Annual Channel Section Seminar & Online Presentation
- 30/1/2027
Details
You are invited to the CA Channel Section's annual:
- one-day Seminar and
- half-day Online Presentation.
This is for CA members and non-members interested in cruising in the Channel area whether they are experienced or not
During the day at CA House there will be:
- fact-filled 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
- chance to buy CA almanacs, burgees etc. and publications such as pilot books from Bookharbour
Morning Session
The morning session starting at 1030 after registration and tea/coffee/pastries will cover cruising in three Channel areas (and a little beyond!). This will finish at 1pm.
This morning event is for those at CA House and for those watching it as an online presentation. Note that there will be not time for Q&A during this; all Q&A will be at the end of the day and only for those at the seminar at CA House. Any questions from those online may be emailed to channel@theca.org.uk for answers over the following days.
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.
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.
Afternoon Session
This afternoon session is only for those attending the seminar at CA House.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Optional Evening Dinner
Attendees at CA House are invited to stay into the evening for sociable drinks in the bar and optionally to book a dinner with other attendees and presenters.
Timing
10.00am for registration and tea/coffee/pastries
10.30am Presentations for those at the CA House seminar and online
1pm Online session ends
1pm Buffet lunch at CA House
2pm Afternoon sessions start for those at CA House
5.15pm Seminar ends
Other Attractions
Bookharbour will be at this event and have available a range of relevant charts, books, digital charts, and other products from their extensive range. This will include the Isles of Scilly Pilot and the new edition of the Shell Channel Pilot. Purchases made on the day will receive a 10% discount and can either be collected on the day or shipped free of charge unless overseas.
There will also be CA Almanacs and other CA products available to purchase and take away, so saving on shipping.
Pricing
For one day seminar including buffet lunch, coffee/teas etc.
Early Booking Members: £32 (ends 31st Dec 2026)
Early Booking Non-Members: £40 (ends 31st Dec 2026)
Members (later booking): £38
Non-Members (later booking): £46
For half-day online presentation:
Members only: £8
Optional evening hot main course and dessert: £22.40
Booking
In recent years the Channel Section's Annual Seminar has always been oversubscribed so book (using the Register button near the top of this page) soon to ensure your places.
