FAQ
What is the Great Loop?
A 6,000 mile continuous waterway around the eastern half of the United States.
How long does this trip take?
On average, the trip takes about one year.
How will you be traveling?
We are taking Grace’s parents’ 29 foot sailboat- a Columbia 8.7.
Who will be on board?
Emily and Grace, and anyone who visits.
What will you eat?
Great question! We’d like to know too. We don’t have a refrigerator and, although we have an ice box, the cost of ice everyday will add up quickly, so cold food will be a luxury. Any suggestions are welcome.
Are you going non-stop?
Nope! We will stop almost every night and most likely re-provision every week or so.
Are you going to be close to shore ever?
Yes! We will be anchoring or in a marina every night, save for a few overnight crossings, so we will rarely be out of sight of shore or out of cell service.
What about hurricanes?
The timing of our trip keeps us out of the hurricane zone during hurricane season. Should there ever be a problem, we will have enough warning to make good decisions about how and where we can be safe.
Won’t it be hard to sail in the rivers? What about bridges?
In fact, it will be impossible to sail the entire Loop because of bridges and power lines. We will be dropping the mast in Chicago and motoring until Mobile, Alabama, where we will resume sailing. We will also be dropping the mast in New York until we are in Lake Ontario. Good thing sailboat engines are fuel efficient!
Where did you get this crazy idea?
These power women/ our heroes Katie and Jessie did the same trip a few years prior. We read their blog, joked about doing it, and then decided that the time for a crazy adventure is now.
Can I come visit?
Yes! We will be happy to have fellow adventurers! It will involve two one-way plane tickets and some imprecise meeting points. If we say we’ll be somewhere on a specific day, Murphy’s Law dictates anything will be true except our intentions. Also, we’re on a shoe-string budget, so please help us with food and supplies for your stay.
Do you know how to fix the engine?
Experience is the best teacher. We know the basics, and after that we’ll have Youtube, Google, and hopefully knowledgeable friends. We’ll make it, one way or another.
How much will this cost?
Another great question, and one with many variables. Our biggest expected costs during the trip will be food, fuel, lock/ marina fees, and boat maintenance and repairs. We will be doing everything as cheaply as possible (we both just graduated; funds are very limited), and we hope to stay under $6000 each for the year. Hopefully.
Other questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us!