Volunteer Spotlight: Judith Grimwade shares a lifetime of cruising, friendship and giving back
- Updated by Ann MacKellar
- 2 Nov 2026
From first discovering the joys of sailing aboard a classic yawl to helping fellow cruisers explore new horizons, Judith Grimwade has made an extraordinary contribution to the Cruising Association.
A former CA President (2015-2018), founder of the Biscay Section, current Honorary Editor of the Cruising Almanac and member of the Cruising Information Development Group, she reflects on a sailing life shaped by adventure, friendship and a determination to give something back.
For her, sailing has always been about more than simply being on the water. It is about freedom, discovery and the friendships forged through a shared love of the sea.
“Freedom, using the wind and tides to the best advantage,” is how she describes the appeal of cruising. “Appreciating the land from the water is one of the best views that one can have. When it goes right, it is a little bit of perfection.”
That sense of possibility has been a constant throughout her sailing life, and one she has shared with others through decades of volunteering for the CA. She joined in July 1986, having included the CA Handbook (as the Yearbook was then known) on her wedding gift list!
A sailing ambition fulfilled
Although she had always wanted to learn to sail, the prospect of cold, uncomfortable dinghy sailing held little appeal.
Fortunately, fate intervened as she recalls, “I met the man I was to marry - he had a classic yawl - and I achieved this ambition.”
Determined to understand the finer points of sailing, she bought a Mirror dinghy to learn about sail setting. But it soon became clear that her real passion lay in cruising and the opportunity to explore new destinations.
Joining the CA proved another turning point, providing the knowledge, confidence and support to explore unfamiliar waters, alongside lasting friendships with like-minded cruisers.
“Joining the CA widened the horizon of what is achievable, whether it is crossing oceans or just exploring a little further than home waters,” she explains. Describing the CA as a "great community within the friendship of the sea", she values the sense of belonging that has shaped her involvement.
Wizard of Paget approaching Houat, France
Judith Grimwade - receiving the Laver Sextant in 2024 - In 2024, Judith was awarded the Laver Sextant by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
From cruising member to committed volunteer
Her volunteering journey began with the newly formed Essex Section in the 1980s, where she joined the committee before stepping into the role of Section Secretary.
That initial involvement grew into a wider commitment. She was elected to the CA Council in 2008, served as Vice-President from 2011 to 2014 and as Chair from 2012 to 2014.
Her motivation was straightforward. “It was an opportunity to put something back and make a contribution,” she says. But volunteering also brought its own rewards: organising seminars, sharing navigational information, meeting like-minded people and, importantly, having fun.
One of her proudest achievements was founding the Biscay Section, which grew from a seminar she organised on cruising in Atlantic France and northern Spain. Encouraged by fellow members, the idea developed into the formation of the Biscay Section
Watching it flourish has been rewarding, as has handing responsibility to a new team of volunteers who continue to develop its activities and benefits for members. It is an example of volunteering creating lasting value that continues to grow through the enthusiasm and commitment of others.
Sharing knowledge, opening horizons
Today, her contribution continues as Honorary Editor of the CA's renowned Cruising Almanac.
Working alongside a team of contributors, she helps produce each annual edition, published in partnership with Imray, and is also responsible for the monthly cumulative corrections. The role draws directly on her extensive cruising experience, appreciation of thorough passage planning and a commitment to sharing reliable information.
“Nothing beats thorough planning,” she says, reflecting on one of the most valuable lessons sailing has taught her.
Her cruising experiences include challenging approaches along the French Atlantic coast, notably Ouessant via the Fromveur Channel, Arcachon and Capbreton, which have also contributed to her Almanac research.
The French Atlantic coast remains her favourite cruising ground, and she encourages sailors to make their own discoveries rather than simply follow the well-trodden routes.
“Decide for oneself locations worth visiting,” she advises, recalling the delights of St-Jean-de-Luz, a destination she particularly enjoyed despite many cruisers avoiding ports south of the Gironde.
Among her most memorable sailing experiences are arriving in Gijón from La Rochelle and holding the special privilege of escorting Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Suhaili into Les Sables-d'Olonne.
One ambition remains unfulfilled: discovering whether she could sustain an ocean crossing. Even after a lifetime of cruising, there are still horizons left to explore.
The friendships that make it worthwhile
For all the achievements and responsibilities, the people stand out most. During her time as Biscay Section Secretary, she made a point of visiting as many boats flying the CA burgee as possible. Those encounters led to lasting friendships, spontaneous gatherings and countless memorable and fun moments.
She describes working alongside fellow volunteers as “the pleasure and privilege of working with talented people.”
It is this camaraderie she sees as one of the CA's greatest strengths, bringing together people with diverse skills, knowledge and experience who willingly help others enjoy their cruising.
A professional background in teaching has also proved valuable, particularly in communication, event organisation and time management. She sees retirement as an opportunity to continue using and developing those skills while remaining part of an active and rewarding community.
“Being retired, volunteering enables one to continue to use and develop skills from one’s professional life. It adds interest and meaning. One continues to belong to a community.”
Restaurant Vale - 25 Sept 2026: Judith and CA friends in Croatia
Life beyond the CA
Beyond committee meetings and Almanac deadlines, there is plenty more to enjoy!
When it comes to the best time of day to be afloat, choosing is difficult, as she shares, “Watching the sun come up is magic. Sunset on board with drinks and friends - fabulous.”
Comforts afloat are equally important, with a pashmina, good duvets, quality bedding, a fridge and awnings among her essentials. A reliable plotter is indispensable, while her choice of the most useful tool is refreshingly pragmatic, “An engineer!”
Food is another important ingredient of a successful cruise. On longer passages, pre-cooked lasagne, ready to eat in minutes, is a favourite. In harbour, she enjoys salade de gésiers - a French speciality that reflects her affection for cruising along the Atlantic coast.
Away from sailing, skiing offers a similar sense of escape, as she says, “while you are doing it, you forget about everything else.”
Music, gardening and, more recently, ballet provides a new challenge to her interests.
Two former CA Presidents, Stuart Bradley (2009-2012) and Judith Grimwade (2015-2018) in Preko, Croatia – September 2026
The enduring spirit of volunteering
Decades of service have reinforced Judith’s passion for the importance of volunteering and the values on which the CA was founded.
“From its inception, the Corinthian ethos has been the foundation of the CA,” she explains.
That ethos centres on cruisers helping cruisers, recognising that those who spend time on the water understand what fellow sailors need, whether practical navigational knowledge, opportunities to meet or simply the reassurance of shared experience.
“Within the membership, there is an amazing amount of knowledge, expertise and experience. Sharing this is the foundation of the CA Community.”
Another source of satisfaction is seeing people she has encouraged go on to make significant contributions themselves, helping sustain the CA for future generations.
“All volunteers want the CA to be better for their contributions,” she reflects. “It is very rewarding when one sees someone that one recruited now playing a significant part in CA life.”
And despite everything she has achieved, there are no plans to stop volunteering.
“I am not ready to stop yet. There are still challenges to be met.”
For anyone considering offering their time and talents to the CA, Judith’s advice is unequivocal, saying, “Go for it. You will not regret it.”
It is a fitting conclusion to a lifetime of cruising, friendship and volunteering journey that continues to enrich both Judith’s own life and the wider CA community.
Join the CA Volunteer Team
At the heart of the Cruising Association lies an incredible force - our volunteers. Their dedication, passion and hard work are the backbone of the CA. If you have a few spare hours or days and would like to get involved, your skills and enthusiasm could make a real difference. .
Volunteer Spotlight Features
Our volunteers are the heart of the Cruising Association. In this bi-monthly spotlight series, we celebrate and thank the members who shape our cruising community:
Ann Crome - June 2026
James Parnell - May 2026
Judy Evans - March 2026
Sam Steele - January 2026
Bob and Sue Garrett - November 2025
Tania Nieveen - September 2025
Bob Slay - July 2025
