A conversation among cruising friends at last January’s Toronto Boat Show planted a seed that has grown into a brand-new cruising group, the Great Canadian Loop Association (GCLA).  Gary J. Brickell is the founder and the association’s first commodore. Most North American cruisers know of the 6,000-mile Great American Loop that circles the eastern third of the U.S. and ventures into Canadian Waters in the Great Lakes. But these cruising friends were looking for a route that would stay entirely in Canadian waters. Without much trouble, Brickell and his pals found what they were looking for. Incorporating a section of…

On April 16, 20 Nordhavns and their owners gathered in George Town, Great Exuma in the Bahamas for three days of fun, sun and socializing.  The rendezvous kicked off with a welcome party at the famous Peace & Plenty Hotel where there was a live band and cocktails for all. Next day, the group went on a dinghy adventure to explore the beautiful white sand beaches around the sound and Queen Elizabeth Harbour. The highlight of the three-day get-together had to be the costume party on Friday night night hosted by the Exuma Yacht Club. The owners did not hold…

The big national party to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 will take many forms but the tall ship’s parades promise to be some of the highlights. In fact the party has already begun with a tall ships event in New Orleans on May 27 to June 1. Over the next six weeks, the hips will visit Virginia, Maryland New York City and Boston. While each venue will be spectacular, the main event will be in New York City on July 3 to 8. All of the tall ships will be there…

On Wednesday May 13, Nordhavn Yachts announced that they are launching an all new N 100 expedition yacht.  The new 100-footer is an evolution from the N96 and the existing N100 but is an entirely new model. Nordhavn noted, “The all-new Nordhavn 100 is a masterful expression of refined luxury and uncompromising capability. Evolving from the award-winning Nordhavn 96, renowned for its global cruising pedigree and exceptional onboard comfort, the N100 advances the design with increased length and volume achieved through a larger traditional cockpit and fully extended side decks throughout.” The new 100 provides expanded interior living spaces and creates expansive outdoor…

The SS United States has been in Mobile Alabama for the last 13 months undergoing a complete environmental remediation before being scuttled south of Okaloosa Pass, Florida. The 990-foot ship will become the world’s largest artificial reef. According to officials from Okaloosa County, the ship is ready to go but they are waiting on final reviews from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. The ship will be towed 22 miles into the Gulf where it will be scuttled and sunk. As a huge reef, it will attract a wide array of sea life and thus will…

Until August 2025, the standing record for the fastest time to circle the full 6,000 miles of the Great Loop was an amazing 19 days and 19 hours. It was set by Captain Red Flowers in a high-powered 28-foot center console. No one thought the record would ever be broken. But last year, Robert Youens, 71, thought differently and his feat Is nothing short of astonishing for several reasons. First, he was not a young man and weeks of high-speed running is hard work. Second, he was making his record attempt in a 16-foot aluminum Jon Boat. And third, his…