratulations to Judy & Bob, who completed their Loop on January 26, 2025 aboard their Riviera 6000 Sport, Six Pack.
"What a blast ~ over 7,000 miles and two years of adventure, fun, fellowship, and beauty. Cheers!"
Sol Mate
Congratulations to Tom & Jen, who completed their Loop on February 12, 2025 aboard their Mainship 400 Trawler, Sol Mate.
"This has been an adventure of a lifetime. The Loop has shown us breathtaking scenery, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and blessed us with amazing new friends. We have traveled through 17 states and Canada, travelled over 5,000 miles for a total of 242 days, of which 126 days were actual travel days. We successfully navigated 105 locks and burned 2,047 gallons of diesel. The completion is bittersweet, but the memories and friendships will last a lifetime. On to the next adventure."
Southern Comfort
Congratulations to Donald & JoEllen, who completed their Loop on January 9, 2025 aboard their Cruisers Yacht 5000 Sport Bridge, Southern Comfort.
Strummin' Along
Congratulations to Michael & Evan, who completed their Loop on February 19, 2025 aboard their 42' Nordic Tug Flybridge, Strummin' Along.
Taryn Aweigh
Congratulations to Nicholas & Taryn, who completed their SECOND Loop on January 26, 2025 aboard their 34' PDQ Catamaran, Taryn Aweigh.
Admiral Sponsors
Commander and Lieutenant Plus
Lieutenant
