Southampton International Boat Show: Get your questions answered with the CA

There’s something different to discover on the Cruising Association stand throughout the Southampton International Boat Show.

Our dedicated stand days put the spotlight on different aspects of cruising, bringing together CA members with specialist knowledge and first-hand experience covering motorboating, Channel crossings, Europe’s inland waterways, the Mediterranean, cruising information, and technical and regulatory matters. Visit the CA on Stand H244 in New Wave Hall to ask questions, get practical advice and tap into the CA’s extensive cruising knowledge.

Friday 18 September - Regulatory & Technical Services Group (RATS)

Got a technical question or confused by cruising regulations? Ask the CA’s RATS team.

From VAT, HVO and marine diesel to lithium batteries, travelling with pets, lobster pot entanglements and the requirements for cruising in Europe, the CA’s Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) Group helps you navigate an increasingly complex range of issues.

Drop by for a one-to-one chat, ask your questions and discover how the CA’s specialist knowledge can help make your cruising simpler and better informed. Can’t make Friday? RATS return on 23, 24, 25 and 26 September.

Saturday 19 September - Motorboat Day

Thinking about buying a motorboat, planning a longer cruise or looking for practical advice? Benefit from the CA’s wealth of first-hand motorboating knowledge and experience.

Discover what to consider when buying a motorboat, maintenance and preparing for longer cruises, and new cruising destinations. You can also hear about plans for a Motorboat Section cruise-in-company, and our weekly Motorboat webinars each Tuesday throughout November.

Sunday 20 September - Mediterranean Day

Dreaming of the Med or already cruising there? Meet the CA’s Mediterranean experts for a wealth of first-hand cruising knowledge and experience.

Get the latest information on regulations and requirements across the region and learn about the extensive Mediterranean resources available to members. You can also hear about the Section’s active community, events and socials, including its popular annual Seminar on 14 March 2027. Come and talk all things Med - from planning your passage to making the most of cruising once you are there.

Monday 21 September - Channel Day

If you are preparing for your first Channel crossing or looking for inspiration to explore cruising grounds, then head to the CA stand on Channel Day and tap in the Channel Section's extensive experience and online resources.

Find out about our Annual Channel Seminar on Saturday 30 January 2027 and First Channel Crossing on Sunday 31 January, as well as plans for our Summer 2027 cruise-in-company rally to France. During the Boat Show, non-members can book the First Channel Crossing Seminar for a special rate of just £27, including buffet lunch and refreshments - and you don’t need to attend the Boat Show to take advantage of the offer.

Tuesday 22 September - European Inland Waterways Day

See where Europe’s remarkable network of 30,000 km of navigable rivers and canals could take you with the CA’s European Inland Waterways Section

From taking your own yacht or motorboat inland for a transit trip to embracing a completely different style of cruising, our team will share practical, first-hand advice on routes, waterways and destinations. You can also learn about the CA’s extensive range of guides and resources for planning and cruising Europe’s rivers and canals.

Plus, exclusive to the show, visit the stand on 22 September to download a complimentary digital copy of An Introduction to the European Inland Waterways, worth £19.95.

Wednesday 23 September - RATS

The CA’s Regulatory & Technical Services specialists return to the stand. Bring along your questions and get advice on the technical and regulatory issues affecting cruising.

Thursday 24 September - RATS and Crewing Service

Alongside another opportunity to put your technical and regulatory questions to our RATS specialists, find out how the CA Crewing Service can help you spend more time on the water.

For skippers looking for crew and crew keen to build miles, develop skills, visit new destinations or simply go sailing, our trusted, established network brings people together. From UK coastal cruising and offshore passages to Mediterranean adventures and destinations worldwide, the Crewing Service helps turn plans into voyages.

Friday 25 September - RATS and Cruising Information

Our RATS specialists will again be available for technical and regulatory questions, while the spotlight also turns to the CA’s extensive cruising information

Discover how our online wealth of cruising information can help you plan your next adventure - whether you’re already a member or simply curious about what the CA has to offer. Explore our extensive online cruising resources, get practical tips on finding the information you need, and see how other members’ first-hand knowledge can help you plan with confidence.

Meet he team behind the The Cruising Almanac and try out the latest release of CAptain's Mate.

Saturday 26 September - RATS

It’s the final opportunity at the show to meet our RATS specialists and get one-to-one help with the technical and regulatory issues impacting your cruising.

And there’s plenty more on the CA stand …

The dedicated stand days are just part of what’s happening on the CA stand throughout the show.

Meet CA members and cruising specialists, see CAptain’s Mate in action, pick up information and inspiration for your future cruising. You can also learn more about the CA’s worldwide cruising community, extensive member resources and the many ways we can help you get more from your time on the water. Plus take advantage of our 20% off membership offer and enter our show prize.

Come and visit the CA on Stand H244 in New Wave Hall. For the latest information and full programme, visit www.theca.org.uk/southamptonboatshow.