Seven Seas Cruising Association hosts Gam in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Florida © SSCA

SSCA will present a one-day Gam at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club beginning at 8:00 AM on February 10, 2018. Traditionally, a 'gam' was the term used by whalers when they met up with other ships in a calm sea and were able to safely pass news from folks back home between boats. For over 60 years, SSCA has hosted cruiser events around the world, allowing cruisers to share information, stories, and tales of adventures. While SSCA has chosen to call these events “Gams”, they take place in a comfortable setting on shore, within easy access of an anchorage or dock space.

Prior to February 1, the cost of admission will be $49.00 to members and $59.00 to non-members; those registering later will pay $10.00 more. The cost of admission includes a light breakfast and a buffet lunch. Sail and Power Cruisers will have the opportunity to hear a number of well-known and hands-on cruisers on a variety of topics and will have ample opportunity to meet fellow cruisers for informal discussions. Cruisers at all levels of expertise are invited to attend.

The scheduled speakers and topics include:
· Chris Parker—Gulf Coast Weather
· Bill Cullens—Cruising the Bahamas and Cruising Gadgets
· JB Miller—Troubleshooting Diesel Engines
· Gerry Douglas—(Catalina Designer) on Yacht Designs
· Ron and Jan Matuska—Cruising the Great Loop
· Bill Betts—Cruising Southeast Asia
· Frances Lima and Joanne Cooley—Provisioning
· Henry Holts—Cruising around the World

For keynote speaker, SSCA is delighted to present Donna Lange who will discuss her recent solo circumnavigation. Afterward, there will be cocktail party and jam session. Space is limited to only 200 people so do register early to make sure you will be able to attend. Those who arrive by boat will want to contact the City Marina and Mooring Field, Harborage Marina, or the Vinoy Hotel Marina and Mooring Field prior to arriving. Those arriving by land vehicle will find ample parking in a lot across the street from the Yacht Club.

Seven Seas Cruising Association is the oldest and largest worldwide organization supporting the liveaboard and cruising lifestyle. SSCA celebrates its 65th Anniversary in 2017. Founded in 1952 by six liveaboard couples in California and now with members worldwide, today’s SSCA remains true to the traditions of its original members—sharing cruising information, fostering camaraderie, and leaving a clean wake.