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In this episode of our Story of My Loop series, we talk with Gold Looper Marcel LaFond, who completed the Great Loop primarily solo aboard a 26-foot MacGregor sailboat. Marcel shares how he made the adventure possible on a budget, the challenges of cruising alone while managing Parkinson’s disease, and the importance of knowing when to wait for better conditions. From anchoring along the rivers to the encouragement of fellow Loopers, hear Marcel’s reflections on the unexpected demands, memorable moments, and rewards of completing the Great Loop.

Great Loop etiquette goes beyond what happens on the water! In Part 2 of our conversation about boating etiquette, AGLCA welcomes back Platinum Loopers Jacque and Tsali Bentley to discuss the unwritten rules and everyday courtesies that make cruising more enjoyable for everyone. From Docktails and boat cards to marina manners, dinghy storage, and traveling with pets, we cover the little things that make a big difference. We also discuss sharing marina amenities, courtesy flags, social media etiquette, and navigating interactions with fellow boaters. Whether you're planning your Great Loop adventure or already underway, this episode is full of practical advice for being a considerate cruiser and making the most of the Looper community. What unwritten rules of boating etiquette have you learned along the way? Share your tips in the comments!

What does it really take to replace a boat’s generator with lithium batteries, and can you cruise the Great Loop without relying on a generator? On this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re joined by current Looper and AGLCA Admiral Sponsor Cathy Aull, who shares a how the failure of the generator aboard Aspasia, her Meridian 341, led her to rethink the boat’s entire power system. Rather than replacing the generator, Cathy designed and installed a 48-volt lithium battery system with an inverter, solar and alternator charging. She walks us through the research and calculations behind the conversion, how she determined which power demands were truly essential aboard, and the trade-offs involved—including why running air conditioning continuously wasn't one of her requirements. Cathy also shares what she has learned now that she’s actively cruising with the system: how she keeps her batteries charged underway and at anchor, how long she can comfortably stay off-grid, what she would do differently, the importance of properly sized wiring, fuses and other safety measures, and why a smaller generator or high-output alternator could still make sense as part of a lithium setup. If you're considering lithium batteries, trying to reduce generator use, or simply wondering what an alternative power setup could look like aboard a Great Loop boat, this episode offers a real-world look at one Looper's experience, from the initial decision and installation, to actually living with the system underway.

In this episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Loopers Ken and Cheryl Pfeiffer share the story of completing America’s Great Loop aboard their custom trawler. They discuss how their boating journey began, what led them to choose and customize their boat, and how they prepared for an extended adventure on the water. Ken and Cheryl reflect on some of the memorable destinations, experiences, and relationships that shaped their Loop, along with the challenges they encountered and the lessons they learned along the way. They also offer practical advice for future Loopers, including the importance of remaining flexible, preparing thoughtfully, and making the journey your own. Whether you are actively planning your Loop, searching for the right boat, or simply dreaming about casting off someday, Ken and Cheryl’s story offers helpful insight and inspiration from a couple who turned their Great Loop plans into reality.

In this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re diving into Looper Loot, AGLCA’s new loyalty points program designed to reward members for getting involved with the Association and the Great Loop community. We’ll explain how Looper Loot works, some of the ways you can earn points, where to find and track your points, and how you can redeem them for rewards. Whether you’ve already started collecting points or you’re hearing about Looper Loot for the first time, we’ll help you get up to speed and make the most of the program. We’ll also introduce Ally Russo to the Home Port Crew and learn a little more about her role at AGLCA and the work she’s doing behind the scenes to support members and the Association. Plus, we’re looking ahead at what’s coming to the AGLCA app, with a preview of some upcoming features designed to make it even more useful while you’re planning and cruising the Great Loop. Tune in to learn more about Looper Loot, meet Ally, and get a sneak peek at what’s next from AGLCA!