Cruisers Gather in Black Point, Exuma for The Annual SSCA Bahamas Cruisers Gathering
by Seven Seas Cruising Association 13 Apr 16:04 UTC
March 16-22, 2026
Cruisers from around the world convened March 16-22 in the Exumas for the annual SSCA Bahamas Cruisers Gathering, hosted in partnership with Commodore Joni Thomas, Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) and the iconic Lorraine's Cafe.
The weeklong event welcomed close to 100 visiting vessels and brought together sailors, power cruisers, and offshore voyagers for a vibrant celebration of cruising life and Bahamian culture.
Held in the protected anchorage off Black Point, the gathering featured a dynamic schedule of activities designed to foster community, share knowledge, and immerse participants in local traditions. Events included beach cleanups, guided island walks, daily VHF cruiser net, karaoke nights, rake-and-scrape music, barbecues, Junkanoo parade, Fire dancers, traditional foods, and an indoor concert. Evening entertainment featured DJ Smitty and Dr. Josiah "Joey" Dean, who served as emcee and musician throughout the week.
One of the most memorable highlights was a spontaneous dinghy raft-up involving more than 25 boats, paddleboards and swimmers where cruisers and locals formed a floating social circle. The celebration included music, dancing, and a moving rendition of the Bahamian national anthem performed from a dinghy, capped by a passing aircraft dipping its wing in salute.
A centerpiece of the gathering was authentic Bahamian sloop sailing/racing which holds deep cultural significance in The Bahamas. It has long been woven into the fabric of Bahamian heritage and has recently been recognized as the national sport of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Local captains and junior sailors showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship, with visiting cruisers invited aboard to participate.
The races, held throughout the anchorage and broadcasted live over VHF radio, drew enthusiastic spectators from anchored vessels appreciating prime spot views of this proud maritime tradition. The Sloop Boat Races were proudly supported by Yntegra Rosewood, Cruising Solutions, Health International, and Annapolis Boat Shows, whose company banners were prominently displayed throughout the event. Their contributions helped enhance the experience and underscore the collaborative spirit of the occasion, with hopes of welcoming even more sponsors in the future.
Community support remained a key focus of the event. Through coordination with Hope Fleet, participating cruisers helped deliver essential supplies to remote island settlements. Additional donations included school supplies, medical goods, sports equipment, and musical instruments for local students, ensuring a lasting positive impact beyond the event itself.
During the gathering, SSCA presented its prestigious President's Award to Steve and Cathy Bishop aboard SV One More Thing in recognition of their outstanding service to the Black Point community, including transporting a full cabin of much-needed supplies.
The event also provided valuable opportunities for mentorship and education, connecting experienced voyagers with those preparing for extended cruising. Participating vessels received tools and resources such as navigation software, weather data hubs, and cruising guides, while regional marinas offered discounted services to attendees.
With participants representing countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and beyond, the gathering reflected the truly global nature of the cruising community. A pop-up Tai Chi session and numerous cultural exchanges further highlighted the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the event.
The SSCA Bahamas Cruisers Gathering continues to embody the organization's mission of "Cruisers Helping Cruisers and Communities," strengthening bonds among mariners while celebrating and supporting the island communities that host them.
For more information about SSCA programs and future events, visit www.ssca.org.
About the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA)
The Seven Seas Cruising Association is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting cruisers through shared knowledge, community support, and practical resources that promote safe and successful cruising worldwide.