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.

Alison Major 9/17/25 Alison Major 9/17/25

When to Call for a Tow: A Cruiser’s Guide

Not every grounding needs a tow. Here’s how to know when you can self-rescue and when it’s smarter (and safer) to call TowBoatUS or Sea Tow.

Alison Major 9/15/25 Alison Major 9/15/25

5 Common Causes of Groundings (and How to Avoid Them)

Running aground happens to every cruiser eventually, but most groundings are preventable. Here are five of the most common causes, plus tips to help you steer clear.

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.

Alison Major 8/29/25 Alison Major 8/29/25

Beyond the Fudge: Mackinac Island’s History and Hidden Gems

Mackinac Island may be famous for fudge and carriages, but its history runs far deeper. From Native American roots and fur trading posts to Victorian tourism and tucked-away corners most visitors miss, here’s how to discover the island’s quieter side.