Why The Great Loop
Why The Great Loop?
The inspiration for our Great Loop adventure began back in the summer of 2002. My wife and I were staying at Sportsman’s Inn in Killarney, nestled along the beautiful North Channel. There, we struck up a conversation with three retired gentlemen from somewhere in the southern United States. They were partway through their Great Loop voyage—full of stories, energy, and a sense of adventure that was simply contagious.
Their tales captivated me, planting the idea of “one day” embarking on this remarkable journey myself. That moment stuck with me ever since, quietly fueling a dream over the years.
Now, based in Parry Sound on Georgian Bay—right along the Great Loop route—my wife and I are finally ready to turn that dream into reality. On August 15th, we’ll cast off from our home dock and set out to make our own story on America’s Great Loop. The adventure that started as a spark at Sportsman’s Inn is about to become our own journey on the water, beginning right here in the heart of the Loop.
Finding The Right Boat
.Our search for the perfect boat began last summer. It was an adventure in itself—ranging from considering a vessel in Spain, to journeys down to Cape Coral, and walking the docks at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. Ultimately, the answer was closer to home than expected: we found our ideal boat in Little Current on Manitoulin Island.
Choosing a boat for the Great Loop comes with some practical requirements—size and draft are important for safe and easy navigation along the route. Beyond those essentials, though, it becomes a very personal decision. I wanted a boat spacious enough to welcome friends and family on different legs of the journey, but not so large that it couldn’t be comfortably handled solo if needed. It had to be versatile too: capable of cruising fast when timing matters, but just as comfortable meandering along at a slower pace to truly savor the adventure.
After a thoughtful—and at times, globe-spanning—search, we found the right balance. Now, we’re ready to set off and see where the water takes us.