Commodore Membership

The applicant(s) must have been an Associate member of the SSCA for a minimum of one year and cruised aboard their seagoing vessel for at least 12 months (which may be fulfilled over an extended period not to exceed 18 months) at some time prior to making this application. An applicant who fulfilled the requirements in the past but is no longer actively cruising may apply directly for Rear Commodore status after a year of Associate membership.

Distance

One of the following cruising distance requirements must be met:

• 1,000 nautical mile ocean passage nonstop, or
• 1,500 nautical mile offshore passage with not more than one stop, or
• 2,000 nautical mile coastal passage with unlimited stops (one stop must be at least 1,000 miles from the starting point, excluding waterways, lakes, rivers and canals).

Sponsors

The applicant must be recommended by two members who are Commodores or Rear Commodores from separate boats and who have been voting members for at least one year.

(In hardship cases, for example cruising in remote locations, the Board of Directors may consider one recommendation in lieu of two.) Commodores should recommend only those they believe will follow SSCA’s philosophies.

Commodore Application Form

A Commodore Application Form must be completed by the applicant(s) and submitted to SSCA with $43 payment and accompanying documentation, as instructed on the application. Payment includes a 12 x 18 Commodore Burgee, which will be shipped to the applicant once applicant has been approved.

Photos

A photo of the applicant(s) is required.

Letter of Introduction

For publication in the Cruisers' Bulletin. The letter should be 150 words or less and need not include thanks to your sponsors, as they will be listed.

Review

If after publication in four successive Bulletins, no written objection is filed, the applicant(s) will be welcomed aboard. If a written objection is filed, the application and objection will be reviewed by the Board of Directors. If the candidate(s) is not accepted, the applicant(s) will be notified in writing by the Board with copies to the sponsors.

Lifetime Commodore

A Lifetime Commodore has been a commodore for 25 years, and is awarded a complimentary membership.