08/02/2026
A note from AGLCA Director, Kim Russo...
It’s been about two weeks since I chimed in on a thread in our forum saying that AGLCA’s stance is for everyone to do the Great Loop in the way that works for them, as long as they remain safe and courteous while doing it.
That’s still our stance. But over the past few weeks, I’ve seen enough to change my thinking about attempts to break the Great Loop speed record. I was willing to believe the Loop could be done at record-setting speed while still being safe and courteous. I’m no longer convinced that’s the case.
The issue isn’t any one captain, crew, boat, or incident. It’s what happens when completing the Great Loop in the shortest possible time becomes the goal.
We’ve seen serious mechanical failures and weather decisions that raise concerns. I have tracked boats traveling as much as three times the posted speed limit. We’ve seen speeds that don’t allow captains enough time and visibility to react safely when the unexpected is waiting around the next bend. And we’ve seen crews operating around the clock and acknowledging they are continuing on very little sleep. Fatigue and safe boating simply don’t mix.
Taken together, these things have changed my thinking.
A speed-record attempt creates an incentive to keep moving—to go faster, run longer, minimize stops, and make up lost time. But the Great Loop is about 6,000 miles through an enormous variety of waterways and conditions. Safety sometimes requires slowing down, stopping, waiting, or changing plans entirely. When elapsed time is the measure of success, those necessary delays become obstacles to the goal.
There’s another reason AGLCA needs to be clear about where we stand. More websites and social media channels are emerging that track, compare, and recognize Great Loop speed records—even calling it a race. Some reference AGLCA and use information or statistics we’ve published, which can create the impression that AGLCA is affiliated with, endorses, or encourages these attempts.
So I want to be clear: We do not.
I recognize that taking this position may not be popular with everyone. It may even cost AGLCA some members or supporters. I hope it doesn’t. But concern about how this position might be received cannot outweigh our responsibility to speak up when we believe safety is at stake.
Based on what we’ve observed, we no longer believe pursuing a Great Loop speed record is compatible with safely and courteously completing the Great Loop. That doesn’t mean we question the intentions of those making these attempts or diminish the worthy causes some are supporting. It means AGLCA cannot endorse an activity when we believe pursuit of the record itself creates incentives that can conflict with safe boating.
I was willing to give speed-record attempts the benefit of the doubt. Based on what I’ve seen, I can no longer do that in good conscience. I’m concerned that if these attempts continue, it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.
So I’m asking: Please stop trying to break the Great Loop speed record.
There are many ways to challenge yourself on the Great Loop and use this incredible adventure to raise money and awareness for worthy causes. I hope those efforts continue.
