Cruising Club of America

About

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) is an association of experienced recreational offshore sailors that promotes offshore cruising, seamanship, safety education, and environmental stewardship through volunteer committees, regional Stations/Posts, and member-led activities rather than a single clubhouse. The Club publishes books and a yearly magazine and co-organizes major offshore events such as the Newport-Bermuda Race. More information can be found on their about page.

Membership

Membership is by invitation. Candidates must be sailors of acceptable character who have demonstrated the ability to handle, command, navigate, or pilot a small vessel at sea and have sufficient cruising experience. Candidates are proposed and supported by current members and proceed through station and club-level review before election by the Governing Board. Detailed membership guidelines and an online membership proposal process are managed at the Station level, which can be accessed on the membership information page.

Seamanship Training

CCA runs an active safety and seamanship program that includes articles and case studies, hands-on Safety at Sea training (including an International Offshore Safety at Sea course), workshops such as Safety for Cruising Couples, online seminars, and committee-produced guidance aimed at improving offshore seamanship and preparedness. More details on the training offerings can be found at seamanship training courses.

Safety Courses

The Club offers various safety courses, including an International Offshore Safety at Sea course, Safety for Cruising Couples workshops, and online modules. Many of these courses are open to the public or to non-members in some formats. For more information, visit the safety courses page.

Cruising Guides

CCA members produce and maintain a suite of cruising guides, including longstanding printed guides to the Canadian Maritimes, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as a new digital CCA Cruising Guide to Maine. The Club’s Guides Committee updates these resources regularly. More details can be found on the cruising guides page.

Publications

The CCA publishes an annual members’ magazine, Voyages, and has produced various books and practical manuals. Members also contribute articles, technical guidance, and guidebooks that are available through the Club’s publications pages.

Events Calendar

Events are organized at both club and station levels and include station luncheons, regional cruises, seminars, safety workshops, and annual meetings. The CCA also lists organization-wide courses and events on its events calendar.

Racing Programme

The CCA is a co-sponsor and principal organizer of the biennial Newport-Bermuda Race and maintains involvement in offshore racing rules and related committees. More information about the racing programme can be found on the racing programme page.

Visiting Access Policy

The CCA has no permanent clubhouse; the Club operates through geographically based Stations and Posts. Members and visiting members from other Stations are welcome at station events. Some CCA courses and public seminars are open to non-members. For more details, visit the visiting access policy page.

Awards and Recognition

The Club administers a suite of awards recognizing offshore achievement and seamanship, including the Blue Water Medal and several other trophies presented annually at Club meetings. More information is available on the awards recognition page.

Community Engagement

Networking and community-building occur through 15 Stations/Posts that host regional luncheons, cruises, and educational talks. The Club encourages member interaction and sharing of offshore experience through various activities. More details can be found on the community engagement page.

Environmental Action

The Club’s Environment of the Sea Committee promotes environmental best practices and sustainability. They partner with the Bonnell Cove Foundation on support activities and produce materials addressing marine conservation initiatives. More information can be found on the environmental action page.

Seasonal Operations

Station activity is seasonal and regional, with events reflecting the local boating seasons. The Club’s event calendar includes recurring seasonal meetings, cruises, and safety courses. For more details, visit the seasonal operations page.