SSCA Down East Gam

33771 08

The 18th annual Down East SSCA (Seven Seas Cruising Association) Gam was held August 1-2, 2008, at the cottage of Dick and Kathy de Grasse, in Islesboro, Maine. The Gam was co-hosted by Alex and Diane Allmayer-Beck with the help of many other sailors anchored in the harbor.

The weather cooperated; morning fog cleared by mid morning on both Friday and Saturday. The Friday afternoon dinghy raft up was a big success. Nearly all the dinghies from the 62 boats anchored in the harbor were tied behind the Allmayer-Beck’s Ariel III. New friendships were established as hors d’oeuvres were passed around. The fog lifted by Gam time on Saturday. There were a total of 72 boats registered for the Gam: 62 boats at anchor, eight boats whose sailors came by ferry (their boats were elsewhere) and four visitors from the island including the Islesboro harbor master. There were 150 sailors on the front lawn: 68 SSCA Associates, 34 SSCA Commodores and 48 non-members. Two of the attendees were SSCA circumnavigators. Two new members were recruited. Attendees were introduced by Diane Allmayer-Beck, and Mike Arbo. Saturday featured a delicious potluck lunch followed by presentations about Maine Maritime Academy programs, highlights about boat insurance, duties transiting the Panama Canal and circumnavigating.

Dick and Kathy de Grasse, S/V Endeavour

By Ocean Navigator