The Great Loop Podcast

 Hosts: Chris & Deb Winnenberg Release Date: October 14, 2025Description: Chris and Deb are back at the mic with stories that stretch from the banks of the Ohio River to the greens of TPC Sawgrass. In this episode, they revisit the riverside camp where their Great Loop dream first began 30 years ago — a sentimental stop that sparks memories of raising their kids on water-skis, campfires, and late-night laughter.From there, the journey winds south to stormy St. Augustine and its unexpected treasures — a classic car museum full of chrome nostalgia, a speakeasy hidden in a historic ice plant, and a five-star meal that made them laugh as much as it dazzled.The adventure continues north to Jacksonville Beach and Palm Cove Marina, where a chance encounter leads to golf clubs custom-built by a 50-year pro — and a surprise bar conversation with a former Lynyrd Skynyrd pianist who once opened for the Rolling Stones.Then it’s on to the bucket-list moment every golfer dreams of: playing the 17th-hole island green at TPC Sawgrass. Spoiler alert — neither Chris nor Deb make the green, but they walk away with a story that’s pure SeaDAN magic.Now back home in Cincinnati for the fall, they reflect on family, golf, and the joy of slowing down while C-DAN gets a little TLC at Huckins Boatyard. Looking ahead, they share plans to explore the St. Johns River — one of the few rivers in North America that flows south to north — before heading up the East Coast in 2026.

Chris and Deb are back with nearly 300 more miles under their keel! In this episode, they recap their journey from Fort Pierce to St. Augustine, with plenty of highlights along the way. Hear about surprise jewelry shopping and a great meal at 12A Buoy, a hot round of golf at the PGA Wanamaker Course, and an “oops” lesson in why you should always wash new boat fabrics. They also share their dinghy adventure to the Navy SEAL Museum and Little Jim’s, the thrill of watching a rocket launch in Titusville, and a full day exploring the Kennedy Space Center.The trip continues north with wildlife encounters and beach strolls in New Smyrna, a quick but delicious stop in Palm Coast, and finally, days of historic charm in St. Augustine—complete with trolley tours, Castillo de San Marcos, and prepping for a bucket-list tee time at TPC Sawgrass.It’s equal parts travelogue, boating lessons, and “did you see that?!” moments—classic Great Loop adventure storytelling.

Join Chris and Deb as they embark on an unforgettable journey through sunny Florida! From the vibrant streets of Fort Lauderdale to the serene beauty of the keys, and the charming allure of Fort Pierce, their adventure is packed with exciting experiences and breathtaking views. Don't miss out on their stories of exploration, fun, and discovery. Hit subscribe and join the adventure!

EPISODE SUMMARY:This week, we say goodbye to the Keys and make our long-anticipated jump up the coast to Fort Lauderdale! But not before a little sandbar party, brewery-hopping, a surprise manatee visit, and some world-class ribs courtesy of “Brisket Bob.”Join us as we:✔️ Hang at a 50-boat sandbar bash✔️ Discover Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Square Grouper✔️ Navigate a rental car fender bender✔️ Say goodbye to Todd & Tammy after an epic visit✔️ Refuel with 400 gallons of diesel 😳✔️ Dodge cruise ships on our way into Port Everglades Inlet✔️ Dock at Hall of Fame Marina — and watch Olympic divers from the boat✔️ Cruise Fort Lauderdale’s canals via dinghy✔️ Celebrate Deb’s birthday with golf at Fort Lauderdale Country Club✔️ End the day with homemade pasta, wine, and a front-deck sunset (with NO BUGS!)🧭 WHAT’S NEXT?We're planning dinghy runs through the New River to explore The Wharf, e-bike rides along the beach, and a slow climb north toward West Palm. Golf clubs in tow!📌 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to follow our journey as we continue America's Great Loop aboard SeaDAN — one dock, dinghy, and dinner at a time.

This week on the Great Loop Podcast, Chris and Deb welcome special guests — Chris’s brother Todd and sister-in-law Tammy — for a full week of Keys fun, paddleboard spills, and waterfront memories aboard SeaDAN.

In this episode, Chris and Deb share their recent adventures in the Florida Keys, discussing their experiences exploring marinas, local attractions, and the unique lifestyle of living on a boat. They delve into the challenges and joys of traveling in the area, including their encounters with local culture, dining experiences, and outdoor activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. The conversation highlights the beauty and excitement of life in the Keys, along with practical insights for fellow travelers.

After three sun-soaked weeks exploring the Florida Keys, Chris and the crew are back in Cincinnati—but not before making memories in Marathon and Islamorada. In this episode, we dive into the highs (and hilarious mishaps) of DIY scuba diving at Sombrero Reef, recount the best mini-golf course we've ever played, and share the story behind our accidental “Lost Buoy Dive Club.”We talk about the charm of Plantation Harbor Marina, our new paddleboard adventures, snorkeling with sea turtles, and eating our weight in tuna nachos at Marker 88. There's even a surprise iguana cameo and a spontaneous swim (unplanned, of course) by the captain himself.Plus, we preview what’s next on our Loop journey—from Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale—as we chase clear water, great reefs, and smoother sailing.

In this conversation, Chris and Deb share their recent adventures in the Florida Keys, focusing on their experiences with dinghy exploration, wildlife encounters, diving, local dining, and boat maintenance. They discuss the beauty of Boot Key Harbor, the importance of wildlife conservation, and their plans for future family visits. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of life on the water, along with practical insights into boat insurance and maintenance.

In this conversation, Chris and Deb share their experiences at Marlin Bay Marina and their adventures in the Florida Keys. They discuss their travels, the unique aspects of Key West, and the challenges of living on a boat, including repairs and transportation. They also outline their future plans for exploring more of the Keys and potentially heading to the Bahamas.

In this episode, Chris and Deb share their exciting journey to Marathon in the Florida Keys, detailing their experiences with boat maintenance, navigating challenging waters, and their plans for exploration in the area. They discuss the importance of proper boat upkeep, the challenges faced during their trip, and the beauty of the Keys, all while sharing humorous anecdotes and insights from their adventure.

In this conversation, Chris and Deb share their recent boating adventures, detailing their journey from Pine Island to Naples and Marco Island. They discuss the challenges and joys of cruising, including navigating under fixed bridges, enjoying local restaurants, and the importance of preparation when docking. They also recount a thrilling dinghy adventure and their plans for future travels to the Florida Keys, emphasizing the beauty of the locations and the camaraderie experienced along the way.

In this episode, Chris and Deb share their recent adventures aboard SeaDan after returning from repairs. They discuss their journey through the canals, experiences with locks, and the beauty of Cayo Costa. The couple also recounts their visits to Cabbage Key and North Captiva, highlighting the local cuisine and unique experiences. They face challenges with fuel and navigation but enjoy the stunning scenery and marine life along the way. The episode concludes with plans for future stops and activities.