CA House, London
You are invited to our annual one-day seminar for CA members and non-members interested in cruising in the Channel area whether they are experienced or not. During the day there will be presentations from members, a group discussion/activity, a chance to socialise and chat over lunch (included) and at the end of the day discussions and networking plus the option to continue this in the bar and over dinner.
Main Presentations
Cruising the Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula & North Brittany – Cathy & Steve Lacey
The Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula & North Brittany is a popular cruising area whether from the Solent or West Country. It has a wide range of attractions in terms of ports from small villages to large cities; and a coast with sandy beaches, dramatic rocky shores and quiet river valleys – as well the choice of the mainland of France and its islands plus the Channel Islands themselves. CA members Steve and Cathy Lacey are the new editors for the RCCPF Pilot Book for this area and will talk about cruising this area and their editing of the next edition
Anchoring – Patrick & Amanda Marshall
Many of us worry about anchoring, feeling more secure in marinas or on buoys. But anchoring can take us to more remote or attractive locations as well as giving us some solitude or the companionship of being together in a quiet bay. Patrick and Amanda have anchored not just in the Channel but all round the world and will talk about what makes a good anchorage, how best to deploy your anchoring equipment for a trouble-free stay, and will provide some instructive anecdotes.
Cruising the South-West Coast – Ted Wilson
The South-West coast of England has much to offer with its varied shoreline, headlands and rivers, cities and anchorages. Ted and Kay Wilson have kept their yacht in the River Exe for some years and cruised this coast local to them. They will share their knowledge of the area and their favourite places to visit from Lyme Regis to Lands End.
Channel Rallies: Report and Plan – Liz Harewood
In 2024, there were two Channel Section rallies: a Cross-Channel rally with two starting points, the Solent and Brixham. The other was based in Plymouth for the National Fireworks Championship. Liz Harewood, one of our rally leaders, will report on and review these rallies and then introduce our plans for 2025.
French for Cruising – Carolyn Traynor
Most staff and other people we meet in French marinas will speak good English as will those in tourist destinations like the tourist offices, restaurants and shops. However, you may get a friendlier response if you speak a few words in French to start a conversation which may quickly switch to English. Carolyn will take us through some useful common words and phrases relevant to both cruising and generally being in France.
Channel Paperwork Procedures Update – Bob Garrett
An overview of the processes (definite or prospective!) for arriving and departing UK, France and Channel Islands by boat in 2025. This will provide the latest information we have and some examples of what may emerge for summer 2025.
Attractions Inland? - Group Activity!
Last year we discussed, collated and shared tourist diversions which tended to be local to the ports, so this year we would like our break-out groups to share places and attractions they have visited further afield than the immediate port areas and also to identify the sorts of locations or sites that they would like to visit. Then how might you get there: a longer walk, bike, bus or maybe hiring a car.
We will divide into groups to share our individual ideas and then share the group’s ideas with the rest of the attendees.
Timing
10.30 Registration commences and coffee
11.00 Morning Presentations start
12.30 Lunch (cold buffet with dessert)
13.30 Afternoon presentations start
14.45 Afternoon tea
17.15 Seminar ends but informal further networking and discussions
18.30 Optional dinner with the Channel Secretaries, some of the presenters and some attendees.
Optional Evening Dinner
You are welcome to stay into the evening to socialise with many of the presenters and other attendees. There is an optional dinner which will offer a choice of 3 hot buffet main courses plus dessert, fruit or cheese & biscuits.
Pricing
Early booking members £32.00
Early booking non-members £41.00
Members £41.00
Non-members £50.00
This event is likely to be fully booked so we advise booking early, and to receive the early booking discount before 6th January. If the event is fully booked there will be an opportunity to join a wait list.
Book Now by clicking here.
Bar & CA Shop
The bar will be open at lunchtime and in the evening for other drinks.
There will be the opportunity to purchase goods (CA Almanac, bunting and merchandise) from the CA shop during the day – so saving postage costs.