Migrant traffickers cause alarm for boaters in the Mediterranean.
Cruising Association members have reported that small yachts are being chased by boats carrying migrants from Libya to Europe.
An estimated 600,000 migrants are waiting to cross from Libya to Europe. Under the cover of darkness, boats leave the African continent full of desperate refugees but the CA is advising boaters in the area to be wary, stand clear and inform the relevant Search and Rescue service.
Boaters in the Ionian Sea have reported aggressive guards on the island of Skorpios.
Skippers that venture too close to the islands of Skorpios and Sparti, which lies 2km north, are being met with armed guards, which are employed by the new Russian owner, Ekaterina Rybolovleva.
Greek law states that anything more than 10 meters from the beach is public land, so boats are legally allowed to anchor by the island.
However, guards may be acting under the Right to Privacy Law, which could be used to allow security teams to keep onlookers at bay.
Discover one of the sunniest cruising coastlines in Europe – a blend of cultures, friendly people and a laid back atmosphere - on board an 8-berth Jeanneau 45.
Cyclone Pam has ploughed through Vanuatu's many islands causing severe devastation.
Cruising sailors, including many CA members, have been given a warm welcome by these hospitable islanders, and we think it appropriate that we should help them now in their great need.
Please see the newsletter attached below for details of how you can help.
East Coast CA member, Tom Clayton, was the lucky winner of our folding rib competition.
Tom joined the CA last year and enjoyed a summer trip around the Baltic. He sails with his wife and three children – as well as enjoying racing on a friend’s Beneteau at local regattas.
Following news that sailing has been dropped from the 2020 Paralympic Games Programme, The Cruising Association is joining the campaign backed by its patron, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, to fight the decision.
The International Paralympic Committee announced at the end of last month that sailing was not on the list of sports in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has been backing a petition, which had 14,500 signatures in the first few days, to reinstate the sport:
Sir Robin posted the following message on Facebook:
East Coast CA member, Tom Clayton, was the lucky winner of our folding rib competition.