Announcing the SSCA 2025 Annual Cruising Conference (GAM) in Melbourne, FL

Seven Seas Cruising Association © Seven Seas Cruising Association

JOIN US! For three days in November, Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) members unite for seminars, information sessions as well as gatherings in Florida.

For 2025, SSCA returns to Melbourne, Florida for the SSCA Annual GAM, November 14-16, 2025 at the Front Street Civic Center. The Convention Hotel is Hotel Melby (Melbourne) for those needing land-based lodgings near the venue.

As a reminder, the Florida GAM has returned to Melbourne this year, as members have asked for venue on the water. In part, for better weather, and for the need for a nearby anchorage. As a nod to past GAMs/Conferences, the First Street Civic Center, Melbourne, FL, will be the location for our event. Anchorages are nearby, the picnic area is open all times for members to use. If you are at the Eau Gallie anchorage, the dingy dock is available. For those not familiar with this venue, Waterway Guide's Skipper Bob Anchorages Along the Intracoastal Waterway, offers the following, for Melbourne: Mile 918.2, N 28 05.237 W 080 35.315

"Anchor in protection of causeway either north or south of the causeway bridge."

Happy Hour Friday: Nov. 14, 2025 after introductions and an opening seminar on cruising, we plan a no-host happy hour with our local 'bar tender" and host, Bill Goebel. Commodores Donna (Lange) and Bob Philburn have been invited as greeters for this session, with a Meet-and-Greet and Potluck with Pork/Chicken BBQ/sliders slaw provided by SSCA volunteers.

The three days will follow our regular programming, with first day afternoon seminar/introduction, meet and greet time, a 5 PM Happy Hour with Potluck/BBQ. The next day starts at 8 AM with Continental Breakfast, seminars, followed by the SSCA Annual Meeting,AGM, from 1 to 3 PM, November 15, 2025. Seminars complete the day followed by our Annual Cruisers Dinner, a chance to catch up and sit with speakers, find old friends and listen to a topic close to our hearts on cruising. Music/Jam fills out the evening program. Day three, November 16, starts with Continental Breakfast and seminars from 8 am to 12 noon. A Flea Market starts at 12 PM to 4 PM in the central area. Noon Lunch will be provided, followed with ending remarks by the SSCA Board. The GAM concludes at 4 PM that day, supporting volunteers will have a closing and appreciation event starting at 5 PM.

So come and join us and share with others;. As an option you can "brown bag" your event meals, however, we are keeping prices down and quality up for our event menu.

The Melbourne volunteers include FL GAM Event Coordinator, Bill Goebel, known from his efforts for the St. Augustine GAM of the past several years, and SSCA President Joan and Greg Conover. Seminar speakers are below, with other topics and speakers to be added in the next months.

Some of the speakers include Commodore Scott Berg who shares his expertise with electronics,surveys and more, he is not to be missed. Listen and speak with weather guru Chris Parker(www.mwxc.com) who continues to support near and offshore cruisers with up to the minute weather analysis and in person advice. Its seldom you find a company who answers your calls for information on local weather features, suggests route updates, and assistance with live support. MWXC's Chris Parker will review this years weather, provide suggestions and answer your questions at the GAM. Then learn tricks of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) with Bob Sherer, Bob423. Support his efforts to inform and update us on the changing ICW.

Learn how SSCA is advocating for boaters rights with Commodore and Past President Kingsley Ross as part of the SSCA coalition with MTOA, AGLCA and BOATUS. Commodore Frank Smith with provide in depth instruction of safe use of your onboard radio systems and how they work for you for safety.

Join with Insurance experts who have been invited to share advice on boat insurance needs and issues, a must attend for this coming season of cruising. There will be both an insurance and boat survey panel, as well as an equipment/boat maintenance panel to allow your questions to be addressed in person with experts. A sunday Marine Flea Market with sponsor demos closes the event.

Also take time and meet your 2024/2025 SSCA Board Members, President Joan Conover, Vice President Frank Smith,Secretary Michael Ogline, Treasurer Don Gillings, Bill Hudson Kingsley Ross, Neil Davies, and Bill Cullen.

Event Registration opens the second week of September 2025 at www.ssca.org. SSCA Homebase will be coordinating volunteers with registration and coordination. If you would like additional details or wish to be a speaker, or suggest a topic, please send email (cc to ) to . Similar to previous years registration is online for attendance as well as meals.

As in previous years, members can register for meals at sign up. To help with the cruisers budget, the Friday night Potluck/BBQ is complementary. And we introduce at the same time our local host and 'bar guru" Bill Goebel. If you would like to help, contact Nicole at .