Cruising Skills Week 2026 delivers practical guidance to boaters worldwide

  • Updated by Ann MacKellar
  • 31 Mar 2026
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The Cruising Association’s Cruising Skills Week 2026 concluded on Saturday 28 March, following six days of expert-led sessions designed to support sailors and motorboaters at every stage of their journey.

The programme brought together CA members and marine partners to deliver practical guidance across a wide range of topics. Free evening webinars covered topics spanning buying a first boat and securing appropriate insurance, to boat preparation, maintenance, safety, coastal cruising and navigating the European inland waterways. Each session focused on technical know-how, actionable guidance and proven approaches to help boaters.

The week closed with the Go Affordable Boating Seminar on 28 March, hosted by renowned sailor and author Tom Cunliffe. Drawing on decades of experience, he led a panel who shared realistic, experience-led approaches to getting afloat and managing the cost of boating.

Robin Baron, President of the Cruising Association, commented, "Cruising has always been about more than just the miles we sail – it is about shared experience, practical knowledge, and the willingness to help each other do it better.

"That spirit is exactly what Cruising Skills Week set out to capture, bringing together cruisers, experts and industry voices to share insights that make cruising safer, more rewarding and more accessible.

"By opening these sessions to a wide audience, and working closely with our members and partners, the CA aims to support and strengthen the cruising community by passing on knowledge and experience not just for today’s sailors, but for future generations as well."

Tom Cunliffe, host of the CA's Go Affordable Boating Seminar 2026

Attendees tuned in from across the UK, Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America, reflecting the global reach of the CA community.

You can access the digital goody bags of resources, and in the coming weeks recordings of the talks will be online, enabling you to revisit talks and explore topics in greater detail.

Continue your journey with the CA

If you are considering taking the next step, the CA would be delighted to welcome you as a member. Enjoy 20% off your first year of Full Membership* using code CSW20, giving you full access to the CA’s extensive knowledge base, cruising reports, technical guidance, events and supportive community.

The CSW20 discount code reduces the annual fee from £172 to £137.60 and is valid until midnight on 30 April 2026. Discover more about the benefits of CA membership.

Practical Boat Owner

All attendees of the Go Affordable Boating Seminar were automatically entered into a prize draw for a one-year subscription to Practical Boat Owner. Congratulations to Bruce Carter, the lucky winner.

As media partner for the Go Affordable Boating Seminar, until 31 August 2026 Practical Boat Owner is offering a saving of up to 33% on a subscription.

Thank you

The CA extends its thanks to all speakers who contributed their time and expertise:

  • Buying your first boat / Mike Eastman, CA Member
  • Boat Insurance / John Macaulay, Haven-Knox Johnston
  • Cruising for Beginners / Bob Garrett, CA Member
  • Rigging / David Mossman, Technical Marine Supplies
  • Safety and Skills / Machiel Lambooij and Remko Sinck, CA Members
  • Top Tips from the RNLI / Iain Greig, RNLI Water Safety Advisor
  • Cruising Routes on the European Inland Waterways / Gordon Knight, CA Member
  • Harbour Master Insights (UKHMA) / Capt. Jon Kidd, Harbour Master, Cowes
  • Cruising on a Budget / Camilla Herrmann, CA member and editor of Cruising
  • Sailing on a shoestring / Lu Heikell, CA member, co-author of pilot guides and Yachting Monthly columnist
  • Zen and the Art of Boat Maintenance / Malcolm Denham, CA member and chartered engineer
  • Getting afloat without a boat / Laura Hodgetts, PBO news and cruising editor and Ali Wood, PBO features editor
  • Learning from Experience / Tom Cunliffe
  • Boat Owning Hacks / Katy Stickland, PBO editor

Discover more about Cruising Skills Week and access the digital resource packs.

* For one member or two members at the same address when you pay by Direct Debit.