Alison Major 4/30/26 Alison Major 4/30/26

I'm Speaking at the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous — Here's What I'm Sharing

Two presentations, one rendezvous, and a course dropping on May 5. Here's what I'm sharing at the AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in Norfolk — and why it matters whether you're there or not.

Alison Major 4/14/26 Alison Major 4/14/26

How to Plan Your Great Loop Route: A Practical Starting Point

Six thousand miles sounds impossible until you stop looking at the whole thing and start breaking it into something smaller. Here's how to approach Great Loop route planning like someone who's actually done it.

Alison Major 4/7/26 Alison Major 4/7/26

What Kind of Boat Do You Need for the Great Loop?

There's no single "right" boat for the Great Loop. But there are smart ways to think through the decision and a few things that matter a lot more than most people expect.

Alison Major 4/2/26 Alison Major 4/2/26

5 Questions to Ask Before You Commit to the Great Loop

This isn't a "should I do it?" post. You already know the answer to that. These five questions are about going in clear-eyed, with honest conversations had and real expectations set.

Alison Major 3/26/26 Alison Major 3/26/26

How to Read a Cruising Guide Without Getting Overwhelmed

Cruising guides are invaluable — and also, occasionally, a lot. Here's how to read them like an experienced Looper instead of a panicked student cramming for an exam.

Alison Major 3/19/26 Alison Major 3/19/26

What Is the Great Loop? A Simple Answer for the People Asking

Every time we mention the Great Loop, someone asks, "Wait… what is that exactly?" So here's the simple, honest answer. No jargon, no overwhelm. Just the thing that might change everything.

Alison Major 3/10/26 Alison Major 3/10/26

From Blank Page to Published: Getting Your Loop Blog Started Quickly

Starting your Great Loop blog doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips remove friction and help you get from a blank page to a first post you’ll be proud of.

Alison Major 3/5/26 Alison Major 3/5/26

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Loop Story

Blog, YouTube, newsletter, social media… so many ways to share your Great Loop story. Here’s how to pick the platform that fits your style, your time, and your audience.

Alison Major 10/17/25 Alison Major 10/17/25

Boat Cards: Your Floating Calling Card on the Loop

Ever wonder how other Loopers make friends so easily? Enter the boat card: a simple, friendly way to connect with fellow cruisers and leave your mark along the way.

Alison Major 10/15/25 Alison Major 10/15/25

Budgeting for the Great Loop: What It Really Costs to Cruise

Forget the “how much does it cost?” debate. Let’s talk about what your Loop might look like. Here’s how to break down the real expenses (fuel, marinas, maintenance, and more) based on your personal cruising style.

Alison Major 10/13/25 Alison Major 10/13/25

Packing for the Great Loop: What You Really Need (and What You Don’t)

Looping isn’t about having everything… it’s about having the right things. From space-saving gear to the comforts that make long-term cruising feel like home, here’s how to strike the balance between preparedness and simplicity.

Alison Major 10/3/25 Alison Major 10/3/25

Five Times We Threw Out the Plan (and What We Learned)

Every Looper learns early: no plan survives contact with the water. Here’s why flexibility is your best friend, and how unexpected changes can turn into some of the most memorable moments.

Alison Major 10/1/25 Alison Major 10/1/25

Why Cruising Plans Are Made to Change

Every Looper learns early: no plan survives contact with the water. Here’s why flexibility is your best friend, and how unexpected changes can turn into some of the most memorable moments.

Alison Major 9/29/25 Alison Major 9/29/25

The Looper’s Guide to Flexible Itineraries

The Great Loop is full of surprises: weather delays, mechanical hiccups, and opportunities you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to plan an itinerary that keeps you on track without boxing you in.

Alison Major 9/12/25 Alison Major 9/12/25

Foodie Stops in Chicago: A Cruiser’s Guide to Local Eats

From deep-dish pizza to ethnic neighborhoods bursting with flavor, Chicago is a foodie’s dream—and Loopers can taste it all without straying far from the dock.

Alison Major 9/10/25 Alison Major 9/10/25

Chicago by Boat: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive

Cruising into Chicago is a highlight of the Great Loop—but it takes a little prep. From marina reservations to timing your run down the Chicago River, here’s what Loopers need to know before arriving in the Windy City.

Alison Major 9/8/25 Alison Major 9/8/25

Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago as a Looper

Chicago is one of the biggest milestones on the Great Loop, and it’s worth slowing down to enjoy. From deep-dish pizza to world-class museums and a stroll down the Magnificent Mile, here are five must-do experiences for Loopers visiting the Windy City.

Alison Major 9/5/25 Alison Major 9/5/25

Island Time on Beaver Island

Beaver Island is one of the Great Lakes’ most unusual cruising stops. Once home to a self-proclaimed king and now a haven of Irish heritage, it’s quirky, remote, and endlessly charming—a true “island time” detour for Loopers.

Alison Major 9/3/25 Alison Major 9/3/25

Sleeping Bear Dunes by Boat: How to Visit on the Loop

Towering sand dunes, turquoise waters, and a legend that gives the place its name—Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of Michigan’s most breathtaking stops. Here’s how Loopers can plan a visit by boat.

Alison Major 9/1/25 Alison Major 9/1/25

Michigan’s Hidden Gems for Loopers: Beyond Mackinac

Mackinac may be the headliner, but Michigan has plenty more to offer Loopers. From quiet anchorages to charming towns, here are a few lesser-known gems worth adding to your Great Loop itinerary.