Volunteer Spotlight on James Parnell

A sailing life that began on the Deben

James Parnell’s sailing story began early and memorably. “As a boy I was taken by the glamourous mother of my best friend sailing in a dinghy on the Deben. I have not been the same since!” That early spark stayed with him, even if it took until his mid-20s to properly take hold.

From learning to sail in a GP14, “which I still have, mainly to terrify or delight the grandchildren,” to owning a Westerly Centaur kept at Brightlingsea which brought “buckets of fun” along the East Coast and across to Holland, James’ journey has been firmly anchored in sailing.

Family life shaped the next chapter. With young children and limited time, he stepped away from full boat ownership for a period, joining KSSC, a boat share club that kept him connected to the water without the full demands of ownership. But the ambition to go further eventually returned. Preparing for a year away from work and a passage to the Mediterranean, the family upgraded to what he calls “a proper liveaboard” - an ageing Nicholson 38, which remains their home afloat more than 20 years later.

Making a difference

Like many volunteers, time management is the main challenge. Balancing commitments requires discipline, and James has learned to structure his CA work to maintain that balance. He also highlights an important misconception, that much of the work does not require being physically present at CA House, with a significant proportion now undertaken remotely.

He is clear-eyed about both the demands and rewards of volunteering. Managing time can be a challenge, but the impact makes it worthwhile. Reflecting on events such as Mediterranean Day at the Southampton International Boat Show, he recalls “talking to people, signing up new members and feeling proud to be a member of the CA.”

Commenting on his role as Joint Mediterranean Section Secretary, James adds, “Although the role of Med Section Secretary is a significant commitment, it is rewarding, particularly knowing the work is appreciated by members.”

He also emphasises that there are many ways to get involved. James sees the Sections as being at the heart of the CA, explaining that “getting involved does not have to be as a Section Secretary. The Med Section has members involved in an advisory group and as regional leads to help the work of the Section.”

Life on the water

It is not just the destinations that draw James back to the sea, but the experience itself. Cruising, he reflects, still offers something increasingly rare: a sense of space and solitude, even in busy waters. “It’s often called the last wilderness,” he says, noting that with careful planning, quiet anchorages and solitude are still within reach.

That sense of freedom is closely tied to his passion for sailing, which he describes as, “It is elemental – the thrill of moving under sail.”

James has many memorable moments, but one stands out: “There are so many - but arriving in Preveza, Greece, after a challenging sail from Finike in Turkey across the Aegean. It felt like coming home.”

One of his most significant passages remains a six-day Biscay crossing, notable not for drama, but for its scale and endurance as his longest passage to date.

Lessons learned

Years on the water have reinforced practical lessons that extend beyond sailing. Preparation, communication, and resilience are recurring themes, as he notes, “that so long as the preparation is done - things generally work out well,” and “always keep communicating with crew.” And, with characteristic pragmatism, he adds, “always be wary of a lee shore!”

For those new to cruising, his advice is clear: “start with small adventures and build confidence and skills. Do not frighten the crew.”

He also values the simplest essentials, noting that his “most useful tool is quite simply, band aids!” And after once forgetting a sleeping bag and having to sleep under a horse blanket, he now never steps aboard without one.

And finally...

"I have often said that sailing has given me many of the best times of my life and a few of my worst!"