Alison Major 6/13/25 Alison Major 6/13/25

Weekend Warriors vs. Full-Time Cruisers: Sharing the Water in Summer

Summer weekends bring big crowds and fast boats. Here’s how full-time cruisers can adjust their expectations and share the water with part-timers and vacationers.

Alison Major 6/11/25 Alison Major 6/11/25

Cruiser Etiquette During Busy Season: How to Share Tight Spaces Without Losing Your Cool

Summer cruising can get crowded—anchorages, locks, marinas, and tempers! Here’s how to practice good cruiser etiquette and keep things calm during peak season.

Alison Major 6/9/25 Alison Major 6/9/25

Can You Anchor Anywhere? How to Find Good Spots in a Crowded Cruising Season

Wondering if you have to anchor in a marked anchorage? Learn how to find safe, legal spots to drop the hook, even during peak boating season.

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

Safety Drills for Cruising Families: How to Practice Without Scaring the Kids

Emergency drills don’t have to be scary. Learn how to prepare your cruising family with calm, age-appropriate safety practice that builds confidence and skills.

Alison Major 6/4/25 Alison Major 6/4/25

What to Do If Someone Falls Overboard: A Step-by-Step Plan for Cruisers

Shorthanded crew? Cruising with kids? Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide for what to do if someone falls overboard, designed for real-world conditions and small crews.

Alison Major 6/2/25 Alison Major 6/2/25

Daily Safety Checks Aboard: 10 Things to Look For Before You Move

Before you pull anchor or cast off lines, a quick daily safety check can prevent a world of headaches underway. Here’s a simple, repeatable list of 10 things to inspect before moving your boat—customizable for your cruising style and vessel type.

Alison Major 5/30/25 Alison Major 5/30/25

Family Fun on the Hudson River: Historic Sites, Parks, and Hidden Gems

Cruising the Hudson River with kids? Discover the best riverfront towns, parks, and museums that are actually accessible from your boat—plus a few hidden gems worth planning for.

Alison Major 5/28/25 Alison Major 5/28/25

How to Remove and Transport Your Sailboat Mast for the Great Loop

Removing your sailboat’s mast for the Erie Canal or other low-clearance routes is a big job—but it’s doable with good planning. Here’s how we handled it, what we’d do differently, and what to expect.

Alison Major 5/26/25 Alison Major 5/26/25

Cruising the Hudson River: A Port-by-Port Guide for Loopers

The Hudson River is one of the most scenic stretches of the Great Loop. From big-city marinas to quiet canal towns, this guide walks you through every stop from NYC to Waterford—with mileage, provisioning tips, and favorite discoveries along the way.

Alison Major 5/23/25 Alison Major 5/23/25

Family Locking: How to Involve Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool

Locking through with kids aboard? It can be a fun and rewarding experience—if you go in with a plan. Here’s how to safely involve your kids, avoid chaos on deck, and make each lock-through a family learning moment.

Alison Major 5/21/25 Alison Major 5/21/25

Top 5 Mistakes New Loopers Make in Locks (and How to Avoid Them)

Locks are intimidating at first, and they’re a prime place for first-time mistakes. Here are five common locking errors we’ve seen on the Great Loop (and a few we’ve made ourselves) with tips to help you stay safe and calm.

Alison Major 5/19/25 Alison Major 5/19/25

First-Time Locking: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Heading into your first lock on the Great Loop? Here’s what to expect, how to prepare, and real-life tips to make it easier—including how we kept the kids involved.

Alison Major 5/16/25 Alison Major 5/16/25

Gratitude on the Great Loop: What This Trip Teaches You About Enough

Cruising the Great Loop shifts your relationship with space, stuff, and the pace of life. Here’s how living on a boat taught us to notice the little things, appreciate simple joys, and redefine what “enough” really means.

Alison Major 5/14/25 Alison Major 5/14/25

Why We Had the Kids Journal on the Great Loop (and What I’d Do Differently)

Journaling helped our kids remember and reflect on our Great Loop adventure—but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and why I created prompt journals to make it easier for other families.

Alison Major 5/12/25 Alison Major 5/12/25

5 Simple Prompts to Help You Remember Your Great Loop Journey (Even if You’re Not a Journaler!)

No time for journaling? No problem. These five short prompts make it easy to capture your Great Loop adventure—whether you’re writing in a notebook, app, or one of our kid-friendly travel journals.

Alison Major 5/2/25 Alison Major 5/2/25

Looping with a History Buff: Visiting America’s Capital by Boat

If you’re cruising the Great Loop with a love of American history, the Potomac River leg offers more than just access to D.C.—it’s a winding journey into the heart of the nation’s story. Here’s why this stretch is a must for history buffs afloat.

Alison Major 4/30/25 Alison Major 4/30/25

Free & Family-Friendly: Smithsonian Museums Worth Docking For

Washington, D.C. is packed with incredible, free museums—but if you’re cruising in with kids in tow, where should you go first? Here are our top family-friendly picks worth the trip up the Potomac.

Alison Major 4/28/25 Alison Major 4/28/25

Side Trips Worth Taking: Cruising the Potomac River to Washington, D.C.

If you’re cruising the Great Loop and debating whether to detour up the Potomac River—this is your sign to go for it. From national treasures and quiet anchorages to bustling waterfronts and historic neighborhoods, the trip to D.C. by boat is packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s what we loved and what you should know before heading upriver.

Alison Major 4/25/25 Alison Major 4/25/25

Buying a Looping Boat? Here’s What Insurance Companies Look For

Thinking of buying a boat for the Great Loop? Insurance companies have specific criteria they consider before offering coverage. From boat age to hull type, understanding what underwriters look for can help you avoid surprises and secure a policy that works for your adventure.

Alison Major 4/23/25 Alison Major 4/23/25

Creating a Boating Resume That Gets You Approved for Insurance

A strong boating resume can make all the difference when applying for insurance. Learn how to document your experience, outline your cruising plans, and present yourself as a responsible boater to underwriters.