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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.

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.

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 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.

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.