A Trip of a Lifetime

We are Tom and Brenda Lahey — Platinum Loopers and avid cruisers. We have completed America’s Great Loop twice and continue to travel on our 42-foot Beneteau Swift Trawler, Kissed Some Frogs.

While on a trip to Bermuda in 1990, we met a couple from Germany who was cruising around the world in their 50-foot trawler. This was a pivotal moment, and the dream of someday cruising the waterways was born. In 2017, we took the plunge and fulfilled our dream of buying a cruising boat. At first, Brenda was a reluctant passenger, but the camaraderie and adventure quickly won her over to the boating lifestyle.

After completing our first Loop in 2021, we decided to sell our home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and downsize to a condo in Palm Coast, Florida, so that we could spend more time boating.

Our favorite aspect of cruising is meeting other boaters and making new friends. We keep in touch with many regularly, visiting their home ports and entertaining them at ours. Brenda keeps careful track of the boaters we meet, collecting “Boat Cards” in a binder, updating them each time our paths cross. Her collection is over 900 cards and growing daily. We plan to continue our cruising adventures with a trip to Maine next season, and another round of the Great Loop in 2027-’28.

What is the Great Loop?

America’s Great Loop, referred to simply as “The Loop,” is an epic trip that captures the spirit of adventure, exploration and camaraderie. The Loop takes boaters on a voyage through the heart of North America’s waterways, offering a unique perspective on the rich history and diverse landscapes of the U.S. and Canada.

The Great Loop is a continuous waterway route that circumnavigates the eastern portion of North America. Popular routes include the Great Lakes, the inland rivers connecting to the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways, the Hudson River, the New York State Canal system, Canadian canals, and Georgian Bay and North Channel waterways. The trip allows boaters to explore quaint coastal cities, historic towns, remote wilderness areas and scenic waterways, all in one extended journey.

The complete Great Loop trip generally takes between 6 months and a year, with some Loopers choosing to span multiple years depending on their pace, route choices and work/family obligations. While there are popular routes, there is no single prescribed route. Each Looper customizes their journey based on interests, boat size and seasonal considerations. Some may choose a leisurely pace, exploring every nook and cranny, while others might opt for a faster route or fewer stops to complete the Loop within a shorter time frame.

Adventure, education and social connections

Traveling the Great Loop is more than just an exciting voyage; it’s an educational experience. Loopers learn about navigation, boat maintenance, weather and the ecosystems they travel through. The route will expose you to diverse cultural and historical landmarks, offering insights into the development of the United States, Canada, and how waterways helped to build our economy. Many Loopers find this journey to be profoundly transformative, deepening their appreciation for the waterways that shaped the nation.

The camaraderie among Loopers is integral to the Loop experience. It’s common to meet fellow boaters along the way. You will form friendships that last a lifetime. The community fosters shared stories, dockside gatherings (docktails) and collaborative problem-solving. On the Loop, you are never truly alone due to the fantastic support network of past, current and future Looper community members.

The role of AGLCA

The American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) is dedicated to supporting those undertaking the Loop. AGLCA provides educational resources, advocacy, networking opportunities and a sense of community among Loopers. They organize events, offer safety and planning guidance, and facilitate connections among those sharing the adventure.

AGLCA’s mission is to promote safe, enjoyable and educational cruising experiences, making the Loop accessible to both seasoned boaters and newcomers alike. Whether you are just dreaming of doing the Loop or actively planning your journey, membership in the AGLCA will provide you with innumerable opportunities to learn and network with other Loop enthusiasts. Find out more at GREATLOOP.ORG.

A trip of a lifetime

The Great Loop is often described as the trip of a lifetime. It’s an extraordinary way to connect with nature, history, other boaters and the diverse communities along the waterways. Along the way, Loopers develop a deep sense of accomplishment and appreciation for the waterways that have been vital to America’s development.

At the end of your journey, boaters “Cross Their Wake,” and “Go Gold,” referring to returning to your starting point and exchanging your white AGLCA burgee for Gold, indicating to all that you have successfully Looped. Flying your burgee identifies you as a Looper and is frequently a conversation starter when on the dock. When you complete the Loop, you will find yourself with a multitude of new friends, unforgettable memories, and a renewed respect for the waterways that continue to connect and define the nation.

The Great Loop is a unique adventure filled with exploration, education and new friendships that last well beyond the trip itself. Whether you’re seeking a personal challenge or a life-changing experience, the Loop offers a fantastic opportunity to journey through the heart of North America’s waterways.

In our series of articles, we will cover planning for the Loop, tips for preparing to leave the dock, popular routes, lessons learned on our journey to Platinum Loop status, and much more.

As the Looper toast says: “There are good ships and wood ships, and ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.”

We look forward to meeting you on the water.