The SSCA invites all cruisers, liveaboards, and boating enthusiasts to the 2025 Melbourne Cruisers Conference & GAM, held November 14–16 at the Front Street Civic Center in Melbourne, Florida.
This three-day weekend combines seminars, social events, and practical workshops for all levels of cruisers:
Friday, Nov 14: Registration (12 PM–5 PM), welcome session, and seminars including “Safety with VHF Radio, DSC and Virtual Buoys” (Frank Smith), “HAL AI Mobile App Workshop”, and “Marine Insurance for Cruisers” (Kerry Gonzales). Evening BBQ Potluck and Happy Hour with live music, hosted by Commodore Scott Berg and bar service by Bill Goebel.
Saturday, Nov 15: Continental breakfast, full day of seminars and panels: “ICW East Coast Updates” by Bob Sherer (“Bob423”), “Lithium and New Energy Technology” (Scott Berg), “Weather for This Sailing Season and Bahamas” (Chris Parker), plus advocacy and Bahamas/Florida planning sessions. Evening Awards Dinner and Keynote Presentation by Bob Sherer, honoring him with the SSCA President’s Award for his decade-long work improving safety and navigation along the Atlantic ICW.
Sunday, Nov 16: “Heading East to the Dominican Republic and Thorny Path” (Conover/Smith/Simpson), Bahamas Gathering update, HAL Workshop, and the popular Cruisers’ Flea Market hosted by Bill Goebel.
About Bob Sherer (“Bob423”)
A retired IBM engineer turned full-time cruiser, Bob Sherer has logged thousands of miles along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and authored the widely used ICW Cruising Guide. His crowd-sourced navigation data—now integrated into Aqua Map and Timezero—has helped hundreds of cruisers travel more safely. He has also collaborated with NOAA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on channel studies and advocacy for boaters. SSCA is honoring him for his outstanding contributions to the cruising community.
Join SSCA in Melbourne for a weekend of education, fellowship, and celebration of cruisers helping cruisers.
November 14–16, 2025
Front Street Civic Center, Melbourne FL
Register now at ssca.org/2025MelbourneGAM
Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc.
411 Walnut Street #17000, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
