Be sure to visit America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association!
Though the days of the legendary sailing adventures of Magellan, Columbus and Ponce de Leon may be long past, the mighty lure of the water for many modern day mariners remains strong. For those who seek their own mythic-like nautical adventures, America’s Great Loop provides a boat enthusiast’s dream come true.
The Great Loop is a continuous waterway encircling the eastern portion of North America. The Loop includes the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland. Most boating experts believe the Great Loop (also sometimes referred to as the Great Circle Route) to be the safest long distance water route. Those who travel all or even a portion of the incredible Great Loop proclaim it to be the adventure of a lifetime.
The Great Loop trip is anywhere from 5000 to 7500 miles, depending on whether or not you take advantage of any of the many side trips that comprise the additional distance. With points as far north as the North Channel in Ontario and as far south as the ICW in Florida, long voyages can span multiple seasons and weather challenges, which knowledgeable Loop travelers typically take into consideration when planning and scheduling their Loop adventure.
The Great Loop is accessible to almost all recreational boats, everything from jet-skis to yachts 45′ and larger. Some adventurers chose to travel the Loop in segments, while many retiree boaters plan their Loop voyage as their major lifetime water adventure. In either case, traveling the Great Loop is something to be proud of, and a good story to share when meeting fellow boaters.
For those who may be considering a Great Loop voyage, be sure to research the organization America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association™ (AGLCA). The AGLCA exists for those boaters who have an interest in traveling the Great Loop and want to know more about it. The association’s primary purpose is to educate those who wish to navigate the Great Loop as well as to enhance the overall experience for those who have already started exploring and cruising America’s Great Loop.
AGLCA members (known as Loopers) range from novice to experienced Loop travelers. This is a very supportive and active community of boaters; the organization even hosts two annual gatherings for Loopers of all types, typically in Charleston, SC and then another in Joe Wheeler State Park in AL.
Traditionally those who strive to travel the entirety of the Great Loop do so in one of two ways. The first is to travel the Loop in segments, stopping and storing the boat until the next time your schedule allows you to return to the water. The other is to take as much time as possible to make the entire Great Loop trip. Either way, it’s good to participate in the AGLCA community so that you can stay informed regarding updates and tips on the route, places for docking and repair, and other Loop information.
Though there may no longer be much by way of unchartered waters for modern day sailors, America’s Great Loop provides its travelers the same spirit of adventure.
Source: America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
“Get in the Loop” by visiting
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association™
at http://www.greatloop.org/
or call 877-GR8-LOOP (877-478-5667), ext. 7104.
* AGLCA Members receive MarineFuel.com Membership discounts and special promotions – Join today to begin your adventure!
