The Pacific Great Loop: The Ultimate Planning Guide

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The Pacific Great Loop is a 6500-mile voyage that will take you through the Pacific Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the Eastern Seaboard. It's a journey that will challenge you, excite you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

This guide will help you plan your Pacific Great Loop adventure, from choosing your route and preparing your vessel to budgeting for the trip and finding the right crew.

The Pacific Great Loop: The Planning Guide

by Carol Miller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53541 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	95 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Planning Your Route

The first step in planning your Pacific Great Loop is to choose your route. There are two main options:

• The Northern Route: This route takes you through the Great Lakes and the Erie Canal. It's a shorter route, but it can be more challenging due to the weather and the locks.
• The Southern Route: This route takes you through the Panama Canal and the Gulf of Mexico. It's a longer route, but it's generally easier and more popular.

Once you've chosen your route, you'll need to start planning your itinerary. The Pacific Great Loop can be completed in as little as 6 months, but most people take 1-2 years to complete the journey.

When planning your itinerary, be sure to factor in the following:

• The weather: The weather can vary dramatically along the Pacific Great Loop, so it's important to plan your trip accordingly.
• The tides: The tides can also affect your travel plans, so it's important to be aware of the tide schedules.
• The locks: If you're taking the Northern Route, you'll need to plan for the locks. The locks can be time-consuming, so it's important to factor them into your itinerary.

Preparing Your Vessel

Once you've planned your route and itinerary, it's time to start preparing your vessel. The Pacific Great Loop is a challenging journey, so it's important to make sure your vessel is up to the task.

Here are some things to consider when preparing your vessel:

• The size of your vessel: The size of your vessel will determine how many people you can take with you and how much gear you can bring.
• The type of your vessel: The type of vessel you have will also affect your travel plans. For example, a sailboat will be more susceptible to weather delays than a powerboat.
• The condition of your vessel: Before you set off on your journey, it's important to make sure your vessel is in good condition. This includes having a hull inspection, checking the engine, and making sure all of your safety gear is up to date.

Budgeting for the Trip

The Pacific Great Loop can be an expensive adventure, so it's important to budget carefully.

Here are some things to consider when budgeting for your trip:

• The cost of fuel: Fuel is one of the biggest expenses on a Pacific Great Loop trip. The cost of fuel will vary depending on the type of vessel you have and the length of your trip.
• The cost of docking: Docking fees can also add up, especially if you're staying in marinas. The cost of docking will vary depending on the location and the size of your vessel.
• The cost of food and supplies: You'll need to budget for food and supplies for yourself and your crew. The cost of food and supplies will vary depending on the size of your crew and the length of your trip.
• The cost of repairs: It's important to budget for repairs, even if you're not planning on having any. The cost of repairs will vary depending on the type of repair.

Finding the Right Crew

If you're not planning on sailing solo, you'll need to find a crew to join you on your Pacific Great Loop adventure.

Here are some things to consider when finding a crew:

• The size of your crew: The size of your crew will depend on the size of your vessel and the length of your trip.
• The experience of your crew: It's important to find a crew with the experience necessary to handle the challenges of a Pacific Great Loop trip.
• The personality of your crew: You're going to be spending a lot of time with your crew, so it's important to find people that you get along with.

Setting Sail

Once you've planned your route, prepared your vessel, budgeted for the trip, and found the right crew, it's time to set sail!

The Pacific Great Loop is an unforgettable adventure that will challenge you, excite you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So what are you waiting for? Set sail today and start your Pacific Great Loop adventure!

Additional Resources

• The Great Loop Cruisers' Association
• Loopers Journal
• The Pacific Great Loop Association

The Pacific Great Loop: The Planning Guide

by Carol Miller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53541 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	95 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE