Seven Seas Cruising Association Chesapeake Bay GAM/Convention
by Seven Seas Cruising Association 25 May 20:08 UTC
September 29 - October 1, 2023
SSCA's Annapolis GAM © Seven Seas Cruising Association
Join us for the Seven Seas Cruising Association's 37th Annual Chesapeake Bay GAM from September 29th thru October 1, 2023.
Formerly known as the Annapolis GAM, the name change reflects the growing number of Chesapeake Bay cruisers who are either exploring the Chesapeake or plan to congregate in the fall - waiting to head down the ICW or offshore to points east and south. The Seven Seas Cruising Association event will be held again at the Maryland Yacht Club (MYC) in Pasadena, Maryland.
Speakers specifically focused on your boating and cruising needs will join us to talk about cruising - 'How Tos' - for both new and experienced voyagers. This event will provide both experienced cruisers and those preparing for their first cruise (or still dreaming about it) with the opportunity to learn from each other while making connections with others with similar goals - or perhaps heading in the same direction. Experienced cruisers have expressed how important the GAMs have been to their enjoyment and safety and appreciate the opportunity to share knowledge.
This year's GAM provides practical information for cruisers at every level of experience, including a number of 'Hands-on' sessions. Topics at the 2023 Annapolis GAM will include: weather considerations for passage making, optimization of your boats energy systems, evolving communications technology - including Starlink and other useful tools - to assist your local or offshore travels, anchoring skills & etiquette, medical issues for cruisers, key aspects of buying and surveying a boat, sail care and repair, fitness while cruising, crew dynamics and considerations, cooking and provisioning, working while cruising, common Diesel engine mistakes and a communications workshop. Many more topics and hands-on sessions will be offered.
The event begins Friday afternoon with registration, a traditional SSCA raft up and/or "Provisioning Runs' Potluck/gathering on shore at the Yacht Club at 1700 hrs, followed by a 'Heading South' discussion. Friday concludes with a bonfire (weather permitting). An additional CPR and first aid course will also be offered for a separate registration Friday afternoon. Well known cruisers, Behan and Jamie Gifford (www.sailingtotem.com), will be our Saturday evening Keynote speakers and will present a dynamic exploration of 'taking the leap & tossing the dock lines'. Classroom and hands-on sessions will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday, concluding with a Women Who Sail happy hour.
MYC is located at the entrance to Rock Creek and will have discounted slips available to those attending, provide dinghy access for those who want to anchor, and parking for those who arrive by land vehicle. There is a large anchorage with good holding and excellent facilities, with covered areas for both outside and inside programs.
SSCA's Annapolis GAM is open to members and non-members. Registration will open July 15th on the SSCA website. To learn more and to register to attend, go to www.ssca.org. There is a set number of attendees allowed, so register early!