Alison Major 4/21/26 Alison Major 4/21/26

The Best Board Games for Life on a Boat (Tested on the Great Loop)

Not every board game survives boat life. After years of cruising with kids, here's what actually got played, what got stowed permanently after one session, and what we'd bring again without hesitation.

Alison Major 3/24/26 Alison Major 3/24/26

The Looper's Guide to Keeping a Captain's Log (Even When You're Tired)

You've tied off, cooked dinner, and your brain is done. The last thing you want to do is write. But five minutes tonight is worth a hundred regrets later. Here's how to make it easy.

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

5 Deeper Prompts to Capture the Heart of Your Great Loop Journey

Already logging marinas and miles? These five deeper journaling prompts help you capture how the Great Loop is changing you—not just where you went, but what it meant.

Alison Major 10/22/25 Alison Major 10/22/25

Winterizing on the Move: Cold-Weather Prep for Active Loopers

Cruising south late in the season? Here’s how to prepare your boat for chilly nights and freezing temps without fully winterizing… so you can keep moving safely and comfortably.

Alison Major 10/20/25 Alison Major 10/20/25

Boat Chores That Save You From Major Repairs Later

It’s the little things that keep a boat happy. Here are the regular maintenance tasks that prevent big, expensive surprises later… especially for those cruising the Great Loop full-time.

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

Reading the River: Navigating Bends, Currents, and Busy Waterways

Narrow bends, strong currents, and busy traffic can make rivers stressful. Learn how to read the water, anticipate challenges, and stay calm while cruising safely.

Alison Major 10/8/25 Alison Major 10/8/25

Etiquette and Unspoken Rules on the River

Rivers and narrow channels can get crowded, but a few unspoken rules keep everyone safer and happier. Learn the habits every Looper should know.

Alison Major 10/6/25 Alison Major 10/6/25

How to Make Yourself Seen and Heard on the Water

Being visible and audible on rivers and narrow channels keeps everyone safer. Learn the best ways to make sure other boats notice you before it’s too late.

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 9/26/25 Alison Major 9/26/25

Common Mistakes Loopers Make in Busy Harbors (and How to Avoid Them)

Busy harbors can be intimidating for Loopers, but many common mistakes are easy to avoid. From docking approaches to handling tour boat traffic, here’s how to stay calm and confident in crowded waters.

Alison Major 9/24/25 Alison Major 9/24/25

VHF Radio Etiquette: Communicating Clearly on the Water

Your VHF radio is more than background chatter; it’s your lifeline for safety, navigation, and coordination on the water. From hailing bridges and marinas to handling quick safety calls, here’s how to keep your transmissions short, clear, and effective.

Alison Major 9/22/25 Alison Major 9/22/25

Right-of-Way Scenarios Every Cruiser Should Know

Understanding who yields to whom on the water is crucial for safety. Here’s a practical guide to the most common right-of-way situations every cruiser will encounter.

Alison Major 9/19/25 Alison Major 9/19/25

Learning from a Bump: Why Groundings Don’t Have to Be a Big Deal

Every cruiser dreads hearing that telltale “thunk,” but the truth is, running aground happens to almost everyone at some point. Instead of letting fear take over, you can treat it as a learning moment and come out more confident on the water.