Ocean Cruising Club Membership

[John Stone]

Anyone a member of the Ocean Cruising Club? Is it worthwhile? I know you have to have completed a minimum of one 1,000 mile point to point ocean voyage and be sponsored by a full member. But other than that I only know what's on the website.

Any insights appreciated.

[Jim Walsh]

I’ve met members several times over the years since Bermuda is a gateway for many vessels on their passages north, south, east, and west. Three times I’ve been invited to join them for get-togethers such as an informal pot luck cook-out on the beach at Hen Island in Bermuda.
I feel that one of the valuable benefits of joining would be the opportunity to encounter a friendly face when off the beaten track. Advice and assistance can be more often provided or encountered when there is some tangible association between complete strangers.
They have arrived individually then buddy boated to the Azores on several occasions while I was in Bermuda. Not in huge numbers like the ARC boats, but I’ve seen as many as five leave together at one time.

[John Stone]

Thanks Jim. Thoughtful advice as always. So, I submitted my application. The club has an interesting history. Pretty neat looking burgee too.

[Cathy Monaghan]

I belonged to the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA). Joined after participating in the Caribbean 1500 many years ago. But we really haven’t participated in many events.

https://www.ssca.org/