The CA welcomes Catriona Essenhigh as the new Suffolk Section Secretary, succeeding Simon and Georgette Harrison.
A lifetime on the water
Catriona’s love of sailing began young, braving her first Channel crossing aged just eight. "I have been on sailing boats for as long as I can remember, including my first Channel crossing back from Deauville in 1974. Despite the rough weather, I wasn’t put off!"
Growing up in the Midlands, Catriona’s family were early members of Rutland Sailing Club, where she learned to sail in a Mirror dinghy, before progressing to a Laser. Her sailing continued through university and beyond, spanning club racing in London to chartering in the Solent, the Mediterranean and Sweden.
Catriona and her husband, Jason, have also sailed in the Caribbean, Sydney Harbour and from New York City to Nantucket, and even Nepal’s high-altitude Lake Pokhara. "Top tip," she notes, "There’s a little-used anchorage under the Statue of Liberty, I recommend it for location if nothing else!"
Catriona has racing credentials too, including the 2001 Fastnet Race on Spirit of Diana, a 65ft Farr. "Despite our boom becoming disconnected just after we rounded the Rock, we came 14th overall. A great experience, but I won’t be doing it again!"
Now retired to Suffolk, they’ve traded their Drascombe Lugger for a Beneteau Oceanis 311.
Giving back
Asked why she took on the role of Suffolk Section Secretary, Catriona admits, "Probably in a similar vein to many Section Secretaries, I took on the role because I was asked!
"Having recently stopped working, and with a background in event organisation, I thought now was the perfect time to get involved and continue the legacy from Simon and Georgette Harrison and their predecessors, Colin and Elspeth Iskander. Having just moved to Suffolk, I thought it a great way to meet new people with the same interests."
Catriona is quick to praise the Suffolk Section team, particularly in organising winter talks. She aims to build on their success, whilst also trying to increase engagement across a broader range of age groups. She adds, "Sailing is largely a sociable activity, and this is a great way to meet like-minded people to exchange ideas, experiences, and learn some new things."
The Section’s staples - winter talks, East Coast Rally and birdwatching cruise – will continue. Catriona is also keen to hear new ideas, saying, "If anyone has any suggestions, please get in touch with me at suffolk@theca.org.uk."
Being a volunteer
For Catriona, volunteering is as much about personal fulfilment as it is about contributing. "I think everyone who volunteers would say it benefits them personally as much as it benefits the CA or any other organisation they’re involved with. Never underestimate the importance of feeling useful and connected to people."
If you would like to discuss opportunities to contribute your expertise and passion to the CA's outstanding work, please contact Bob Slay, CA Volunteer Champion, at volunteering@theca.org.uk. Giving even a small amount of your time will have a meaningful impact.
25 June 2025