Among the high winds and floods that have plagued the UK over recent weeks, there was a buzz in the air and a beacon of light shining over CA House for the first-ever Open Weekend held on 29 Feb and 1 March in London's Limehouse Basin. The sun came out as the CA welcomed members and non-members through the doors, imparting a wide range of cruising knowledge, marine exhibitor expertise and plenty of CA hospitality!
We were delighted to have been joined at our Open Weekend by Andy Byham, UK Director of Fairview Sailing, pictured here with the CA's General Manager Lucy Gray, to draw the winner of the Big Prize Draw that was launched at last September's Southampton Boat Show.
From 450 entries received, the winning ticket belongs to CA member Alan Kohler who, on being telephoned with the good news, was absolutely delighted at winning the £2,500 seven day Solent charter.
Greece has announced the scrapping of the DEKPA cruising permit in a draft bill for which consultations close on 27 February 2020. The bill will be voted on shortly afterwards and becomes law within one month of being officially published.
At this year’s CA Hanson Lecture on March 25, Mike Golding OBE will tell the inside story of the rescue of Alex Thomson during the Around Alone Race in 2006, a particularly difficult and dangerous situation which took place in the eye of a major storm, 1,000 miles south of Cape Town.
Mike's presentation will include a short Channel 4-produced film showing how things unfolded both on the shore as well as at sea and some fascinating, unseen, footage shot by Alex and Mike himself as the rescue unfolded.
Bookings are now closed for Tom Cunliffe’s talk on the Saturday evening of the CA’s Open Weekend running from 29 February-1 March but there are plenty of attractive discounts to entice you to attend the Open Weekend.
Throughout the Open Weekend, Imray (charts, maps & publications) is offering a super 20% discount on all orders taken on the day with free carriage to any UK address.
Joel Sanders has hung out with all of his heroes…. but did they want to hang out with him? Tonight, he’ll tell you about ‘encounters’ with his heroes including Green Day, Billy Connolly and a key member of The Stranglers. John Ellis has toured extensively with Peter Hammill and Peter Gabriel.. He was also a key member of The Stranglers. Tonight, he’ll play songs spanning his 4 decades as a recording artist and touring musician. Rockstar John will play his songs. Stalker Joel will share his stories. Then the star & the stalker will share the stage. Awkward?
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is an inspiration amongst sailors and beyond. His strength of character, bravery and can do attitude have enabled him to achieve feats which others only dream of.
However, the inspirational also need stimulation and in this final episode of 80 Seconds with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston we find out which characters provided the catalyst to undertake the amazing ventures over his life to date, never giving in despite many challenges along the way.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is a household name in the world of sailing and beyond, but did he ever have a driving ambition to become one of the world’s most recognised and accomplished sailors? Also, what have his achievements meant to the sport as a whole since his non-stop solo circumnavigation in 1969?
