Great Loop Radio Podcast

In this episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, we continue our “Story of My Loop” series with veteran mariner Peter Reich, who completed the Great Loop aboard his Lord Nelson Victory Tug. Peter brings a depth of experience rarely matched among Loopers, with a background that includes a degree in naval architecture, years as a commercial mariner, marina operator, and lifelong pleasure boater. Peter shares highlights from his Great Loop adventure, lessons learned from a Gulf crossing that didn’t go according to plan, and the ways his decades on the water shaped the strong culture of safety he maintains aboard his boat. From preparation and seamanship to decision-making underway, this episode is packed with practical wisdom that even the most experienced cruisers will appreciate. Whether you’re actively planning your Loop or already underway, Peter’s thoughtful advice and real-world perspective offer valuable takeaways for every boater. 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 miles around the Eastern part of the United States and into parts of Canada. The Great Loop was once a route known only to lifelong boaters and long-distance cruisers, but the secret is out. Join us as we unpack the Great Loop planning steps, from buying a boat to securing boat insurance; dive into a variety of stops and excursions along the way; share the highlight of Loopers who've crossed their wake; and of course, answer all of your questions about how to make this dream a reality. Enjoy our videos, join America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA), and add this adventure to your bucket list!

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re talking about something every Looper will face—but not everyone fully understands—tides and currents. Join us as we welcome Captain Craig Allain of Captain Craig's Boat Services for a practical, real-world conversation about how moving water can impact your Great Loop adventure. From the big tidal swings to Georgia and south Carolina to tricky marina approaches, Captain Craig breaks down: -Where Loopers are most likely to encounter the largest tide changes -How currents affect boat handling in close quarters -Smart strategies for anchoring in tidal waters -Tips for tying up at marinas when water levels are changing Whether you’re still planning your Loop or already underway, understanding tides and currents can make the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful docking. Captain Craig shares confidence-building advice that will help you work with the water instead of fighting it. 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 miles around the Eastern part of the United States and into parts of Canada. The Great Loop was once a route known only to lifelong boaters and long-distance cruisers, but the secret is out. Join us as we unpack the Great Loop planning steps, from buying a boat to securing boat insurance; dive into a variety of stops and excursions along the way; share the highlight of Loopers who've crossed their wake; and of course, answer all of your questions about how to make this dream a reality. Enjoy our videos, join America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA), and add this adventure to your bucket list!

Get the inside scoop on the 2025 Great Loop completions! The long-awaited stats are in, and Brent Bowlin of Great Loop Yacht Sales joins us to break them down. How many boats crossed the finish line last year? What were the most popular makes and sizes? How long did the journey take? Tune in for a fascinating look at the numbers behind one of boating’s most iconic adventures. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that Loopers cruiser aboard their own boats. At its essence, it's 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 northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop.

Boat buying in 2026 comes with big questions—and financing is one of the most important. This week, we continue our boat buying series with a deep dive into current marine financing. Cindy Lewis of Sterling Associates joins us to break down today’s financing rates and terms, explain why financing may make sense even if you can pay cash, and share what buyers need to know before making an offer. Whether financing is part of your plan or not, this episode offers valuable insight you won’t want to miss.

Thinking about buying your Great Loop boat in 2026? We’re kicking off a new series dedicated to what today’s buyers really need to know. In this episode, Michael Martin of Great Loop Yacht Sales joins us to break down the current boat-buying landscape and what’s ahead for Loopers this year. Is it still a seller’s market? Are prices continuing to climb—or are new opportunities emerging for buyers? Get expert insight, practical perspective, and the latest market realities to help you buy your Great Loop boat. Tune in to find out what 2026 could mean for your boat search!