The Great Loop: Route Overview, Highlights and Must Know Insights
Greenline owners, Sharon and John’s milestones from the first half of this 5,000 nautical mile adventure
Two Aussie Loopers Part 1
The Great Loop is something many Australians have never heard of, but among North American boaters it is considered the ultimate cruising achievement. Winding through the eastern United States and across parts of Canada, the Loop links rivers, canals, lakes, and coastlines into a single 5,000 nautical mile circuit that showcases everything from quiet mountain valleys to bustling cities like New York and Chicago. It is a journey unlike anything we have in Australian waters.
For Australian retirees Sharon and John Smith, that dream had been sitting quietly on their bucket list for decades. When they purchased their Greenline 39 through Eyachts, the opportunity suddenly came into focus. Although Eyachts is well known for offering European delivery direct from the Greenline factory in Slovenia, Sharon and John’s adventure reflects something even more special. Eyachts coordinated a unique international delivery, ensuring their new Greenline was shipped to the United States so they could begin the journey of a lifetime. And later, when they complete the Loop, Eyachts will help ship the boat wherever their next adventure takes them or bring it home to Australia.
This is Part 1 of their story, a look at The Great Loop itself, what drew them to it, the route they’ve taken so far, and why the Greenline 39 has become the perfect floating home for such an extraordinary voyage.
What Is The Great Loop Route?
The Great Loop is a legendary boating circuit of roughly 5,000 to 6,000 nautical miles, depending on detours. Most cruisers travel the Great Loop route anticlockwise:
• Starting in Florida,
• Following the Intracoastal Waterway,
• Cruising up the US East Coast to New York,
• Continuing through the Hudson River, Erie Canal, or via Canada through the St Lawrence Seaway,
• Crossing the Great Lakes,
• Entering the Illinois River to join the Mississippi,
• And looping back down toward the Gulf of America and Florida once more.
It is considered one of the world’s most accessible long-distance cruising challenges. No ocean crossings, no open-ocean nights, and no bluewater storms, although it does require patience, planning, and a reliable boat.
John says, “We’ve been thinking about America’s Great Loop for decades. Over 40 years ago, I read about a fascinating railway system in Canada that physically lifts boats from one waterway and transports them across land. When I found out it was part of The Great Loop, I decided to learn more.”
The Great Loop Route So Far
Over six months, Sharon and John have completed more than half the Loop, taking the classic anticlockwise route. Along the way they have done over 100 locks, ranging from 1800s hand-built canals to modern ship locks.
Florida to New York
They began in Florida, cruising the entry point of many loopers, before travelling all the way up the East Coast. A personal highlight was reaching New York Harbour and seeing the Statue of Liberty from the cockpit at sunset.
“We stayed at Liberty Landing, and as we sat on the back of the Greenline having drinks, the Statue of Liberty was right behind us,” Sharon says. “Goosebumps. We just kept thinking, ‘How are we doing this?’”
New York to Montreal
From New York, they continued north, following the ancient river valleys framed by mountains. “The Hudson all the way to Montreal is spectacular,” John explains. “It feels untouched, with mountains on both sides.”
Montreal became one of their most emotional moments.
As Sharon recalls, “We walked up the ramp and looked down over the marina at our boat. I said, ‘Can you believe that’s ours? That we’re actually doing this?’ It felt like someone else’s story.”
The Canadian Canals and the Big Chute
Canada offered some of the most unique aspects of the Loop. Freshwater cruising through lakes that feel like fjords, as well as, dense mountains, forests, and quiet island anchorages.
Their favourite moment was the iconic Big Chute Marine Railway, a century-old railway car that lifts boats out of the water, carries them across a road, and lowers them into another waterway.
“It was beautifully professional, but surreal,” John laughs. “Your boat is literally carried across land.”
St Lawrence, the Great Lakes, and Mississippi
From Canada, they continued west across the St Lawrence Seaway, then crossed the Great Lakes before turning south into the river systems.
Their Greenline is now docked safely in Columbus, Mississippi, above the hurricane line, where it will rest over winter.
Highlights of Life on the Loop
The People
“The biggest highlight has been the people,” they both agree. Loopers proudly follow tradition, displaying a special burgee that signals their place in the community. Gold burgee holders have already completed the Loop, while new cruisers quickly find friends at marinas, anchorages, and afternoon “docktails”.
“Americans and Canadians were incredibly kind,” they both says. “You’d meet someone on the dock and the next minute you’re invited to dinner, breakfast, or taken to the grocery store.”
The Anchorages
They split their time roughly 50/50 between anchoring and using marinas.
Canada’s anchorages, in particular, felt like stepping into another world.
“You’re surrounded by mountains, picking wild blueberries, having fires on the rocks,” John recalls. “Boaters get lost there for months.”
Wildlife Encounters
From dolphins riding their bow wave to a lone alligator circling their anchored boat in South Carolina, every stop brings something new.
Why They Chose Eyachts For This Journey
For Sharon and John, retirement was never about slowing down. It was about finally giving themselves permission to chase the dream they had been talking about for decades. The Great Loop had fascinated them for years, but they knew that taking on a journey of this scale would require the right boat and a company willing to help them make it possible.
After researching long distance cruising options, they discovered that Greenline offered the comfort, efficiency, and liveability they needed for months on the water. What truly brought the dream within reach, however, was finding a dealer who could help them begin this adventure on the other side of the world.
John explains, “Once we realised we could get a Greenline and have it delivered to the United States, everything clicked into place.”
Their Greenline 39 was shipped directly into the US through Eyachts’ international delivery program, allowing them to step aboard and start the Loop immediately. It became the foundation that transformed a long held idea into a real, tangible journey.
Why the Greenline 39 Felt Like the Best Boat for the Great Loop
While Part 2 will dive deeper into the technical reasons the Greenline 39 is in their opinion the best boat for The Great Loop, a few themes already emerged from Sharon and John’s trip:
• The boat feels like a floating apartment, comfortable for long-term living
• Efficient cruising for long distances
• A layout that welcomes guests and fellow loopers
• A design admired by Americans who often came aboard to see it
“We’ve had a great experience with the Greenline,” John says. “It’s performed beautifully and hasn’t let us down.”
What Comes Next
Sharon and John plan to return next season, exploring further south along the river system, heading into the Gulf, crossing back to Florida, and finishing their Loop before continuing on to the Bahamas for two months of cruising. They plan to spend the next 5 years cruising the US every summer and are now discussing the possibility of shipping the boat to the Mediterranean for a few seasons before finally bringing the boat downunder.
Their story is a perfect example of Eyachts’ commitment to bringing dream journeys to life. Whether through factory European delivery or fully custom international delivery solutions, Eyachts supports Australian owners from purchase to shipping to long-term cruising plans anywhere in the world.
COMING SOON: Part 2 and 3
Stay tuned for:
• Part 2: Why the Greenline 39 was the perfect boat for The Great Loop, efficiency, comfort and layout.
• Part 3: Their experience with Eyachts, how international delivery works, and how to begin planning your own world-class cruising journey.
FAQ: Understanding The Great Loop
What is The Great Loop and how long does it take to complete?
The Great Loop is a continuous waterway system that circles the eastern portion of the United States and includes sections of Canada. Most cruisers travel around 5,000 to 6,000 nautical miles depending on the route variations they choose. The average completion time is between nine and twelve months, although many people break the journey into stages and return for several seasons. The route follows inland rivers, canals, freshwater lakes, and protected coastal waterways which makes it one of the most accessible long distance cruising adventures in the world.
What are the main waterways and regions along The Great Loop?
The Great Loop route links multiple major waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway, the Hudson River, the Erie Canal or Canadian canal systems, the St Lawrence Seaway, the Great Lakes, the Illinois River, the Mississippi River, the Tennessee River, and the Gulf of Mexico. Cruisers experience everything from mountain valleys and freshwater lakes to historic locks, cosmopolitan cities, and remote island anchorages. The variety of landscapes is one of the main reasons the journey is so popular.
How do couples prepare for a long-term Great Loop journey?
Preparation usually begins with route research, seasonal planning, and understanding the timing of waterways that operate only during certain months. Many couples join the America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association, which offers guidance, local knowledge, and recommended marina stops. Most loopers complete basic maintenance before departing and ensure that the boat has comfortable long-term living spaces. Couples often spend time reviewing lock operation, anchoring options, fueling locations, and weather patterns for each region of the Loop.
Can international cruisers or Australians do The Great Loop easily?
Yes. International cruisers are welcomed on The Great Loop and Australians regularly complete the journey. The most important factor is securing a suitable boat in North America. Companies like Eyachts can assist with international delivery which allows Australians to purchase a vessel, ship it to the United States, and begin the journey with full support. The America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association also provides resources and community support that make it easier for international travellers to navigate the system.
What type of boat is best suited for The Great Loop?
The best boat for The Great Loop is usually between 35 and 45 feet with comfortable living spaces, efficient fuel burn, a safe walkaround layout, and an air draft low enough to clear the fixed bridges along the route. Boats like the Greenline 39 are particularly well-suited because they offer economical cruising, generous interior volume, and apartment-style comfort for long periods onboard. Reliability, range, and ease of operation are key factors when choosing a boat for a multi-month or multi-year journey of this scale.