Ladies on the Loop
Thirty-five chapters from women who have traveled America's Great Loop — offering guidance, humor, and honest reflections on the journey.
This book features 35 chapters from women who have traveled America’s Great Loop waterways. The chapters offer guidance, humor, and reflections on their diverse roles and experiences.
These women provide insights into overcoming challenges, finding joy, and personal growth during live-aboard and long-distance boat travel. Also available as a free PDF — search “Ladies on the Loop PDF” online.
Thoughts from a Looper:
Ladies on the Loop is a collection of 35 stories from women who have traveled America’s Great Loop in all kinds of boats, all kinds of roles, and all kinds of ways. Some were captains. Some were first mates. Some left the dock wondering what on earth they’d gotten themselves into.
A different woman writes each chapter, and together they form something that feels less like a book and more like a conversation around the dock at sunset with people who just get it.
Why We Read It in the Great Loop Book Club
We read this one in December, and the timing felt right. It’s a lighter read that’s easy to pick up between the holiday bustle… but don’t let “lighter” fool you. Thirty-five voices mean thirty-five different versions of courage, humor, partnership, and grit.
If Honey, Let’s Get a Boat… showed us what it looks like for one couple to say yes to the Loop, this book is a reminder that there isn’t a single right way to do this journey. That’s a pretty comforting thing to sit with at the end of the year.
What the Book Club Loved
The range. No two stories feel the same, and yet the feelings running through all of them — the early nerves, the small wins, the quiet moments of “we’re really doing this” — feel completely universal.
Members also loved how the book gently reframes what courage looks like on the water. It’s not always bold declarations or flawless boat handling. Sometimes it’s agreeing to handle the lines even when the lock wall looks intimidating. Sometimes it’s just admitting you’re scared and doing it anyway.
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