Resource library search

As your Great Loop departure gets closer, you may find yourself thinking about everything you’re leaving behind. What will happen to your house and belongings? How will you stay connected with family and friends? What about mail, healthcare, and all those everyday details that keep life running smoothly?

For most people, living aboard and moving the boat regularly is a new endeavor, even if you’ve been a weekend boater for years. There are a lot of moving parts (figuratively and literally) that will need attention at the right points in time.

As someone who spends a lot of time on the road, and works with families who do the same, I ask this often: What would you do if you or a loved one experienced a medical emergency, at home or while traveling?

It's pretty uncommon to do the Great Loop in your 40s. It's even more unusual to do it as a crew of six women. Add the fact that these women will be rowing the Great Loop to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease, and the result is a truly unique and inspirational story.

Imagine sailing through a busy shipping lane at night: a cargo vessel bearing down from starboard, a fishing boat crossing ahead, fog rolling in. What do you do? Who gives way? What signals should you sound? What safety equipment must you have on board?

No matter your experience level, the Great Loop will introduce you to new waters, new conditions, and new challenges. Even seasoned boaters quickly realize there’s always something new to learn along the way. Step 3 is about building the knowledge and confidence you’ll rely on every day once you’re underway.

Don't miss the SkyMed Zoom event to learn why YOU need SkyMed Coverage. If you're looking for an outboard motor, check out Tohatsu America. Tohatsu is Japan’s oldest outboard manufacturer, producing high quality, durable outboard motors since 1956. Their experience and innovation are yours for the taking.

Do you really need all the latest and greatest technology to cruise the Great Loop? Gold Looper Dave Kansler says not necessarily. Read on to learn more.

Help us welcome SkyMed, who is dedicated to your safety out on the water. And, if you're in the market for a Loop boat, check out The Yacht Zone and see what's out there. While the northern portions of the route are cold and snowed in, a subscription to Southern Boating & Yachting will help keep you warm while you wait out the spring thaw. As always, we encourage you to support these businesses that support the Great Loop!

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors for helping make the 2025 Fall Rendezvous our biggest and best one yet! Also, please help us welcome one of our newest sponsors, Maritime Medicine, helping you stay safe on the water. 

You may not think twice about jumping into the water in the marina. You want to cool off after a long day cruising. What could go wrong?