What is the route for the Great Loop?

What is the route for the Great Loop?

The Great Loop is a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S., and part of Canada. The route includes the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the New York State Canals, the Canadian Canals, the Great Lakes, the inland rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico. “Loopers” take on this adventure of a lifetime aboard their own boat.

How long does it take to travel the Great Loop?

Cruising speed will normally clock in around 8 or 9 knots (10 MPH) which will average you about 50 miles per day. For most, it will take between 9 months to a year to complete The Great Loop and “pass your wake” as they say.

Can you sail the Great American Loop?

Sailing the Great Loop can take as long as you want it to take. It has been completed in as little as two months and as long as twelve years. Some have decided to turn this sailing trip into a lifestyle! On average though, most people complete this route in about one year.

Can you boat all the way down the Mississippi River?

Just like there’s more than one way to skin a cat, traveling the entire length Mississippi River can be done in a number of fashions. Every year, in fact, hundreds of people “thru-boat” Old Man River in everything from handmade rafts to luxury yachts.

How many miles is the loop by boat?

The Great Loop—a year-long, nearly 6,000-mile journey through the eastern United States and Canada’s interconnected water passages—takes boaters counterclockwise from the Gulf and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways to the Erie Canal, Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers.

How many locks does the Great Loop have?

There are just over 150 locks on the great loop, but the amount that you encounter will depend on which route that you take. If this is your first time encountering a lock, you should inform the lock master, as they will be able to talk you through the process and make sure that you don’t get into trouble.

What is a gold Looper?

Those who have crossed their wake (completed the route) have earned the Gold Burgee and are known as Gold Loopers. And yes, those who have completed the route more than once earn the Platinum Burgee.

Can you take a houseboat down the Mississippi river?

Explore the mighty Mississippi River from the unique vantage point of a houseboat. Pull into a side lake to slip down your houseboat’s slide into the cool water and take a swim by day, or secure your anchor to let the water’s movement rock you to sleep at night.

What is the tallest boat for the Great Loop?

In very general terms, what would you recommend in terms of boat types, lengths, draft? The Great Loop can be done in virtually any type of vessel, as long as draft doesn’t exceed 9 feet and height from the waterline is less than 19 feet, 1 inch. Sailboats must have masts that can be lowered.

Can you do the Great Loop solo?

You absolutely CAN complete the Great Loop solo, regardless of the size of the boat. Let these Loopers give you the information and inspiration you need to get cruising.