Annual Channel Section Seminar

Details

You are invited to our annual one-day seminar for CA members and non-members interested in cruising in the Channel area whether they are experienced or not. During the day there will be presentations from members, a group discussion/activity, a chance to socialise and chat over lunch (included) and at the end of the day discussions and networking plus the option to continue this in the bar and over dinner.

Main Presentations

Channel Passage Making – Cathy & Steve Lacey

With so many ports every port in the Channel is within a day-sail or single tide of another but some passages can be more challenging than others: headlands, shipping, tidal streams and overfalls can all make a passage more complex. There are also many “short cuts” which, when planned properly, make an interesting and shorter passage. Steve and Cathy will talk about types of passages and how best to plan them.

Cruising the Isles of Scilly – David Hackett

Just 25 miles or so from Lands End the semi-tropical Isles of Scilly provide a wonderfully different cruising experience in its waters and on its islands. David Hackett is the author of the RCCPF Isles of Scilly pilot book. He will talk through sailing directions, anchorage information, and the islands themselves to tempt you to plan a visit, to safely cruise and thoroughly enjoy this archipelago.

Cruising North Brittany – Ted Wilson

North Brittany is a popular cruising ground with its range of attractive towns and cities, varied coastlines including sandy shores, rugged outcrop of pink granite and river valleys. Many ports are tourist attractions and in summer may host interesting events. Ted will talk about routes to get there from the UK, the range of ports and their particular attractions, plus some personal experiences.

Cruise East – Iain Kidson

The Eastern end of the English Channel can be seen as a gateway to the cruising grounds of NE France, Belgium and The Netherlands - and just 1-2 days sail from the Solent. Iain will talk about why and how you might want to explore this coastline, describe some of the key passages and ports, and a brief introduction to cruising (in a yacht) the Dutch inland waterways.

Cross-Channel Rallies: Report and Plan – Paul and Liz Harewood

In 2026, the Channel Section’s Cross Channel Rally/Cruise-In-Company had two starting points: Yarmouth in the Solent and Brixham in the South-West. From there they visited the Channel Islands and France with various group activities along the way. Paul & Liz will give an overview of this rally and a preview of plans for the 2027 event.

Vive La Difference – Richard Tucker

Cruising the Channel you realise that the Brits and French do things on boats in similar ways but there are differences which can be fascinating. To understand these Richard has been studying the French Permis Plaisance Cotier (Permit for Coastal Pleasure Boat) course. Richard will cover the permits, boat license taxes, tide calculations, beaches and buoys, marina contracts and a few other marine topics highlighting some differences to common practice this side of the channel and what, if anything, we should do over there. He promises to keep it light!

Night Sailing – Group Activity!

While Channel ports are all within a day sail of each other night sailing can be attractive both to get to a destination and as a new experience. Being able to handle a night passage is also a good skill to have.
What are our concerns with night sailing? What preparations do we make for night sailing? How do we cruise differently at night?
We will divide into 3 groups to share our individual ideas and then share the groups’ ideas with the rest of the attendees.

Timing

To be confirmed.

Pricing

For one day seminar including buffet lunch, coffee/teas etc.

Early Booking Members: £TBA (ends 31st Dec 2026)
Early Booking Non-Members: £TBA (ends 31st Dec 2026)
Members (later booking): £TBA
Non-Members (later booking): £TBA

Evening hot main course plus dessert (limited number of places): £TBA

Booking

Booking will open in October 2026 but set aside that date!