07/19/2025
A adventurous gentlemen named Robert Youens is currently in the spotlight during his Great Loop speed record run on a john boat with a custom bow.
I've had a number of people ask me what I thought about it since I've been known to take on some longer/risky voyages in similar vessels. Since those days, I've become a licensed captain with a 100 Ton Master Near Coastal credential, and have ran some larger boats thousands of miles, learned quite a lot and am loving the process.
Here has been my answer to those asking:
First, I wish Robert safe travels and that the adventure is everything he dreamt it would be and more (pretty sure it is 😉)
The moment I first saw him on Facebook, I quickly assumed a few things.
1) the choice of boat (mod-v john boat) might reflect a lack of experience on more seaworthy vessels, which would likely reflect a lack of experience on big trips/water like those found on the Loop. ***Unless the john boat was intentional for publicity reasons which another captain friend of mine mentioned
2) With that assumption, he is taking considerable risks considering the vessel and someone with that experience level (that I'm assuming)
3) Unfortunately, one day he fell asleep at the tiller while running and ran into some tall reed grass which luckily was a soft landing. He said this was due to eating too much during the day and being exhausted. That's dangerous to himself and others on the water.
4) He reported a run-in with a seawall of some sorts during rough weather. I don't know any more specifics, but that's not good.
5) He has been seen/video speeding through no wake zones. In one of the videos the gentlemen filming encouraged him to speed through the no wake zone. I saw in the comments the gentlemen defending his statement to Robert saying it was ok to do so because there were no docks or other boats present so it wasn't a big deal. He also stated there were police there observing. I'd bet they weren't marine police..... If they were, that's not a positive reflection of them. (this further reflects his possible lack of experience on the water)
Well, laws on the water should be followed no matter. They are there for reasons even if we are not aware of the reason or if the reason is illegitimate in our opinion.
Robert is trying to set a speed record for The Great Loop. If he makes it, I'm afraid it may not be valid since he is breaking laws by speeding through no wake zones..... which is extremely unfortunate considering the time, money, effort and risks he is taking to reach his goals.
How do I see it playing out? I have my thoughts which I may share in another post. But primarily, I hope he crosses his wake (completes the Loop) safely with a big grin on his face.
Some negatives....
1) He has put himself in a position where his safety and others on the water is at risk.
2) He is inspiring others to make similar attempts even if they aren't properly experience and equipped to do so safely.
I've been guilty of both of those negatives myself, and pretty much everything else here I've said 🤣
America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association
