Hello everyone,
My name is Michael and I’m a combat veteran with a lifelong love of the water. In June 2027 I’m launching a long-held dream: running the entire Great Loop — roughly 6,000 miles around the eastern United States — in a small boat with a close friend. We’ll be running 24/7 as safely as possible, using night vision and careful planning, with the goal of completing the journey as
efficiently as we can.
This is not a luxury trip. It’s a personal challenge, a test of endurance, and a way for me to push forward after my time in the service. The boat is modest, the budget is tight, and the biggest ongoing costs will be fuel, spare parts, basic food, and unexpected repairs along the way.
I’m asking for help with the practical expenses that will keep us moving safely:
• Fuel for the long river, lake, and coastal stretches
• Spare parts and emergency repairs
• Simple food and supplies for the crew
• Any unexpected mechanical or safety needs that come up
Every dollar will go directly toward the trip. I’ll keep supporters updated throughout the journey so you can follow along and see exactly where the funds are going as one of our main goals would be to secure a 4 stroke 115hp or higher outboard motor to help reduce repairs & downtime among having a safe & fast adventure finishing the loop in record time!
If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount, it would mean a great deal. If you can’t give financially, simply sharing this page helps more than you know.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any support you’re able to offer. It truly means a lot.
Respectfully,
Michael Zachary
Combat Veteran
Great Loop 2027
Day 2 pre launch update!
It’s been raining here all day so outside work is limited yet we have been contacting potential sponsors for our Great Loop Record Run of 2027
In the meantime we are building & planning to make 3 short trips so we know our setup works!
1. Anclote River down to Marathon Key 265nm 9.5 hour trip, we will leave here Friday morning September 4th & return back in Anclote Sunday night! This will test out our current fuel setup + work out whatever kinks that might show up.
2. Next trip will be from Anclote River up to Mobile bay Alabama & back to Anclote River - TBD
3. Last trip will be from Anclote River up to Outer Banks NC running out of Anclote River through the ICW & up the east coast, we will be stopping at select marinas to get our name & mission out in the open among our 3 test runs!
Outside of these trips I will be running around local up around Cedar Key, Fort Myers, Clearwater etc
One of the reasons we will do these short legs is to show potential sponsors we mean business & also to our supporters that all in all we will be able to complete the loop run without issues or concerns!
Square Grouper
UPDATE 09/2027
as of today I am here as I continue to put everything I have into something that in turn helps others with their service issues, signing the papers to protect your home country & be sent directly into combat for not just days but years in most cases, I believe in my mission with the Square Grouper fully
Since I have started this I have dropped everything into making this a reality!
Yes times are tough but they only suck when you quit to which the crew of the Square Grouper will never falter!
I have given up, sold & bartered to secure the type of boat needed for us to safely compete the Great Loop along with all safety equipment parts & items needed as well, I am about 3/4th of way to being done as well are still looking for a 4 stroke motor
Outside of the logistics we are prepping our route for marinas - fuel stops - repairs if needed + lock schedules so we are not waiting hours on end to pass through
If one was to be scammy I am sure they wouldn’t drop 100% + of what they had liquid going to eating Ramon noodles & eggs for my meals, instead of buying that new couch for the tv, those funds went to a VHF radio, EPIB flotation device once it hits water it sends a signal to the coast guard among other items
I am not begging for funds as I will support this myself & still donate to our charity we picked out to help support if needed as to this date we have received $2.00 in donations, if you can help it is appreciated & if you can not a share would work just as well!
There is more to life than just money & fame, the Square Grouper will prove just that!
