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 a range of presentations and topics as well as the 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 also to stay on for dinner.
Saturday 17th February 2024 at CA House, London
Main Presentations
Hidden Gems – Cathy & Steve Lacey
The French channel coast has a number of gems which seem to attract fewer British yachts, despite their many attractions. Several of these also provide useful options to hide well away from inclement weather and opportunities to practise pilotage. Steve and Cathy Lacey will introduce you to such ports from the Normandy port of Carentan westwards along the north Breton coast and finally just round the corner to L’Aber Ildut.
Smart Sailing - Getting The Best From Your Instruments! – Brian Masters
We all want to sail efficiently, whether it is to pass another boat, to arrive earlier or just to feel that we are sailing the boat at its best. Our instruments help us to achieve this. Brian will talk about the common instruments and sensors that we have on board and how we can make best use of them. He uses a mixture of laptop, iPad and installed instruments in his passage planning and while on passage. Brian is one of the volunteer Raymarine testers and he will talk about the devices (mostly Raymarine) that he has on his boat and of his testing of recently announced displays and features.
Cruising the Eastern Channel: The French Side – Simon and Georgette Harrison
The North East coast of France has many attractions, whether visiting for a weekend or an extended cruise. Just a day sail away from England, it offers a beautiful coastline, attractive harbours, wonderful gastronomy, and a chance to brush up on Anglo-French history. Simon and Georgette will talk about the distances involved, information sources and what ports between Barfleur and Dunkerque have to offer.
First Channel Crossing & Onwards to Biscay – Alan & Dora Williams
Each year we have a few members on the Channel Section’s Cross-Channel Rally crossing to France for the first time. Alan and Dora will talk about why they joined the rally for that first crossing and their experiences in the rally, onwards along the north coast of Brittany and around into Biscay as they take their yacht towards the Mediterranean.
Crossing The Channel At Night – Paul & Liz Harewood
A night passage may increase your options for undertaking a Channel crossing. With over 330 hours of night sailing since 2009, Paul and Liz will share some of their experiences and the satisfaction they’ve found in night sailing. This will cover preparation, navigation, collision avoidance, night vision and watch keeping, victualling and more.
Channel Section Rallies: 2023 and 2024 – Bob Garrett
A review of the two Channel Section rallies held in 2023 and then a look forward to plans for 2024.
Channel Paperwork Procedures Update – Bob Garrett
An overview of the processes for arriving and departing UK, France and Channel Islands by boat in 2024.
Tourist Diversions? - Group Activity!
What “diversions” do we enjoy, or would like to enjoy in the Channel and how might we find out about these entertainments and attractions? Is it tourist offices, Trip Advisor, marinas, CAptain’s Mate…? And what might we be looking for: festivals, music, food, history, culture…?
We will divide into groups to share our individual ideas and then share the group’s ideas with the rest of the attendees.
Agenda
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, choosing from the standard CA Galley Menu
Pricing
CA Members £39 or £29 early booking (by the 15th January 2024).
Non-members £49 or £39 early booking (by the 15th January 2024). Non-members may get £10 reduction if they join on the day as well as some other relevant discounts.
Please indicate when booking whether you intend to stay for the dinner so we can cater for the approximate numbers. Payment for dinner will be when ordering your menu choice on the evening.
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.
Booking
Book NOW by clicking here. If fully booked then we suggest you join the wait list in the hope someone drops out.