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 5/10/25 Alison Major 5/10/25

How to Play: Going to Boston

Discovered at a maritime museum in St. Marys, Georgia, Going to Boston is a fast, sailor-approved dice game that’s easy to play on board. It builds math skills, keeps kids engaged, and connects your crew to cruising history—with just three dice and a bit of friendly competition.

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

How to Connect with Other Cruising Families on the Loop

Cruising the Loop is even better when your kids find other boat kids. Learn how to spot family boats, use tools like NoForeignLand and AGLCA, and make kid-friendly meetups part of your cruising life.

Alison Major 5/7/25 Alison Major 5/7/25

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Stops on the Great Loop

Cruising the Great Loop with kids? These 10 stops are packed with museums, playgrounds, treats, and adventures your crew will actually remember—plus a few bonus detours worth the miles.

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

Boat Schooling on the Great Loop: How We Made It Work

Curious how to homeschool while cruising full-time? Here’s how we approached boat schooling on the Great Loop, with flexible routines, a patchwork curriculum, and a whole lot of learning from the world around us.

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.

Alison Major 4/21/25 Alison Major 4/21/25

The Best Insurance Options for Great Loopers: What You Need to Know

Boat insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for Great Loopers. From cruising limits to underwriter preferences, here’s what you need to know before you buy a policy.

Alison Major 4/18/25 Alison Major 4/18/25

Caught in a Storm: Lessons Learned from Rough Weather

Weather on the water can change in an instant, and every storm is a lesson in preparation, patience, and adaptability. From sudden squalls in the Gulf of Mexico to scrambling to close hatches before a downpour, here’s what we’ve learned about handling rough weather and staying safe when conditions turn.

Alison Major 4/16/25 Alison Major 4/16/25

What’s in Our Storm Kit? The Essential Gear Every Cruiser Should Have

Storms are an inevitable part of cruising, but being prepared makes all the difference. From anchor backups to emergency lighting, here’s what’s in our storm kit and why you should build your own before the weather turns.