Save the date for Cruising Skills Week: 23-28 March 2026
Whether you are taking your first steps afloat or dreaming of setting off on the voyage of a lifetime, Cruising Skills Week will equip you with knowledge, information and practical skills to move forwards with confidence.
Hosted by the Cruising Association, this six-day programme combines free expert-led evening webinars with a hybrid Saturday seminar at CA House, London and online. Throughout the week, members, sailing personalities, marine professionals and industry experts will share their advice, proven experience and insights on how to cruise smarter, safer and more affordably.
Open to non-members and members, Cruising Skills Week reflects the CA’s commitment to growing participation and supporting both sail and motorboat cruisers. Cruising Skills Week Week is an opportunity to experience the depth of expertise and supportive community the CA is known for. If you are considering joining the CA, it offers a clear introduction to how membership can support your cruising ambitions - whether under sail or power - at every stage of your journey.
All attendees registered for any Cruising Skills Week event will receive a digital goody bag packed with information and resources.
Evening Webinars - 23-27 March 2026
From Monday to Friday, join us live on Zoom for themed evenings covering buying your first boat and cruising for beginners, to safety at sea, preparation for coastal cruising and more. Each evening will feature two free talks, as we share knowledge to fast track yours. Talks will last around 40 minutes and conclude with a 15-minute live Q&A.
Simply browse the programme below, register in advance and join us on the night.
Go Affordable Boating Seminar - 28 March 2026
Cruising Skills Week culminates in a full-day seminar at CA House, Limehouse, London focused on making boating more accessible and affordable. You can attend in-person or tune in online.
Hosted by the CA, renowned sailor Tom Cunliffe and media partner Practical Boat Owner, the Seminar will explore budget-conscious approaches to boating. From owning a pre-loved boat to getting afloat without owning a boat, onboard maintenance, and sailing on a shoestring – we will have you covered.
The format includes expert talks, Boat Chat Cafés, and opportunities to network and ask questions. Attendance costs £10 online or £28 in person.
The Programme
All weekday Zoom talks are free to attend. Tickets for the Go Affordable Boating Seminar are £10 online or £28 in person (including lunch and refreshments).
All times are GMT (London, UK). Pre-registration is required.
Monday 23 March: The Boat Buyer's Survival Guide
- 19:00-19:55 hrs / Buying your first boat: Pitfalls and Top Tips
- 20:00-21:00 hrs / Boat Insurance: From Purchase to Policy - Getting It Right
Tuesday 24 March: Let's Go Cruising
- 19:00-19:55 hrs / Cruising for Beginners: Preparing Yourself and Your Boat
- 20:00-21:00 hrs / Rigging: Check it, Tune it, Trust it
Wednesday 25 March: Confessions of a Cruising Correspondent
- 19:00-21:00 hrs / Renowned author and journalist Dick Durham will share a lifetime of sailing stories, from major races and marine journalism to his affection for the Thames Estuary delivered with insight and humour.
Thursday 26 March: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
- 19:00-19:55 hrs / Safety and Skills: Emergency Procedures and Man Overboard
- 20:00-21:00 hrs / Top Tips from the RNLI
Friday 27 March: From Inland Adventures to Coastal Confidence
- 19:00-19:55 hrs / Cruising Routes on the European Inland Waterways: Preparation, Routes and Planning
- 20:00-21:00 hrs / Insights from the UK Harbour Masters Association: What Cruisers Need to Know
Saturday 28 March: Go Affordable Boating Seminar
- 10:00-17:00 hrs / In-person at CA House, London or online From getting afloat without owning a boat, to sailing on a shoestring and onboard maintenance, this full-day seminar explores realistic and affordable cruising.
Speakers include CA members, along with sailing personalities Lu Heikell, Tom Cunliffe and Katy Stickland, who will bring decades of experience and advice to the day.
After the seminar, the CA Galley restaurant and bar will remain open, giving you the chance to continue the cruising chat into the evening.
Registration opens soon - check back to book your place.
Exclusive Membership Offer
Use CSW20, the unique Cruising Skills Week 20% off discount code, to join the Cruising Association, reducing Full Membership (one member, or two members at the same address) to £137.60* instead of £172. Discover more about the benefits of CA membership.
With over 6,400 members worldwide, the CA has been at the heart of cruising since 1908 - connecting sailors, sharing knowledge, and supporting every stage of the cruising journey.
Whether you’re just starting out and cruising in UK waters or are planning to journey under power along the inland waterways of Europe or maybe you’re a seasoned boat owner heading for more distant shores and blue water sailing, the benefits of Cruising Association membership are many and varied.
The CA is your most valuable, knowledgeable and practical cruising asset, providing services, information, help and advice to our members … wherever they are.
Members have access to comprehensive cruising information on our website, in our publications and through our community. Fitting out, where to cruise, laying-up, staying in touch, national and international regulations, ports and pilotage around the world, maintenance, how-to, top tips, crewing service, marine discount partners, club house, socials, events programme and much, much more.
*First year of membership, when paying by Direct Debit.
