Cruising Skills Week: The Boat Buyer’s Survival Guide

Details

Join us for two FREE live evening webinars designed to fast-track your knowledge and confidence when buying your first boat. From avoiding common pitfalls to securing the right insurance cover, these sessions will help you make informed decisions.

Open to non-members and members, Cruising Skills Week reflects the CA’s commitment to growing participation and supporting both sail and motorboat cruisers. Cruising Skills Week Week is an opportunity to experience the depth of expertise and supportive community the CA is known for. If you are considering joining the CA, it offers a clear introduction to how membership can support your cruising ambitions - whether under sail or power - at every stage of your journey.

Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or switching between sail and motor, buying a boat comes with important decisions. These talks explore the realities of boat ownership from the perspective of an experienced cruiser and a professional marine insurer – giving you practical guidance you can rely on.

All attendees registered for any Cruising Skills Week event will receive a digital goody bag packed with information and resources.

Programme Overview

Each talk will last approximately 40 minutes, followed by a 15-minute live Q&A.

19:00-19:55 hrs
Buying your first boat: Pitfalls and Top Tips

Speaker: Mike Eastman, Cruising Association Member
Talk Synopsis: This session will guide you through the key decisions and common traps. Learn to clarify what you really want from a boat, where to find suitable options, and how to calculate the cost of ownership. Mike will cover what to look for when viewing boats, the importance of professional surveys, and how factors such as where you plan to sail and berth the boat should shape your choice. A practical, realistic overview to help you buy with confidence.

20:00-21:00 hrs
Boat Insurance: From Purchase to Policy - Getting It Right

Speaker: John Macaulay, Haven-Knox Johnston
Talk Synopsis: John is Head of Placement at specialist yacht insurer Haven Knox-Johnston (part of Howden) and has worked in the UK yacht insurance industry since 1979. His experience spans underwriting and management roles with Lloyd’s syndicates and insurance companies, covering everything from dinghies and motorboats to superyachts. He has underwritten specialist yacht schemes across the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, the Far East and the Middle East. A lifelong sailor, John has been on the water since age seven and keeps his yacht on the South Coast.

What you will Learn

• How to match your boating plans to the right type of boat
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• The true cost of ownership: mooring, insurance, upkeep and upgrades
• What to look for during viewings, surveys and sea trials
• How to navigate brokers, private sales and the buying process

Meet the Speakers

Mike Eastman

A CA member for over twenty years, Mike brings more than 60 years of sailing experience, from dinghies to large yachts. An RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, he has raced and cruised extensively. He is a passionate advocate for owners truly knowing their boats, with the confidence to undertake and even enjoy most maintenance and repairs, both in harbour and at sea.

John Macaulay

Currently Head Of Placement at specialist Yacht Insurer Haven Knox-Johnston (Part of Howden), John has been working in the UK Yacht Insurance industry since 1979 in various Underwriting and Management roles both in the City and beyond for both Lloyd’s syndicates and Insurance companies.

His experience ranges from insuring small dinghies and motorboats all the way through to the Super/ Mega Yacht sector. His work has taken him around the globe Underwriting specialist yacht schemes in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Far East, Europe and the Middle East.

John is a keen sailor himself and has sailed extensively since the age of seven and currently owns his own Yacht based on the Sout Coast.

Discover Cruising Skills Week

This event is part of Cruising Skills Week, 23-28 March 2026 - a series of free online evening sessions from 23-27 March, followed by a one-day in-person and online Go Affordable Boating Seminar at CA House, London on 28 March. Discover the full programme.

Exclusive 20% Membership Offer

Use CSW20, the unique Cruising Skills Week 20% off discount code, to join the Cruising Association, reducing Full Membership (one member, or two members at the same address) to £137.60* instead of £172. Discover more about the benefits of CA membership.

With over 6,400 members worldwide and a history dating back to 1908, the CA connects sailors, shares knowledge and supports every stage of the cruising journey. If you are serious about cruising, this is an opportunity to experience our knowledge and discover the wider benefits of membership.

Discover the benefits of membership

*First year of membership, when paying by Direct Debit.