The Cruising Club of America has appointed A. Chace Anderson as its new Commodore. The appointment was confirmed at the club’s annual meeting in March. Anderson succeeds John “Jay” Gowell, who completed a two-year term in the role. Andrew Kallfelz has been elected Vice Commodore, replacing Anderson.
As regular Afloat readers know, Anderson was in Ireland in March to present the Club's Friendship Cup at the Irish Cruising Club annual dinner in Fermanagh.
The club, founded in 1922, represents offshore sailors across the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Europe. It is known for awarding the Blue Water Medal and co-organising the Newport Bermuda Race.
Anderson paid tribute to his predecessor’s contribution. “Jay has made a great contribution to CCA during his two-year term as Commodore,” he said. “He was instrumental in planning cruises and establishing our first station in Western Europe.”
During Gowell’s tenure, the club expanded its cruising programme. Recent flotillas were held in the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda, alongside domestic events in Washington State and Chesapeake Bay. The Newport Bermuda Race also saw further development during this period.
The club has also confirmed a number of new officers and governors. Timothy Surgenor has been appointed Secretary, with Kathleen O’Donnell as Treasurer and Douglas Adkins as Historian. New governors include Michael Geagan, Joseph W. Golberg and Somers Kempe.
The organisation continues to operate without a central clubhouse, instead working through a network of regional stations.
