The Cruising Association (CA) held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 13 November at CA House, London. This year’s meeting marked the first time members could vote electronically, making participation easier for those around the world.
Members were welcomed by Derek Lumb, CA President and Nick Nottingham, Chair of Council. After opening the meeting and covering routine business, Nick Nottingham reviewed the CA’s achievements over the past year and upcoming projects. He thanked the many volunteers who support the CA community. Honorary Treasurer Nick Clayton then presented the Financial Statements to year end 30 June 2024, which were approved.
Moving to the election, Robin Baron, previously Chair of the CA’s Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) group, was elected as the thirty-fourth President of the CA. Speaking on his election, Robin said, "I regard this as a great honour and feel truly privileged to have this opportunity to head the CA as a leading organisation for cruising sailors. The CA is volunteer led and, as such, is reliant for much of what it does on the talents and hard work of our volunteers. I have enormous respect for all they do."
Nick Nottingham returns to Council as a Vice-President. David Lovejoy is elected as a Vice-President. Bob Slay continues his service as a Council member. Five new members join the Council for their first time - Sarah Banks, John Burbeck, Mike Carey, Camilla Herrmann and Trevor Page - who are each elected for a three-year term.
Nick Nottingham, who joined Council in 2021, was re-appointed as Chair as decided at the Council meeting following the AGM.
The CA extended special thanks to Derek Lumb for his service on Council from 2013-2016 and again since 2017, as well as to outgoing Vice-President Ivan Andrews, a member since 2018. Appreciation was also given to departing Council members Simon Hampton-Matthews, Peta Stuart-Hunt and Martin Sutcliffe, who have served since 2021.
Retiring President Derek Lumb reflected on his three-year tenure, saying, "I was honoured to be elected as President of the Cruising Association in 2021. Much has happened in the three years, and I have been ever more impressed with the knowledge and ability of our members - our community. They are the unique and greatest asset of the CA. As Council Members, our role is to encourage and facilitate the sharing of this vast wealth of knowledge and experience. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have served alongside me on Council."
The AGM, held at CA House and broadcast live via Zoom, allowed members to raise questions in advance and engage in open discussions with Officers and Council members.
Thank you to all our members who voted and attended the meeting in person at CA House, those who joined us virtually from France, Germany, Panama, Switzerland, UK and the USA, and those who appointed a proxy.
l-r back: Mike Carey, Trevor Page, David Lovejoy
l-r middle: Sarah Banks, Bob Slay, Camilla Herrmann
l-r front: Robin Baron, Nick Nottingham, John Burbeck
CA members can view the AGM papers by logging into your account.
The elected CA Officers and Council members are:
- President: Robin Baron
- Chair of Council and Vice-President: Nick Nottingham
- Vice-President: David Lovejoy
- Council: Sarah Banks
- Council: John Burbeck
- Council: Mike Carey
- Council: Camilla Herrmann
- Council: Trevor Page
- Honorary Treasurer: Nick Clayton
- Honorary Solicitor: Jennifer Bowes
Read an interview with new CA President, Robin Baron
14 November 2024