An evening with RATS 2026

Details

RATS will delve into the current hot topics that may impact your upcoming cruising and share practical advice. Members and non-members are invited to attend, either in-person at CA House, London or online via Zoom.

This sixth annual RATS seminar will feature presentations by expert CA members on current topics crucial to the cruising community:

• Lithium Batteries: Power or Peril?
  Rick Ballard will discuss the benefits and risks of lithium battery systems on cruising boats. He will cover essential safety practices, common installation pitfalls, and what insurers now expect so cruisers can stay both protected and compliant.
• Staying Connected: Starlink and the future of onboard comms
  Robert Sansom will present an overview of modern communication options afloat, including the rise of Starlink. We will look at systems, discuss reliability and safety implications, and help you choose the right setup for your cruising style.
• Lobster Pots: What’s next?
  Ian Wilson will show us that entanglement with poorly marked or deployed static fishing gear remains the same issue as when the CA made its video in 2018. Except for a small gain in Scotland nothing has changed. Is the CA going to take up the cudgels again? You can watch the 2018 video below.
• When Abroad: making sure your kit is legal
  Different countries have different safety and equipment rules. Sarah Banks will highlight the key variations and explain how to ensure your boat stays compliant wherever you are cruising.

Please note: lectures can be watched live online but we do not generally make recordings available after the event, for a number of reasons relating to time and copyright issues.

Note that when you register and book tickets to join via Zoom, the confirmation email from Eventbrite will include the link to register to join via Zoom. You must do that to be able to join on the night.

Cruising Association Lobster Pot Campaign Video January 2018