Clean Wake: small boats, real help, and stronger communities.
For the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), Clean Wake began with a simple idea: cruisers should leave a place better than they found it. Today, Clean Wake is one of SSCA’s most cherished traditions. It reflects respect for others, respect for the environment, and care for the communities that welcome cruising boats.
That does not always mean a large program, a formal mission, or a major shipment. Often it means small boats, small crews, and practical help matched to real local needs. SSCA collaborates with HopeFleet, an organization that helps connect boats, donations, and communities with practical needs.
A cruising boat may carry school supplies, eyeglasses, hygiene items, medical supplies, tools, sewing materials, sports equipment, or other donated goods. Another boat may help identify a local need. A marina, host, teacher, clinic, church, or community leader may help make sure donations reach the right people.
The seed of HopeFleet grew from hurricane-response work after Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Early on, SSCA commodores Rick and Julie Peterson (Believe) had a belief in HopeFleet that helped open the door to the collaboration.
SSCA brings a cruising community, communication channels, local hosts, and member boats. HopeFleet brings a mission-focused donation and delivery model. Together, the two efforts can help match real needs with real boats and real people willing to help. The SSCA Foundation can encourage this work through small grants, project support, and recognition of member-led efforts.
You can visit SSCA at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October to learn more about Clean Wake, HopeFleet, SSCA Foundation grant opportunities, and ways small boats can help host communities throughout the cruising world.
Learn more at ssca.org and hopefleet.org.
