Story of Our Loop-Tad & Libbie, Kadey-Krogen 39

·40 min·3 clips

Tad and Libby bought a boat just three months after discovering the Great Loop from a tennis friend.

Host Kim Russo interviews Tad and Libby Sheldon, who completed the Great Loop in segments over three years. They started after Libby learned about the Loop from a tennis friend and quickly purchased a Kadey-Krogen 39. The couple used a spreadsheet to prioritize boat features, selecting Selkie for its comfort, fuel efficiency, and stabilizers. They cruised at 7.5 knots, anchoring about 50% of the time, and took breaks in Michigan and Florida for maintenance and personal commitments. Libby faced challenges with marina costs and transitioning to retirement spending, while Tad focused on weather navigation. Memorable moments included fish fries in Ontario and Georgian Bay, where they met multi-generational loopers. They advise others to start the Loop sooner rather than later, citing aging as a factor. The episode concludes with reflections on how the trip changed them, including learning to slow down.

As heard by us

A segmented Great Loop story makes a grounded case for planning around real life and returning with fresh appreciation.

Tad and Libby Sheldon's Great Loop story works best as a reminder that the trip does not have to be swallowed whole. Their version treats the Loop as something that can bend around real life: commitments at home, the need for reliable technical support, and the value of stepping…

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Why you'd press play

You want a Great Loop story that makes room for real-life timing, boat care, and the value of stepping away long enough to come back more appreciative.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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