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.

Saturday 24th January 2026
CA House, London

Main Presentations

Electronic Pilotage – Cathy & Steve Lacey

How to get the most out of your electronic navigational aids to plan and conduct pilotage. This will tie in with the RYA's "Digital First" approach to navigation and include the four stages of passage planning; Appraisal, Planning, Execution and Monitoring. The transition to electronic navigation ties in with the decreasing availability of paper charts. We will include the practicalities of incorporating visual pilotage and how to adapt for blind pilotage. The presentation will include some worked examples.

Re-writing the Shell Channel Pilot – Rachael Sprot

Rachael has prepared a major new edition of one of the classic pilot guides which comes out in spring 2026. In this talk she’ll discuss the trials and tribulations of researching the book, the role of pilot guides in a digital era, and having big boots to fill.

Undertaking Longer Passages – Bob Garrett

Progressing from short (few hour) passages to longer passages even overnight (we are not talking longer than that) involves different preparation and actions to undertake. Bob (and Sue) Garrett have crossed the Channel many times but also cruised the Baltic, crossed Biscay and crewed on passages in the Mediterranean and Atlantic of up to 7 days. This will provide a checklist of points to consider in your passage planning from equipment and victuals to watch-keeping and how to pass the time.

Paperwork & Process for Travel between UK and EU (particularly France) – Judy Evans

Processes for travel between the UK and EU continue to change, and 2026 will see further developments. Judy will talk through the procedures including the UK's Pleasure Craft Report (sPCR) as well as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for non-UK sailors coming to the UK; the EU's Freedom of Movement and Schengen restrictions, Entry Exit System (EES), and Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS); and, particularly for France, longer term visas and the current "protocol" ports system.

Cruising the Channel Islands – Paul & Liz Harewood

Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney offer an excellent cruising area with a range of ports and attractions just a day sail from the UK and France as well as providing useful passage ports from North Brittany. Paul and Liz will talk about the range of ports, typical passages and planning, plus some personal experiences and shore attractions.

Cross-Channel Rallies: Report and Plan – Dave & Hilary Roissetter

In 2025, the Channel Section’s Cross Channel Rally/Cruise-In-Company had two starting points: Lymington in the Solent and Dartmouth in the South-West. From there they visited France and the Channel Islands with various group activities along the way. Dave and Hilary will give an overview of this rally and a preview of plans for the 2026 event.

Handling Heavy Weather – Group Activity!

While we may plan to avoid such weather we can get caught out by squalls even in the Channel. What precautions do we each typically take, what equipment do we or might we carry, and how would we handle such an event? Indeed, have we encountered such an event and how did we cope?
We will divide into groups to share our individual ideas and then share the group’s ideas with the rest of the attendees.

Timing

To be announced

Pricing

To be announced

Booking

To be announced