Great Loop Radio Podcast

What does it really take to turn a true fixer-upper into a Great Loop-worthy cruiser? When Mike Smith discovered the boat that would carry him around America’s Great Loop, it had spent a decade as a dock queen—and didn’t even run. But with determination, creativity, and a whole lot of help from friends, Mike brought her back to life and transformed her into a sound, safe, and comfortable home for his 6,000-mile adventure. On this week’s episode, Mike shares the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons learned from resurrecting his Looping boat. If you've ever wondered whether a project boat can make the journey, this is one you won’t want to miss. The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and a part of Canada. Loopers undertake this adventure of a lifetime aboard their own boats, often taking a year or more to complete the route. America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association provides information and inspiration for those planning for, currently cruising, or dreaming about a Great Loop adventure. Join us for events, members-only forum access, marina and fuel discounts, and more! www.greatloop.org/joinus

New anchoring regulations are coming to Florida—and they could change the way Loopers plan their cruise, especially around Biscayne Bay. On this episode, we break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to know before you drop the hook. Tune in to get clear, practical guidance so you can cruise Florida with confidence. Want to learn more about the Great Loop? How about building camaraderie with others who have done the whole route so you can find out what it's actually like? Join AGLCA for accurate and thorough Great Loop information and access to other members. Find out more at www.greatloop.org/joinus.

Mike Tackett wasn’t running away—he was chasing something. After years of building businesses and raising a family, he felt the pull of something more: freedom, clarity, and the wide-open water. So he bought a boat named PATIENCE, convinced his wife to come along, and set out to tackle America’s Great Loop—a 6,000-mile voyage that would test, stretch, and ultimately transform him. In this episode, Mike joins us to share the story behind his memoir, Blue Mind, Bold Heart. He opens up about the storms and stillness, the near disasters and quiet revelations, and the unexpected moments that reshaped how he sees life. With honesty, humor, and a refreshing vulnerability, Mike takes us inside the journey that changed everything—from the rhythm of his days to his sense of purpose. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this all there is?” you won’t want to miss this conversation. The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Solo female Loopers are still rare, but Michele proves it can be done — and done with confidence and grace. This week, she joins us to share the story of her Great Loop completing aboard her 31' Camano Trawler. You’ll be inspired by Michele’s adventurous spirit, practical approach, and refreshingly matter-of-fact attitude toward single-handing one of the greatest boating adventures there is. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! The Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime. Loopers follow the 6,000-mile route in their own boats, cruising up the east coast, into the Great Lakes, through the inland rivers, and through the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.greatloop.org.

Thinking about tackling the Great Loop but not sure if the lifestyle—or the boat—is right for you? Buying a Looping boat is a big commitment, and many future Loopers want a way to try before they buy. In this episode, we talk with three AGLCA sponsors who offer unique ways to experience the Great Loop firsthand—before making that major investment. From joining a Looper who offers cruises aboard their own vessel, to attending “Trawler School” and earning a certification, to chartering along some of the Loop’s most iconic waterways, you’ll discover several hands-on ways to see what Looping is really like. Tune in to explore your options for testing the waters of the Great Loop lifestyle! America's Great Loop is the boating adventure of a lifetime! Loopers cruise the 6,000-mile Great Loop route aboard their own boats completing a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop. Visit www.greatloop.org for more info.