In a new chapter for the Cruising Association, as at the AGM on 13 November 2024 Robin Baron took the helm as the thirty-fourth President.
A long-standing member since 1976, Robin brings 48 years of experience with the CA, giving him an in-depth understanding of its core values of knowledge-sharing and support to the cruising community.
With a wealth of cruising expertise and an enthusiasm for the CA’s mission, Robin is committed to strengthening the CA’s contribution to the cruising community and the services it provides to members.
About Robin
Robin started sailing aged 13 in an Enterprise. Aged 16, he experienced his first cruising adventure to Cherbourg on 'Rona', a 72' ketch, with the London Sailing Project (LSP). This trip he describes as one that left him 'hooked for life'.
After chartering and crewing, Robin and his wife Chris bought a Contessa 32 in 1976. They have since cruised in the Baltic, the North Sea, the Channel, Biscay, the Irish Sea and Scottish West Coast in a succession of boats. Today, they cruise on their current boat, ‘Misha’, an X-Yachts XC38 based in Mylor, Cornwall.
Professionally, Robin’s background is as a commercial solicitor in London.
Robin’s volunteer service with the CA has spanned several roles:
1999 to 2007 - Honorary Solicitor
2014 to 2018 - Regional Editor for Cruising Almanac, NW France
2018 to date - Regional Editor for Cruising Almanac, SW England
2016 to 2019 and 2024 to date - member of Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS)
2019 to 2024 - Chair of Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS)
Quick Chat
In this quick chat, we began by asking Robin about the CA, before switching to a few questions about his own sailing.
Why is the CA important to you personally?
"It is a great source of inspiration, knowledge and friendship."
What is one unique quality about the CA that you feel sets it apart from other sailing organisations?
"Its focus on cruising."
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your involvement with the CA so far?
"Leading RATS through a period of growth and through interesting times - Covid-19 and Brexit - and seeing its members flourish as they dealt with different challenges."
What motivated you to step into the role as President of the CA?
"The desire to make a difference to a respected and much-loved organisation."
What have been the greatest benefits for you as a CA member?
"The knowledge freely available and knowing that, almost always, there’s someone to help with the answer."
In what ways would you like to see the CA evolving over the next few years?
"There’s still ground to be made up in getting the message out there that the CA is an incredible self-supporting organisation that all serious cruisers would benefit from joining."
What advice would you give to members starting their cruising journey with the CA?
"Get involved in participating and, ideally, in volunteering even if only in a small way. Try several things and then pick the one that suits you best."
What fuels your passion for sailing?
"It’s the freedom. Unlike most other activities these days, you are free to sail most places you want. Even now you can’t beat the thrill of entering a new harbour or anchorage."
What’s been your most memorable sailing adventure to date?
"A cruise in 2014 from Chichester Harbour to the Scottish West Coast, including the Outer Hebrides and back to the Clyde."
Do you have a favourite book about sailing?
"You still can’t beat Arthur Ransome’s ‘We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea’. Read it as a kid, read it to my kids and now to my grandkids"
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from sailing?
"If it can go wrong, it will go wrong! Plan accordingly."
Where is your favourite place in the world to sail?
"The Isles of Scilly."
Which well-known sailor would you most like to sail with and why?
"Eric Tabarly - even though he was a racer, because he lived (and died) his dream. In the sixties he once moored next to the boat I was on in Gosport."
Sailing sunset or sunrise?
"Sunset"
What is your favourite onboard meal?
"Spaghetti Puttanesca (Tart’s Spaghetti)."
14 November 2024