Great Loop Radio Podcast

Our guest on this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast is Jeremy Fowler, Marina Manager at Heritage Harbor on the Illinois River.  Jeremy will share details of cruising the Illinois Waterway from Chicago to its junction with the Mississippi River.  We'll also talk about the Army COE's plan to close the Illinois Waterway for lock maintenance in 2020.

As "safety September" continues, this episode of Great Loop Radio discusses man-overboard situations.  Safety instructor Brian Adams joins us to talk about how to avoid falling overboard and what to do if you find yourself in the water.  "You go in as you are" so don't forget to wear your personal flotation device (PFD).  Brian will also share information on ensuring a comforta...

AGLCA is focusing on safety this month, and this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast features Captain Randall Davis discussing first aid aboard.  Randy is an AGLCA member, a FEMA instructor, and a Red Cross instructor.  He'll help listeners understand the basics of how to render first aid in an emergency.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Services share basic navigation tips helpful for newer boaters planning their Great Loop Adventure.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Ben Stein from Panbo.com join us to talk about how to ensure you remain connected while cruising.  Ben will share information on cell service and WiFi aboard, and options available for voice, data, and streaming video. 

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, John Pitney joins us once again to review one of his check lists/procedures.  The focus this time around is his checklist for getting underway.  John will walk us through the things to check in the engine room, interior & decks, and helm station.  Be prepared for a day on the water by checking these things before getting underway!

Graham Lacy of Wright's Marina Limited in Britt, Ontario is our guest on this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast.  He'll help Loopers navigate waterway closures due the Forest Fire burning in northeastern Georgian Bay, where to avoid, and what areas are clear to visit.  We'll also cover general cruising information for the pristine waters of Georgian Bay.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Tom Hale joins us to cover a topic straight from our Members Discussion Forum -- Sacrificial Anodes.  Aluminum or Zinc?  Which is better for your type of cruising?  To bond or not to bond?  Find the answers on this week's episode.

On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Carolyn Shearlock of TheBoatGalley.com joins us to talk about her favorite gadgets and storage tips.

The Home Port Crew has been getting A LOT of question regarding the upcoming Fall Rendezvous and how to register.  So, this week's episode of Great Loop Radio will focus on the details.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, John Pitney returns to share another of his check licsts/procedures.  This week, we're covering the difference between salvage and towing and sharing important information to ensure you know which of these a tow company is about to perform on your boat.  We'll also give suggestions on preparing to be towed, as well as towing another boat.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, we'll provide details on the Route Briefing and Looper Lifestyle seminars coming up June 29th and 30th at Trent Port Marina.  Trent Port is the "Gateway to the Trent Severn" and in addition to our seminars, it's a great stop on the Great Loop!   Trent Port's Marina Manager, Kathy Lammers, tells us about the marina, and Quinte West's Senior Tour...

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Jon Horton of Jack Martin & Associates joins us to share information about insuring your boat during hurricane season.  The season begins today, and with one named storm already, this could by another busy season.  Jon will share details on what insurers will expect you to do to be covered during a storm. 

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Curtis Stokes of Curtis Stokes & Associates provides details on Coast Guard documentation, registration, and tax issues related to your purchase of a boat for the Great Loop.

This week's guest on Great Loop Radio is Marine Safety Expert Mario Vittone.  Mario will talk about "Planning to Fail" and how you can stay safe on the water by developing contingency plans for handling the things that could go wrong.

The Great Loop route has over 100 locks.  On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Looper Ken Bloomfield joins us to share the procedure for locking through.  Our primary focus will be the Army Corp of Engineer locks on the inland rivers, but advice will also include how to handle other locks as well.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, learn about 24 nights of free dockage available on Albemarle Sound.  Jack Atwell, Managing Director of the Albemarle Loop is our guest. Jack explains the many things to see and do along the Albemarle Sound and provides details about 12 marinas that each offer two free nights to transient boaters who tie up there!

Gold Looper John Pitney is back this week on Great Loop Radio.  He'll be sharing details on the procedure he uses for running inlets. Listen to learn about the best (and worst) times during the tide cycle to run an inlet, how to prepare, and more.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Tom Hale returns for part 2 of his tour of the AICW.  This week, he'll share navigation information for the segment of the Great Loop route that takes us along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Charleston, South Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia.  Listen for tips on current hazards to navigation and how to work with tides when planning your trip.

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Tom Hale join us to share navigation information for the segment of the Great Loop route that takes us along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from Fernandina Beach, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina.  Listen for tips on current hazzards to navigation and how to work with tides when planning your trip.

This week's Great Loop Radio podcast provides a preview of the upcoming Spring Rendezvous.  Hear about the seminar line-up, the other activities, and the status of the facilities after their major renovation. Helpful information for those already registered, and those considering attending this year or in the future, will be shared. 

On this week's episode of Great Loop Radio, Gold Looper John Pitney joins us once again to review some of the checklists he's provided to AGLCA members.  This week we'll cover what to do when being boarding by authorities.  We'll also tackle general security aboard with the focus not on personal security, but rather, securing your boat and belongings.

AGLCA is presenting content this month focusing on anchoring while cruising the Great Loop.  This week, we bring you a replay of one of our Great Loop Radio podcasts from two years ago when Gold Looper John Martin joined us to talk about anchoring. John shares lessons on anchoring including basic gear, types of anchors and rode, techniques, and tips.  

As this year's fleet of Loopers prepare to head up the east coast, Brad Pickel, Executive Director of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, joins us to talk about the status of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, current dredging projects, and other projects that have been funded. Listen for tips on where to look out for shoaling and low-depths on your cruise north.

On this week's espidoe of the Great Loop Radio podcast, our guests are anchoring consultants Rudy & Jill Sechez.  They'll be joining us to talk about anchoring basics.