Over 100 members have joined the European Inland Waterways Section in the last year and this is a wonderful opportunity for old and new to meet and enjoy the hospitality at the Cruising Association and, of course, we'll be very glad to welcome non-members to the seminar. The programme has been designed to suit cruisers venturing into Europe for the first time as well as updating those who have been cruising the waterways for years.
Traversing France and the Netherlands: Two members who took their boats through France to the Mediterranean will describe their experience and Andy Mulholland will talk about routes through the Netherlands.
Locks and boat handling: These are the two major challenges on inland waterways. Julian Dussek who has cruised in France, Belgium and Holland on and off in a Southerly115 without a bow thruster will describe the techniques employed and Clifford Mickleburgh who has travelled tens of thousands of miles throughout Europe single handed will talk about the technique he uses in a typical steel power boat.
Cruising in Europe post Brexit: Judy Evans, the CA expert on the French long stay visa will give an overview of the situation and bring us up to date on ETIAS EES and the situation in other countries.
Cruising information on the inland waterways: There is a simply huge amount of cruising information both on the CA website and on national websites but where is it, how do you find it? Machiel Lambooij and Gordon Knight will explore the cornucopia of sources of information. Julian will give an update on the CA website development.
Hidden gems and other joys to discover: David Edwards-May will introduce us to some hidden spots in France while Betsan and Neil Caldwell and Jules Dussek will talk about Calais, gateway to the east and must-see places in Belgium.
Lunch, plus coffee, tea and biscuits will be included in the price and the bar will be open.
Date: Saturday 2 March 2024
Time: Registration from 10:00, seminar 10:30 - 17:00
Place: CA House
Booking: Book online here
Pricing: CA members £25 or £45 for couples, non-members £35 per person
Programme: Details of the programme are below. There will be time after each presentation for discussion and questions. Questions can also be submitted at lunchtime and will be answered in the final session of the afternoon.
10:00 - 10:30 Registration, tea, coffee & biscuits
10:30 - 10:35 Welcome, Jules Dussek
10:35 - 11:30 Traversing France, Kerri Buchanan and Tim Ball
11:30 -12:00 Traversing Holland, Andy Mulholland
12:00 - 12:30 Calais, gateway to the east, plus the must-see places in Belgium, Neil & Betsan Caldwell and Jules Dussek
12:30 -12:50 Hidden secrets of France, David Edwards-May
12:50 - 13:50 Buffet Lunch
13:50 - 14:30 Cruising in Europe post Brexit, Judy Evans
14:30 - 15:10 Locks and boat handling, Clifford Mickleburgh (motor boats), Jules Dussek (sailing boats)
15:10 - 15:55 Where to find information, CAptain's Mate, website update, Machiel Lambooij, Gordon Knight, Judy Evans, Jules Dussek
15:55 - 16:15 Tea, coffee & biscuits
16:15 - 17:00 Q&A (questions to be submitted at lunchtime)