Great Loop Radio Podcast

As this year's fleet of Loopers gets ready to head up the east coast of Florida, a side trip on the St. Johns River will be on the cruising plan of many. This week, Tim & Diane Vandersall join us to share details on this pristine river that's teeming with wildlife. They'll talk about navigating the river, the places they stopped along the way, the facilities available, and the options for places to explore, eat, and simply enjoy nature!

Captain Sterling Kennedy will join us once again, this time to discuss what you should take with you on your Great Loop voyage, and, what you should leave behind. This is sure to be a lively discussion as each cruiser has an opinion on this topic.

We often get questions about what's included in AGLCA membership, so in response, this episode talks about what America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association provides to anyone interested in the Great Loop. We also give details on what membership offers to those who are still planning, those who are currently cruising, and those who have completed the Great Loop.

Join us, along with Guest Host John Calascibetta, as we navigate the waters of NY Harbor, Staten Island and the Hudson River.

This week the Home Port Crew talks about what's new at AGLCA for 2025! Learn about new things coming up, existing efforts that are changing, and upcoming deadlines for participating in events, fleet shirts, stats, and more!

Heritage Harbor Marina on the Illinois River is AGLCA's Sponsor of the Year! Find out why Loopers selected this marina as the sponsor most deserving of this award as we interview Jeff Heimsoth and Bryce & Samantha Wallace. Many thanks to the entire Heritage Harbor community for their outstanding support of Loopers!

John Wooldridge, PassageMaker Magazine's Editor in Chief, will talk about Trawler Fest Anacortes, May 15-19. The event features a boat show and seminars. Capts. Chris and Alyse Caldwell will also join us in the broadcast to talk about the seminars they're teaching at Trawler Fest, including the latest in navigation.

Mark Tague with Richardsons' Maptech explains the differences between charts and maps, along with the essential publications to have when planning your cruise on the Great Loop.

Tips on cruising America's Great Loop, from best boats to side trips. Whether you are planning the cruise, or are already cruising, these tips are a valuable resource.

Two bills filed in Florida would further limit anchoring, and one bill would create free permits to anchor for more than 14 days. This week's podcast explains the history of the issue, gives the details of the bills, and shares why AGLCA supports one and opposes two. Most importantly, please help us fund our efforts on your behalf to protect anchoring in Florida by contributing at www.greatloop.org/advocacy.

Mark Coles, of Boating Georgian Bay, will continue his talk on cruising this great Canadian waterway and other topics pertaining to boating in Canada

Some states along the Great Loop Route require even transiting boaters to have taken a safe boating course. This means that every Looper should have taken a NASBLA approved course. This episode of our podcast talks about which states require a course for transiting boaters, what's covered in the courses, and where you can take one.

Curtis Stokes of Curtis Stokes Associates will guide us through the process of buying the perfect boat for the Loop

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, the Home Port Crew gives you up-to-date information on the process for U.S. citizens to clear Canadian customs as you enter Canada aboard your boat. We'll cover how to check into Canada when you arrive there, and how to check back into the U.S. when your cruising in Canada is over.

What does it take to do the Great Loop without fossil fuels? Bryan Verhulp is underway on the Great Loop aboard his trawler that he converted from diesel-powered to electric. Find out how he made the conversion, including the mechanical components (both those he removed and those installed), the cost, and the vessel's performance so far on the Loop.

The Canadian border opened to fully-vaccinated U.S. Citizens on August 9th, and Looper boat "Green Eyes" was one of the first to cross. Teresa O'Kane joins us to share the details of her experience crossing the border aboard Green Eyes and what was required. Teresa is happy to take your questions via Facebook, or, AGLCA members can find her contact information in the member directory.

AGLCA Sponsor, Mark Coles of Boating Georgian Bay, will tell us about the cruising waters of upper Georgian Ba and The North Channel.

AGLCA Sponsor, Mark Coles of Boating Georgian Bay, will tell us about the cruising waters of upper Georgian Bay and The North Channel

Join us as Bev & Jim Holland, who recently completed the Great Loop aboard their custom sailboat, "Steal Away", share the tales of their Great Loop adventure. They'll talk about their favorite things about the Great Loop and give details about how they handled Looping aboard a sailboat.