Thanks for the Memories!
By Barbara Wolf
As always, everyone agreed that the
very best part of doing the Loop is the
friendships that are
forged by this incredible shared experience. But it
wouldn‟t be a Gold
Looper Reunion
without a few good
sea stories, and we
heard plenty of those
– often hilarious,
sometimes frightening, and occasionally just a shade beyond believability.
The Reunion
closed on a poignant
Gold Loopers enjoying the camaraderie at Legacy Harbour Marina in
and bittersweet note
Fort Myers, Florida, site of the 2015 Reunion.
with remarks by
Tom and Patsy Conrad, expressing their thanks to the
anyone has ever wondered great deal of formal structure. We
Looper community for years of
what Loopers do after they‟ve finwere there primarily to spend social
friendship and support. Every person
ished the Loop, one answer is that
time with each other, after all – you
in attendance rose to their feet to
they gather together for fabulous fun know, docktails and that sort of
thank Tom and Patsy for all they
and camaraderie at the annual Gold
thing! But there were a few planned
have done for so many of us for so
Looper Reunion. The 2015 Reunion
activities, such as a private tour of
many years. It was clear to see that it
was held at Legacy Harbour Marina
the nearby Edison–Ford Estates and
meant the world to Tom to be able to
in downtown Ft. Myers, Florida, on
an interesting slide presentation
spend this time in the company of
January 14 and 15. Over 120 Gold
given by a local volunteer about the
scores of Looper friends. (Sadly, not
Loopers - the largest group ever at
nearby (but unknown to most of us)
long after the event, Tom passed
this event - gathered to renew old
Koreshan State Historic Site.
away. Please see our tribute on page
acquaintances and meet new friends.
The main events each day were
three of this issue.)
Many attended by boat, others
the evening cocktail hours, followed
The Reunion ended with hugs
stayed in local land-based accommo- by two delicious dinners (prime rib,
and good-byes and promises to get
dations and still others bunked on
anyone?). Before each dinner, we
together again next year – or even
board with Looper friends.
introduced ourselves by year of
better, somewhere soon along the
As tends to be the case with Gold completion and shared favorite
blue highway!
Looper Reunions, there wasn‟t a
memories of the Loop.
If
www.aedsuperstore.com
www.alredmarina.com
www.baypointmarina.net
From the Editor’s Deck
Volume 17, Issue 1
Jan./Feb. 2015
This is a very sad time for everyone
here at AGLCA. As I‟m sure you have
all heard by now, we recently lost one
of our most loved members, Tom Conrad. Our Discussion Forum and Facebook page have been inundated with
messages of sympathy for his wife,
Patsy, and talk of how much he will be
missed.
On a happier note, plans are well
underway for the Spring Rendezvous &
Reunion, scheduled for May 4-7, 2015,
at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside. Kim
Russo, our newly appointed Director, is
working hard preparing the agenda,
lining up speakers, and adding some
new seminars we think you will all find
very exciting! Keep checking the website, www.GreatLoop.org, for more
information.
The Harbor Host of the Year contest
is underway. The contest is very close
so be sure to log in and vote for your
favorite today! All of our Harbor Hosts
get a vote from us for being such wonderful assets to the organization! For
more on the contest, check out page
nine in this issue.
As always, if you have any suggestions for how we can improve your
Membership experience, please let us
know. You can send an email by clicking here.
Until next time, safe cruising!
Gold Loopers gather to hear a presentation on the Koreshan State His-
www.bbyachts.com
Published 6 times/year, The Great
Loop Link is the newsletter of
America‟s Great Loop Cruisers‟
Association™, an organization of
boaters who have cruised or dream of
cruising any or all of North
America‟s eastern waterways.
AGLCA is committed to sharing
navigational and cruising
information that will enhance the
enjoyment and safety of those
cruising these waterways.
The Great Loop Link
America’s Great Loop
Cruisers’ Association
URL: www.GreatLoop.org
500 Oakbrook Lane
Summerville,SC
29485
877-GR8-LOOP
877-478-5667
E-mail:[email protected]
Regular New Membership dues
are $69.00 per year, U.S. dollars.
Various levels of Sponsorship are
also available.
Members are urged to submit
information for the newsletter.
Editors reserve the right to edit
material for brevity, clarity, and
content.
Views expressed are those of the
writer alone and not necessarily
shared by the Directors or the
membership.
No portion of this publication
may be reprinted without the written
consent of AGLCA Directors.
Information provided is general in
nature and should not be used as the
ultimate source of information on
cruising the waterways.
toric Site, presented at the Gold Looper Reunion held in Ft. Myers, Florida.
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www.cedarvillemarine.com
www.burntstoremarina.com
www.canyonclubmarina.com
www.captainchrisyachtservices.com
www.chattanoogafun.com
www.psjmarina.com
www.c-quartersmarina.com
www.crowleys.com
Tom Conrad Will be Missed by All
Tom Conrad died on January
27, 2015, after a long battle with
cancer. Tom and his wife, Patsy,
were members of AGLCA for 13
years.
Tom was a Gold Looper who,
along with Patsy, completed the
Loop in November of 2002,
aboard their 28‟ Catalina, True
North.
Tom is best known to most
Loopers as the man behind Tom‟s
Weather Musings. For six years,
from 2008-2014, Tom would rise
at 5 am to provide Loopers with
his Weather Musings, daily discussions of the expected weather
conditions for the Gulf of Mexico
crossing. He did this first through
the AGLCA Google Group and
then the Discussion Forum. Hundreds of Loopers made it safely
across the Gulf of Mexico thanks
to Tom.
He and Patsy were the first recipients of the AGLCA Harbor
Host of the Year Award in 2011.
They received the award, not only
for the assistance provided by
www.deepcreeklanding.com
Tom‟s “Musings”, but also for
hosting Loopers in their home,
playing tour guides, providing
rides, and generally being
“delightful and charming Harbor
Hosts.”
Tom went above and beyond
when he took on the role of emcee
at several of the AGLCA Rendezvous. Many boisterous Loopers
were quickly quieted when Tom
blew his famous whistle! His
genuine affection for his fellow
members came through in this, as
it did in all of his activities.
In addition to emceeing, Tom
was one of the most popular presenters at the Rendezvous. His
seminars on Crossing the Gulf and
navigating various sections of the
Loop consistently received high
praise from attendees. His knowledge on these topics, and his ability to communicate that knowledge in an entertaining way, were
extraordinary.
Tom and Patsy were also
members of the AGLCA Advisory
Council.
Tom will be greatly missed by
all.
“Weep not for me though I am gone
into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon
my soul's sweet flight.
For with your love I was so blessed for
all the past months & years.
There is no pain; I suffer not, the fear
now is all gone.
Put now these things out of your
thoughts, in your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for
breath, remember not my strife.
Please do not dwell upon my
death,
but celebrate my life."
wwwdeltavilleboatyard.com
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www.popyachts.com
www.dycboat.com
www.downeastyachting.com
www.denisonyachtsales.com
www.edwardsyachtsales.com
The Story of Our Loop
Row and Gus Ambler completed the Loop on Dec, 21, 2014,
aboard their Mainship 400
Trawler, Summerland.
They spent 265 days Looping
and spent approximately $45,427.
This did not include the boat purchase price.
The highlights of their trip
were; Annapolis, Maryland, New
York Harbor, the Erie Canal, the
Trent Severn Waterway, the
“Mighty” Mississippi, Chicago,
Illinois, Mobile Bay and Clearwater, Florida.
Row & Gus think the Great
Loop is an adventure like no other
due to the boating challenges you
face along the 5100 mile route.
Their advice for people planning their Great Loop trip is to be
patient.
They feel the best thing about
membership in AGLCA is all of
the support provided, from the
Discussion Forum, the newsletters, the Rendezvous, and all of
their fellow Loopers!
Debi Starnes and Jim Emshoff
completed the Loop Nov. 16,
2014, aboard their 44‟ Symbol
Motoryacht, Sea Fever.
They spent 200 days Looping
and the highlights of their trip
Debi Starnes and Jim Emshoff,
along with daughter Emily, pose
with their new Gold Burgee.
Row & Gus, aboard Summerland, proudly display their Gold Burgee
4
www.cityftmyers.com/Attractions/YachtBasin/
tabid/117/Default.aspx
www.portroyallandingmarina.com
were the great adventures, the 165
different ports visited, seeing the
Eastern United States at 10 mph,
and all of the great friends they
made along the way!
Their daughter Emily, seen
with them in the photo above, was
only 9 years old when her parents
began the Loop. She is now 23!
www.morningstarmarinas.com/goldenislars.php
www.graftonharbor.net
www.gograndharbor.com
www.greatlakesmarina.com
www.insurancenavigators.com
www.landfallnavigation.com
The Story of Our Loop
The Sloop Aristarcus
Ray and Beth Wolf completed
the Loop Dec. 17, 2014, aboard
their 41‟ Gulfstar Sloop, Aristarcus.
They spent two years and nine
months Looping.
“Traveling on the Great Loop
let us see the eastern half of
America from a unique vantage
point. We saw Alabama and the
Florida Panhandle, New Bern,
North Carolina, The Dismal
Swamp, Mobjack Bay and Tangier Island, Virginia.
“We sailed the Chesapeake
Bay, Erie Canal, Dunkirk, New
York and Lake Michigan-Huron.
We saw wildlife up close, and got
to be in the middle of some of the
most vibrant cities and friendliest
towns east of the Mississippi.”
They feel the thing that sets the
Great Loop adventure apart is, it
is custom-made for each boat and
crew and can be completed by
most people regardless of age,
budget, or boat type.
Their best advice for those
planning their own cruise?
“Take your time; never set an
absolute date to be anywhere; be
flexible and fluid to take in what
may be around the next turn.”
They added, “The best thing
about AGLCA membership is the
friendliness and camaraderie with
other Loopers. The burgee is a
friendship magnet for Loopers
and non-Loopers alike!”
Glenn and Brenda Young
completed the Loop Jan. 20,
2015, aboard their Ocean Alexander Trawler, Young at Heart, after
spending 300 days Looping.
The people they met and the
great fellowship with other Loopers all along the way made their
trip memorable. Also, the satisfaction of accomplishing it all on
their own boat while in their mid
70's.
When asked what makes the
Great Loop an adventure like no
other, they replied, “Doing it ourselves, in our own boat - doing
the maintenance and driving ourselves.”
Their advice for potential
Loopers, “Just Do It !!!”
They felt AGLCA helped them
in their journey with information
sharing and providing a great goal
for a retirement experience.
Glenn and Brenda Young completed their Loop aboard this
Ocean Alexander Trawler,
Young at Heart.
Pontchartrain Landing
A New Orleans Marina
www.pontchartrainlanding.com
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www.mygulfport.us/City_Departments/Marina/Marina.htm
Twelve Stones
Completes the Loop!
WE DID IT! Russ, Elaine, and Seadog Ike, aboard Twelve Stones, a Great
Harbour GH37, crossed their wake on
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014. In 401 days,
we traveled approximately 6185 statute
miles through 17 States and parts of
Canada. WOW!
The Great Loop adventure has been
described as „an amazing journey
sprinkled with moments of sheer terror‟.
We would conclude this to be a
true statement.
While the things you will see and
experience such as; traveling by the
Statute of Liberty in your very own boat,
riding the Big Chute Lock in Canada,
endless sunrises and sunsets that will
take your breath away, the Gulf of Mexico crossing, and much more, nothing
compares to the friendships made with
other Loopers. The relationships cultivated along the Loop are priceless.
There have been lots of laughs and some
tears (mainly Connie aboard Chesapeake
and Elaine when they parted in Killarney).
God‟s protection over us was seen
many times throughout this trip. He provided us safe harbors/anchorages during
bad weather and many days of smooth
waters as we lived out our adventure.
Although our Loop is officially complete we are still making plans with
fellow Loopers to travel to the Florida
Keys and the Bahamas after our
scheduled month stay in Ft. Meyers
Yacht Basin, Ft. Myers, Florida.
Russ & Elaine Sturm
Aboard Twelve Stones
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www.parkbridge.ca
www.pcmarina.com
www.petoskey.us
www.orangebeachmarina.com
www.hawkscay.com/marina_boats.php
Longfellow has written:
Life is real, life is earnest,
the grave is not its goal;
dust thou art, to dust
returnest,
was not spoken of the soul.
With these words in mind:
Let us be up and exploring,
With a quest for the next shore.
Still pursuing, keep on cruising,
Sailing forward evermore.
www.reefpointmarina.org
www.halfmoonbaymarina.com
Trust no anchorage, however
sound,
Check your gear and look
around.
Drop your hook, with
stars o'erhead,
Enjoy the night, before the bed!
In this world's sea of choices,
In your bivouac and strife,
Be like no other sailor,
Be the captain of your life.
Let enjoyment, not
your sorrow,
Be your destiny and fate.
Cruise, so each tomorrow,
Brings new horizons, to you,
mate!
Chart your course,
And make it pleasant,
Learn the lessons from before,
Steering forward, ever forward,
Toward the beacons,
On other shores.
Leave a log, so perhaps
another,
Sailing over the ocean's main,
A younger, less experienced
brother,
Seeing, will plot the course explained.
So, tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an endless dream,
Set a course, new destinations,
Cast off your lines,
it's cruising time!
Chuck Wilson
December 2012
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hinckleyyachts.com/service/Savannah
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Cruising Guests Without the Stress
A question you‟re likely to
hear from friends and family as
you plan your Great Loop cruise
is, “Can we come?” Sometimes
this is just an attempt to live vicariously through you. After all,
this is the adventure of a lifetime!
But some loved ones may be sincere in wanting to spend time
aboard to share in your journey.
Many Loopers find welcoming
cruising companions can make
the trip even more special.
But how do you plan for guests
on your boat when you are still
adjusting to life in a small space?
What do you do when those
guests arrive at the marina with
more luggage for a week than
you‟ve brought for the entire
Loop? How do you plan to take
on passengers when your schedule may change due to weather or
mechanical issues? And, if your
guests are not boaters themselves,
will they even enjoy the trip?
Veteran Loopers agree that the
key to stress-free visits is setting
expectations in advance. The primary expectation you must relate
to your guests is the need for
them to be flexible about every
part of the trip.
Trying to ensure you‟re in a
specific place at a specific time
when on a long-distance cruise is
a primary cause of poor decisions
made by Captain and crew. You
may leave a safe harbor in bad
weather, or, continue cruising after dark in an unfamiliar area, if
you feel pressure to arrive at a
given place and time to pick up
8
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passengers. Share this with your
guests, and ask them to be adaptable. The best recommendation is
to give your passengers a place or
a time you will meet them, but
never both. If Aunt Ida from
Boise won‟t be happy waiting for
a day or two for you to arrive in
Chicago to pick her up, then she
may not be the best person to invite aboard. Another good idea is
to write a brief letter about procedures on your boat and share it
with those planning to visit prior
to their arrival. Use it to advise
them on how much space you
have for them to store their personal items, what life is like on
board. Consider including
how you expect your
guests to help
(if at all) while
underway,
docking, locking through,
etc. “Most important, you
cannot be
afraid to tell
your guests
what you want/
need them to
do to stay safe
and keep the
systems running smoothly.
This is no time
to be bashful!”
say Captains
Chris and
Alyse Cald-
www.lakeparkmarina.com
www.jackmartin.com
well, of Captain Chris Yacht Services. Chris and Alyse also recommend making some preparations to your boat ahead of time,
including adding cue cards to sensitive equipment, for example,
“nothing but your waste and our
toilet paper goes in the head” and
“please don‟t adjust the air conditioner from this panel because it
controls both staterooms” and
anything else that pertains to the
efficient operation of your boat.
Perhaps most important is a
safety briefing for your guests,
and a review of the onboard systems and procedures upon their
arrival. This will set everyone‟s
mind at ease and set the tone for a
worry-free trip.
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Waterfordmarket.org
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Vote Now for Harbor Hosts of the Year
The nominations are in and we have
our finalists. We want to thank everyone
who submitted a nominee for our contest
but, above all else, we want to thank our
Harbor Hosts. It was a wonderful experience reading all of the nominations
which listed, not only the Harbor Hosts'
names, but also, what they had done to
deserve the nomination. We all should
be proud of the job they do!
The winning host or couple will receive a plaque, a lifetime membership
and complimentary attendance at the
Spring 2015 Rendezvous group meals,
events and seminars!
Please read the brief paragraphs below, giving some of the reasons why
these Harbor Hosts were submitted as
nominees. When you are done, and have
made up your mind, simply click on the
"Vote Now" button to go to the ballot or,
www.sailrite.com
visit www.GreatLoop.org, Members
Only, Member Resources, Harbor Host
Information, Vote for Harbor Host of the
Year. Voting is open to members only,
so if you're not logged in, you will be
asked to do so. Voting will end on Feb.
28, 2015.
John Calascibetta is the Harbor Host
for the New York Metropolitan area.
John is happy to go above and beyond
for visiting Loopers, taking them shopping, providing transportation, and answering the numerous questions visitors
have about the "Big Apple". He greets
visiting Loopers personally and makes
them feel at home.
Tom and Melesia Goodman are the
Swansboro, North Carolina, Harbor
Hosts. They are very happy to assist
Loopers visiting their area by providing
local information, transportation and
www.stuartyachtsales.com
even welcoming Loopers into their home
for overnight stays.
Freya Petersen and Don Bennett provide their Harbor Host services in Peterborough, Ontario. Freya and Don greet
each and every Looper entering Peterborough and often provide "Welcome to
Canada" bags which include some of
Freya's homemade jelly. They act as tour
guides to the area and are happy to provide transportation if needed.
Carl and Greg Vernon cover the Panama City, Florida, area. They offer visiting Loopers a place to dock, dinner,
transportation, and a warm welcome.
They have even been known to host
Thanksgiving dinner for as many as 40
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Register Now for
Spring Rendezvous
& Reunion
Experience the camaraderie
that makes our organization so
unique! Attend the Spring Rendezvous & Reunion and see what
all the buzz is about! Our Rendezvous consistently receive ratings
of 4.5 or above (out of 5) for the
overall Rendezvous experience.
The wealth of information
available at this event is unparalleled. You will have the opportunity to attend educational seminars on navigation and information on the portion of the Loop
between Norfolk, Virginia, and
Rogersville, Alabama, site of the
Fall Rendezvous, presented by
experienced cruisers. Previous
Rendezvous have had additional
sessions on topics as diverse as
insurance, purchasing and selling
your boat, provisioning for your
cruise, and the ABCs of Looping!
Keep an eye out for the agenda to
see what exciting side sessions
will be scheduled for this year!
The fantastic group meals and
receptions provide the chance to
mix and mingle with fellow
Loopers. It is at these times you
can gain some of the most valuable information, talking with
members in the midst of Looping,
or, those who have already received their Gold Burgee!
10
www.regentpointmarina.com
AGLCA's Spring Rendezvous
& Reunion is scheduled for May
4-7, 2015, at the gorgeous Sheraton Norfolk Waterside. The
Sheraton has become a member
favorite over the past four years,
and it's easy to see why! The
breathtaking waterfront views,
friendly staff, and delicious food
make this the perfect spot to usher
in the spring boating season.
Those of you arriving by boat
can take advantage of the many
amenities at the Waterside Marina, located within walking distance of the event hotel. The marina offers free wi-fi, showers,
laundry and an athletic club.
All of this, while staying in the
heart of the historic Norfolk waterfront.
And, just a few steps away is
Granby Street, with shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters.
The rate for all this is $396 per
person. Your registration fee includes:
 All seminars
 All group events
 Access to AGLCA Ship's
Store on site
 Access to vendor displays
 Six meals
To register, click here.
www.ci.portwashington.wi.us/Marina/Index.htm
NOTE: Once registered, cancellations received by April 24, 2015,
will be refunded less a processing
fee of $50. There will be no refund for cancellations received on
or after April 25, 2015.
Hotel reservations at the
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
must be made separately.
To make a reservation,
click here.
If you prefer, call (800) 3253535. Be sure to mention you will
be attending the AGLCA Rendezvous.
The rates are $115 per night
for a City View Room and $135
for a Harbor View Room.
Our cruisers will be staying at
the Waterside Marina directly in
front of the Hotel. The entire transient marina has been reserved for
our Loopers, but, you MUST reserve your slip directly with the
marina.




The rate is $1.50 per foot
Call John at 757-625-3625
Water and electric for single
30 are included. Twin 30s and
50 amp is $5 per day.
Be sure to mention you will
be attending the AGLCA Rendezvous
www.portcharlesharbor.com
www.rmhyc.com
11
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Loop Completions
SPONSOR’S CORNER
L
ocated at River Mile
392.2 of the
McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System,
near the confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris and Grand Rivers,
Three Forks Harbor offers the
boating public its most-inland allweather access to the nation‟s waterways and sea ports of the world
– and much more! The centerpiece of Three Forks Harbor is the
River Center, a 10,000 square foot
multi-purpose events center and
plaza, designed by GH2 Architects.
You will also find state-of-theart marina facilities managed by
the Muskogee Port Authority.
Truly a mixed-use port development, Three Forks Harbor is fast
becoming a focal point for the
enjoyment and appreciation of
one of the nation‟s premier waterways. A perfect setting for
boaters, fishermen, hikers, bikers
and other outdoor enthusiasts,
Transient Boaters are welcome
at Three Forks Harbor Marina!
Moor your boat at one of the
transient boat slips located adjacent to the Ship Store with easy
access to the amenities provided
at the Ship Store (fuel, supplies
and marine pump out) and River
Center (WiFi, showers, laundry
and Boater's Lounge).
Other services available to
transient boaters at Three Forks
Harbor include two public boat
ramps, 100-metric-ton marine
travel lift and transient boat-yard
for self-service maintenance or
dry-dock storage.
For more information contact
[email protected]
Phone: 918 682-7886
Website:
www.threeforksharbor.org
Timothy Howard completed the
Loop Dec. 1, 2014, aboard his 55‟
Hampton, C-Scape.
John Pylant completed the Loop
Dec. 12, 2014, aboard his 34‟ PDQ,
Endeavor.
Russ and Elaine Sturm completed
the Loop Dec. 13, 2014, aboard their
37‟ Great Harbour, Twelve Stones.
Ray and Beth Wolf completed the
Loop Dec. 17, 2014, aboard their 41‟
Gulfstar Sloop, Aristarcus.
Gus and Row Ambler completed
the Loop Dec. 21, 2014, aboard their
36‟ Mainship 400, Summerland.
Berwick and Alex Duval completed
the Loop Dec. 31, 2014, aboard their
43‟ Mainship, Moondance.
Dawna and Ralph Monette completed the Loop Jan. 6, 2015, aboard
their 28‟ bayliner, Two Ole Knots.
Tom and Sue Hamman completed
the loop Jan. 19, 2015, aboard their
42‟ CHB Present Sundeck, Andante.
Steve Hampton completed the Loop
jan. 19, 2015, aboard his 31‟ Camano, Miss Hadley.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS
FEATURED IN THE GREAT LOOP LINK
CONTACT JOANN SMITH
[email protected]
877-GR8-LOOP
12
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