The 27th Annual Seven Seas Cruising Association Rockland Maine Gam is scheduled for July 28th and 29th. In days of old, when whaling ships encountered one another in calm seas they would heave to and the crew would line up at the railing to shout news across the water. This was called a gam.
An SSCA Gam is a get-together of members, with an emphasis on camaraderie and sharing of cruising information. This event also begins on the water—with a dinghy raft-up and cocktail party on Friday afternoon, during which cruisers will tie alongside one of the mother ships, pass platters of snacks, and share cruising stories.
Continuing a tradition of nearly three decades, the Penobscot Maine Gam is free to attend and is being organized by local cruisers. This year Keith Davis and Nicki Dunbar of S/V Sionna will be your hosts ashore and provide information on Rockland and Penobscot Bay. Dick and Moira Benzel, aboard S/V Equinox will be the hosts on the water and the featured speakers at the potluck lunch and program which will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday. The Benzels will have just returned from cruising on Cuba’s north coast and will present a lively discussion about this cruising ground only recently opened to US sailors.
Like other cruisers who will attend, the Benzels have extensive experience cruising throughout the North Atlantic, Europe, and Eastern and Western Caribbean. As with all SSCA Gams, there will be opportunity for all to share their stories, lessons, and cruising information.
The Penobscot Maine Gam will be held for the second time the Maine Sail, Power, and Steam Museum at 75 Mechanic Street in Rockland and be accessible by both land and sea. Captain Jim Sharp and his facility will provide the use of dinghy docks, an event tent, picnic tables, and other amenities, as well as a fun and interesting museum to tour. Visitors can use a sextant, watch a working Foucault Pendulum, and learn about the boats that cruised and worked in Penobscot Bay under sail, steam, and power.
The 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.
The Penobscot Maine Gam is open to all boaters. To register or for more information, go to www.ssca.org or call Keith Davis at 207-450-1933.
