Hartley completes unique boating adventure

Anne Hartley, of Green Cove Springs, Florida and a longlife summer resident of Sebec, received her BaccaLOOPerate degree from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. The degree is given in recognition of completing one of the world’s most unique adventures, America’s Great Loop. Boaters doing the Great Loop are on a 6,000-mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada, cruising up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, through the New York State Canals, into the Great Lakes, down the inland river system, across the Gulf of Mexico, and around the southern tip of Florida.

Hartley completed the Great Loop aboard her 36-foot Albin Double Cabin power boat, Nautical Gypsy. In addition to facing the challenges inherent to long-distance cruising, Hartley enjoyed unparalleled views of the U.S. and Canada from the distinct vantage point of the water’s edge.

She had this to say about her adventure, “I have met so many wonderful people over the course of completing my solo Loop journey. Even though I traveled alone it was a rare day when there wasn’t someone I got to talk to and share my newest experiences. I will say that this Great Loop trip certainly challenged me and helped me to grow both as a person and as a boater.

I remain grateful to all the people who helped me when I faced challenges along the way.” 

Approximately 150 boats complete the Great Loop each year, making it a feat more unique than swimming the English Channel or climbing Mount Everest. Throughout this trip of a lifetime, they relied on America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association to provide them with information and assistance vital to the successful completion of their journey.

For more information on America’s Great Loop, contact America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, 10587 Highway 78, Summerville, SC 29483, 1- 877-GR8- LOOP (478-5667), www.GreatLoop.org, or email info@greatloop.org.