Seven Seas Cruising Association
The Seven Seas Cruising Association, or SSCA, is an organization for cruisers based in the US.It was founded in 1952. The SSCA Corporate Bylaws state the purpose of the organization is "to provide an association of persons having a common interest in living aboard and cruising seagoing craft and to exchange experiences and information in connection with their common interest for the mutual comfort, safety and pleasure of all".
It publishes a monthly bulletin and promotes environmentally conscious yachting amongst their approximately 8000 members. A social and educational program focuses on "GAMS", that are gatherings of the membership in cruising grounds around the world, the main one being held in Melbourne, Florida in November.
The SSCA is incorporated as a tax-exempt non-profit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(7) - "Recreational and Social Clubs". It has an associated foundation, the SSCA Foundation, Inc. that is a 501(c)(3) corporation primarily for educational purposes.
Bulletin
The monthly Commodores' Bulletin published by the SSCA focuses on sharing information among cruisers on topics ranging from navigation to customs procedures in various countries. Members submit letters to the Bulletin about where they are cruising.
Website
The SSCA site has an interactive map with:
- Hot spot links to info by country/area,
- Member tracking - find other members and cruising families,
- Over 80 worldwide cruising stations,
- Port guides Wiki.
Other services include a self-updating membership roster including boat name, crew names and hailing port. Online GAM/event registration, an online equipment survey in association with Practical Sailor. Pets OnBoard and the Kid’s Corner, and a discounts and coupon page featuring marine products and services.
Members can renew and update their email addresses, and purchase through the online store. Other web features include two years of the Commodores’ Bulletin in a searchable PDF.
History
The SSCA was founded in 1952 in Coronado, California, United States, and was based the idea that cruising sailors enjoy hearing from and about each other and that their experiences and discoveries can benefit all. The focus of the SSCA was for members to share cruising information by sending letters about their experiences to the Commodores’ Bulletin, and to recommend others for membership.
Towards the end of 1975, after moving permanently to south Florida, SSCA was incorporated as a Florida ‘Not for Profit’ Corporation under the IRS Section 501(c)(7) - "Recreational and Social Clubs". Although the SSCA still depends on volunteers for all of its events and activities, there is a staff of three in Fort Lauderdale.
On an annual basis, members hold GAMS in Trinidad, on Florida’s West Coast, in Maine, Annapolis and at the Annual Convention and Meeting in Melbourne, Florida.