My first Great Loop was in 1971. That was before the Internet, GPS, and before any books or information could be found in the local Library. It was the 'old salts' that hung out at the Marina that told me it was possible to take my boat from Galveston to Florida and up the Atlantic ICW, through the Erie Canal, Great Lakes, and down the Mississippi river to New Orleans and back to Galveston.
Back then, "America's Great Loop" didn't even have a name. Still, the thought was so intriging and the adventure was so irresistable, my best friend Terry and I simply couldn't resist.
That was my first Loop. Sadly, I had to dream about it for 22 years before I had a chance to do it again.
Now, another 23 years later, I've cruised the entire Loop a total of 8 times. Each time has been better than the one before. Each time has been more economical than the one before. Yet, each time has been safer, more comfortable and much more fun than the one before.
I've learned through the years to be more diligent and careful about who I take advice from. You should to!
Boaters in general are especially quick to give advice - and often it is about something they have actually never done themselves and know little or nothing about from their own experience.
Capt. John has been living aboard and cruising America's Great Loop for the past 23 years. With 8 completed voyages around, he has spent considerable time cruising much of the more than 29,000 navigatable miles the Great Loop offers in connecting waterways which make incredible 'side trips'. As far as we know, you won't find anyone with his Great Loop experience and qualifications. So rest assured, you are learning from the best.
Capt. John is also the Best Selling Author of two Great Loop BEST SELLING BOOKS as well as a Best Seller about cruising the Caribbean. He was awarded 2016 Best Selling Author in the Nautical Market, and his latest book "Once Around Is Not Enough" won 2016 Book of the Year, as well as the #1 Best Selling Book in a Niche Market.
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