Best AGLCA Podcasts (2025)

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AGLCA's Sponsor Program 21:22

Play Pause

19d ago21:22

21:22

Details about our sponsor program: https://www.greatloop.org/sponsors Refer a sponsor: [email protected] or submit a form hereBy Karen Nettles, Kimberly Russo

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Story of Our Loop: Darlene & Mike-Lopping 10 days on/4 days off 33:39

5d ago33:39

33:39

We continue our Story of Our Loop series this week with our guests, Mike & Darlene. They did the Loop in a non-traditional way by traveling home every other weekend. They'll share how they made the frequent trips home work, how they arranged travel, and how their way of Looping may have changed their overall experience. Mike & Darlene provide inspi…

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Story of our Loop-Malcolm & Rachel, Mainship 390 34:06

26d ago34:06

34:06

Our popular "Story of our Loop" series returns this week as we feature Malcom & Rachel from "Stay Cool", a Mainship 390 that completed the Great Loop in 2023. Malcolm and Rachel share why their chose their boat, the details of their adventure, how they stayed in compliance with regualtions as Canadians traveling for an extended period time in the U…

1
Local Notice to Mariners 28:04

1M ago28:04

28:04

Local Notice to Mariners are something that should be in every Looper's toolbox. Checking these reports can give insight into the local issues you may encounter on each movement of your boat on the Great Loop. Robert Rice joins us once again this week to discuss where to find Local Notice to Mariners and how you can use them to be more prepared for…

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Being Prepared If Someone Falls in the Water 46:24

1M ago46:24

46:24

Resources Here are a couple of articles from BoatUS on this problem Testing Crew Overboard Maneuvers - https://www.boatus.org/findings/41 Getting that person back aboard is harder than you think. - https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2012/october/man-overboard-rescue-for-powerboats MOB tips - https://www.boatus.org/crew-overb…

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The Lake Champlain Route Option 46:48

2M ago46:48

46:48

With the Erie Canal undergoing repairs between Locks E16 and E17, that route is not yet open to Loopers needing to transit the area to continue the Great Loop route. The Lake Champlain route option is a popular choice in most years, but even more Loopers are considering it this year instead of waiting for the Erie Canal to fully open. This week, AG…

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Great Loop Locking Tips 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

AGLCA members can download the handout discussed. It is available in our Resource Library on the www.GreatLoop.org website.By Kimberly Russo, Jacque Bentey, Tsali Bentley

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The Erie Canal's Bicentennial 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Update on the New York Canals! Join us as Shane Mahar, Director of Public Engagement – Canals at the New York Power Authority & New York State Canal Corporation, discusses the status of the Canals, and the delayed opening of most sections, on what was expected to be opening day system-wide. We'll also discuss the Erie Canal's Bicentennial celebrati…

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Anti-Anchoring Bill Passes Florida Legislature 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

Learn more at about HB 481, why it's bad for boating, and how to get involved in our veto campaign: Website: https://boatersrightscoalition.org/veto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoatersRightsCoalition The actual bill: https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/481/BillText/er/PDF Steps you can take now: Help us fund the effort: https://www.greatl…

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Great Loop Myths Busted! 41:49

3M ago41:49

41:49

If you enjoyed our episode a few weeks back on "Looper Lore", then you'll appreciate this episode as we bust some Great Loop myths. Kim & Ted from Pony are our guests as we explore some of those Looper sayings, or pieces of advice, that you might want to reconsider when planning and cruising your own Great Loop adventure.The Great Loop is the boati…

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Planning for the Cost of Looping 30:55

3M ago30:55

30:55

How do you know how much boat you can afford? How can you be sure you'll have enough money left after the Loop for the rest of your retirement? And how can you make sure the money you've saved for the Loop goes as far as possible? Join us for this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast as Cathy Aull, Certified Financial Planner with Edward Jones, …

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Florida Anchoring Law Update 26:39

3M ago26:39

26:39

The Boaters' Rights Advocacy Coalition is a group of dedicated boaters associations representing more than 20,000 members committed to advocating for the rights of all active cruisers and boaters. Our mission is to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable access to our public waterways. Here's how you can help protect anchoring on Florida's waterway…

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7 Questions to Ask Locals on the Loop 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

When Foster & Susan did the Great Loop, they decided not to follow the pack to the "usual" Looper stops. Instead, they asked 7 questions to locals around the Loop that helped them find the hidden gems, the waterways less traveled, and ultimately, make the Loop their own. Join us this week as Foster & Susan share their 7 questions that led them to t…

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Looper Lore 43:21

4M ago43:21

43:21

Most Loopers have their favorite sayings that apply to the Great Loop. This week, we share some of the best "Looper Lore" that you'll hear during docktails and other discussions on the Great Loop. Tsali and Jacque Bentley, platinum Loopers and AGLCA award winners, are my guests this week as we reveal and explain some of the favorite Looper Lore sub…

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Looping in Segments 33:19

4M ago33:19

33:19

America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own boats completing a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals no…

1
Boating Safety Course Requirements 40:07

4M ago40:07

40:07

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 epsiode 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.The Great Loop is…

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A Side Trip on the St. Johns River 29:45

5M ago29:45

29:45

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 …

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Anti-Anchoring Bills in Florida 30:15

5M ago30:15

30:15

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 anchor…

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Story of our Loop: Scott, Lauren & Sully - Krogen Express 52 41:20

5M ago41:20

41:20

Our "Story of Our Loop" series continues this week with Scott Wake sharing the details of his Great Loop adventure aboard his Krogen Express 52 with his wife, Lauren, and dog, Sully. Some of you may have followed Sully Does the Loop on social media. Scott shares how they made the Loop work for them before retiring, including how Lauren traveled bet…

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2025 Update: Loop Completion Stats 33:24

6M ago33:24

33:24

This week we share stats about boats completing the Great Loop in 2024. Brent Bowlin of Great Loop Yacht Sales will be our guest as we unveil our list of top 10 boat makes that crossed their wakes last year, the average boat size, and the overall number of Loop completions reported to AGLCA.Visit our sponsor, Great Loop Yacht Sales, at www.GreatLoo…

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2025 Update: Marine Insurance 33:10

6M ago33:10

33:10

For several years, obtaining insurance has been one of the bigger challenges in buying a Great Loop boat. This week, Jon Horton of Jack Martin & Associates returns to our podcast to update us on what to expect in 2025. Is it becoming easier to get insurance your Great Loop boat? Listen to find out!The Great Loop is a waterway route followed by "Loo…

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2025 Update: The Boat Buying Market 42:53

6M ago42:53

42:53

What can we expect when buying or selling a Great Loop boat in 2025? Michael Martin from Great Loop Yacht Sales join us with details on the current market and information on how the boat buying process works. If you're planning to buy a boat for the Great Loop, be sure to catch this episode.The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that Loopers cr…

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2025 Update: Financing Your Great Loop Boat 33:40

6M ago33:40

33:40

This week we kick off our "2025 Update" series where we'll report on different parts of the process for buying a Great Loop boat. In the coming weeks we'll talk about the current state of the Great Loop boat market, marine insurance, and surveys. This week, Cindy Lewis of Sterling Associates is our guest. Cindy shares her expertise and covers what …

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2025 Update: The Pre-Purchase Survey 45:27

6M ago45:27

45:27

As our 2025 update to our boat buying series continues, Scott Miller of Miller Marine Consulting joins us to talk about the importance of a pre-purchase survey on your chosen Great Loop boat. Our discussion includes details on how to choose a surveyor and what to expect both during and after the survey. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a …

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AGLCA Looks Ahead to 2025 31:30

7M ago31:30

31:30

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! America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own b…

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Story of Our Loop: Coming from Overseas to do the Great Loop 28:05

8M ago28:05

28:05

As interest in the Great Loop grows overseas, this episode features Clive and Anne from Australia. They share the story of their Great Loop aboard their Mainship 390, including all the details on how they were able to abide by customs and immigration laws whle buying their boat and cruising the 6,000 miles of the Great Loop. The Great Loop Route is…

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Planning Your Great Loop Stops 33:13

8M ago33:13

33:13

You know where the Great Loop route goes (if not, check out our map or our FAQs), but how do you decide which cities and towns to visit along the way? Join us as April Smith aboard One Eye Dog shares how she plans their stops during their long-distance cruises including the Great Loop. The Great Loop is a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S., and p…

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Teamwork & Communication While Docking 33:58

8M ago33:58

33:58

Docking and other close-quarters maneuvering can be some of the most stressful parts of a day of boating on the Great Loop. Join us as experienced boater and current Looper, Elaine Stern, shares some of the things she wishes someone had told her when she first started boating that can improve teamwork and communication while docking. The Great Loop…

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Converting a Diesel Trawler to Electric 39:44

8M ago39:44

39:44

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 our 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…

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Our Aging System of Locks 37:30

9M ago37:30

37:30

Join us as we discuss the recent issues at the Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River with Cline Jones, Executive Director of the Tennessee River Valley Association and the Tennessee-Cumberland Waterways Council. Cline provides information on past and current issues with this lock and why we should be concerned about similar problems that could happen …

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Story of our Loop: Bob & Mary-Ranger Tug 27 34:04

9M ago34:04

34:04

This week we share another installment of our popular series where Gold Loopers share the stories of their Great Loop adventure. In this episode, Bob & Mary, who were new to boating when they decided they wanted to cruise the Great Loop, share the details of their Ranger R-27 and why it was the prefect Great Loop boat for them. They also tell us ab…

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AGLCA Sponsor of the Year is Heritage Harbor Marina 28:50

9M ago28:50

28:50

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! America's Great Loop is the boati…

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AGLCA Has Something for Everyone! 30:18

9M ago30:18

30:18

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…

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Story of Our Loop: Aubrey & Terri-Aspen C108 Power Cat 39:51

10M ago39:51

39:51

We continue our popular "Story of Our Loop" series this week with Gold Loopers Terri & Aubrey Smoot sharing the tales of their Great Loop adventure aboard their Aspen C108 Power Cat, "ShoreBilly Too". Often described as the adventure of a lifetime, America's Great Loop boasts a 'low risk, high reward' travel experience. Boaters journey over 5,000 m…

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Great Loop Side Trips 45:57

10M ago45:57

45:57

Ever wonder how far you can cruise on different rivers off the main Great Loop route? Join us this week as David Fuller, a frequent AGLCA speaker, talks about the many side trips you can take as part of your Great Loop adventure. The Great Loop Route is a 6,000-mile nautical adventure that takes you through some of North America's greatest cities, …

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Marina Reservations in Michigan 35:54

10M ago35:54

35:54

AGLCA members cruising in Michigan this season reported some challenges with the reservation system used by many marinas, so this week, we talk to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about the marina reservation process to get some tips on finding and reserving a slip. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie…

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Great Loop Radio: Happy 25th Anniversary, AGLCA! 30:06

11M ago30:06

30:06

Join the celebration of AGLCA's 25th Anniversary! The Home Port Crew talks about how AGLCA started, how it's grown over the years, what has changed, and what's remained the same. We also touch on plans for the future in this "Happy Annviersary" episode. The Great Loop is a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S., and part of Canada. The route includes…

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Great Loop Radio: Story of our Loop - Gary & Lisa, 41' Carver 35:35

11M ago35:35

35:35

Gary & Lisa aboard PerfectSeas (a 42' Carver Aft Cabin Motor Yacht) are our guests this week. They share details about their 6,000 mile nautical adventure on America's Great Loop, including how they got started, what they found the most challenging, and what they learned along the way. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile route through interconnected wat…

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Great Loop Radio: Cruising Door County 38:36

11M ago38:36

38:36

Door County, Wisconsin, is one of the Great Loop's gems. Find out what there is to see and do in this area as local Gold Loopers, Pete & Cheryl Glassen (Varlabania), share the details about cruising Door County as part of your Great Loop adventure. America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop…

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Great Loop Radio: Selling Your Boat 29:31

12M ago29:31

29:31

All of us will, at some point, sell our boats. This week, Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales joins us to talk about the boat selling process. He'll provide tips on how to get the boat ready for sale, what photos to include in the listing, the popular sites where you'll want your listing included, and pitfalls to avoid. Whether you plan to sel…

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Great Loop Radio: Story of My Loop-Michael, 22' C-Dory 41:40

12M ago41:40

41:40

Our "Story of our Loop" series is back with Michael MacLeod sharing the stories of his two Great Loop trips. After a career in music that included travel around the globe, Michael began the Great Loop and completed it the first time aboard a 22' C-Dory and a second time aboard a 25' C-Dory. Join us to hear what drew Michael to the Great Loop, why h…

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What's New at AGLCA 31:35

12M ago31:35

31:35

Join the Home Port Crew as we provide details on the many virtual and in-person events coming up this summer and into fall. We'll cover our Virtual Docktails free events where AGLCA members can join Zoom breakout rooms to discuss specific topics, our "Must Have Apps for the Great Loop" webinar series that is free for members, our upcoming "Looper L…

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Visiting Mackinac Island 31:24

1y ago31:24

31:24

Mackinac Island has long been a Looper favorite stop. Get all the details of what you'll find on this unique, historic, and quaint island when stopping there as part of your Great Loop adventure. Tad & Libbie Sheldon talk about the Island and the waterways surrounding it on this episode. America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! …

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Great Loop Radio: Cruising Georgian Bay 37:43

1y ago37:43

37:43

Some of the finest cruising on the Great Loop is found on Georgian Bay! Join us as Dale Anderson shares the details of cruising these waters that he calls home. Our disussion includes likely stops for Loopers, favorite anchorages, things to see and do, and calming the anxiety of navigating the 30,000 Islands. The Great Loop is the boating adventure…

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Great Loop Radio: Story of Our Loop-Chris & Beth, 31' Camano 37:00

1y ago37:00

37:00

Join us as Chris & Beth share the story of their Great Loop adventure aboard their 31' Camano. Our conversation includes details about their boat, their planning, and what they gained from taking on this challenge. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out w…

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Great Loop Radio: All About Vessel Safety Exams 34:08

1y ago34:08

34:08

Ever wondered if you should get a vessel safety check on your boat before starting the Great Loop? Rob Rice joins us on this episode to talk about vessel safety exams. We'll cover what they are, why you should get one, and how to schedule it. Resources mentioned in the episode: List of required safety equipment can be found in this document: https:…

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Great Loop Radio: Cleaning up the Inland Rivers 21:46

1y ago21:46

21:46

Do you know Chad Pregracke? If not, you should! For 25 years he's been helping remove trash from America's inland rivers. Chad founded Living Lands and Waters in 1998 at the age of 25 when he realized nothing was being done to clean up the waterways. He is the winner of many awards and accolades, most notably, Chad was the recipient of the Jefferso…

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Great Loop Radio: Distress & Safety Equipment 37:34

1y ago37:34

37:34

From fire extinguishers to life rafts to personal locator beacons, distress and safety equipment is important for your Great Loop cruise. After presenting an enlightening seminar at our Spring Rendezvous, Jeremy McConnell of Northwest Creek Marina is our guest this week to talk about this important topic. Northwest Creek Marina is an AGLCA sponsor,…

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Great Loop Radio: Paying it Forward - Volunteering While on the Loop 36:37

1y ago36:37

36:37

Diane & Tim Vandersall earned their Gold Burgee and then decided to give back to the boating community and the waters they frequented while on the Loop. They've spent two months volunteering in some of Florida's beautiful state parks. While the work is sometimes strenuous, they've found it rewarding, and they earned free dockage during the period o…

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Great Loop Radio: NOAA Forecasts for Boaters 31:33

1y ago31:33

31:33

Weather forecasts may be the most important piece of information you can gather before heading out for a day on the water. This week, Kennard "Chip" Kasper, Meteorologist-in-Charge at NOAA/Florida Keys National Weather Service, joins us to talk about NOAA's mission and the important work they do in marine weather forecasting. With hurricane season …