Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) invites you to the 3rd Annual Summer Solstice Gam in Essex, CT on June 19-22. SSCA is famous for its gams (a gathering of cruisers to socialize and share information about cruising) and the Essex Gam won’t disappoint. The event is open to both members and non-members.
The event kicks off on Friday night, June 19 at nearby Hamburg Cove (a mile from Essex) with a potluck raft-up in one of the most picturesque coves on the east coast. See old friends, meet new ones and enjoy a swim in the fresh water of this wonderful place. There are plenty of moorings available and most are free to use. This is a popular spot with locals so plan on arriving early to get your spot. Rafting here is encouraged, so keep an eye out for SSCA burgees and join in the fun.
Like all SSCA events, there are many great speakers on tap and this year’s event includes Chris Parker, the preeminent Bahamas and Caribbean weather router, as well as Monty and Sarah Lewis, authors of the invaluable Bahamas Explorer Guides. Check out the agenda at the SSCA website (www.ssca.org) for more specifics.
We will offer a gourmet dinner at the beautiful Essex Yacht Club on Saturday evening. Yacht Club moorings are available at half price ($25 per night). There’s also plenty of space to anchor across from the club, and, of course, you can use the dinghy dock. There are also slips available at Brewer Marina.
Getting to Essex is easy. It’s just a short run up the river from eastern Long Island Sound and a day-sail from Block Island. The run up the river on June 19 will be easy as the tide floods beginning at 09:30 to give you a quick run up to Essex.
Once here, we’ll give you a lift to nearby West Marine, groceries and laundry services. Essex is a picture-perfect New England town and should not be missed. It’s a popular destination for the local cruising community.
Of course, you will want to make time to visit some of the local sights including the historic Essex Steam Train, the most popular tourist destination in the state. One of the year’s most popular events at the museum, the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, will take place June 20-22, right around the time of the gam weekend. Also make a point of visiting the Connecticut River Museum, as well as the historic Griswold Inn, which opened for business in 1776. They’re a big hit with locals and visitors alike with their Monday night Sea Shanties.
Discover what the world famous SSCA camaraderie is all about!
For more information or to register go to www.ssca.org.
