FAQs

Yes. Throughout the year, non-members can access a 20%* membership discount through our Refer a Friend programme, when an existing member refers you as a new member. You can also access a 15%* discount, if you are a member of one of our partner Yacht Clubs, Owner Associations or other affiliated organisation. Find out more and join us here.
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on any special offers throughout the year.
* First year of membership, when paying by Direct Debit.

Once you have completed and paid for your membership online, you will receive a confirmation email within two days which will include your online access information and password. A membership pack, including your membership card and burgee will be sent by post and will usually arrive within 7-10 days.

Yes, CA membership covers up to two people living at the same address.

Yes. The CA is always delighted to welcome younger sailors into our community. If you are between 18 and 25 years old, you can enjoy full CA membership for a reduced annual fee, giving you complete access to all member benefits from day one. Find out more and join us here.

Yes. You do not need to own a boat to join the CA, and you may be surprised by just how much membership has to offer for non-boat owners and crew. Whether you are chartering, hiring, skippering or crewing on someone else's vessel, the CA's wealth of cruising knowledge, port information, technical guidance, community and related benefits are just as relevant and valuable to you as to any boat owner. Plus, the CA Crewing Service has opportunities for you to crew on members’ boats.

Yes. CA membership makes a wonderful gift. You can purchase a gift membership online (make sure to tick the gift membership box) and our membership team will make sure the recipient receives everything they need to get started and make the most of their membership from day one. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at: office@theca.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7537 2828 and we will be happy to help.

Yes. One of the key benefits of being a member of the CA is its community groups, known as Sections. They are organised around popular cruising grounds, as well as where you live and specific interests. Members can join as many Sections as they wish.

The CA has a dedicated Motorboat Section which brings together motorboaters wherever they are and whatever type of motorboating they enjoy. The Section provides a platform to share information, updates and resources tailored specifically for motorboating enthusiasts. Plus, our events, talks and cruising information are relevant to both yacht and motor members.

The CA Crewing Service is an online platform connecting skippers looking for crew and vice-versa. Whether you are new to sailing or an experienced sailor, this is the perfect way to find your next opportunity afloat. From October to March, the Crewing Service hosts monthly meetings in-person at CA House or via Zoom. Non-members are welcome to attend one in-person meeting as a taster, after which you will need to join to continue attending. Skippers seeking crew must hold full CA membership. Crew looking for opportunities can join the Crewing Service - you do not need full CA membership.

The CA runs a varied programme of events throughout the year, with the busiest season between October and April. All CA events are organised by members, whether they take place ashore or on the water. They range from talks, social gatherings, and seminars to rallies - so there is always something for everyone. While rallies are only open to members, non-members are welcome at many of our events. You can view our calendar of events and filter to see which are open to all.

Yes. More and more CA events are available via Zoom so members can watch them from anywhere in the world. Just book online, via the links in each event page, and members are sent the Zoom link ahead of the event. Some online events are also open to non-members, making them a great way to experience what the CA has to offer. Browse our calendar of events and use the filters to find online events and see which are open to non-members.

The CA provides extensive cruising guidance and advice to help members plan and navigate international passages with confidence. But the support doesn't stop there - wherever you are in the world, you are rarely far from a CA Honorary Local Representative (HLR). HLRs are experienced local contacts who are ready to help members in whatever way they can, whether that is sourcing emergency repairs, finding moorings, navigating local bureaucracy, securing visas, arranging provisions, translations, land transport or excursions. And if they can't help directly, they will know someone who can. Members can access HLR contact details through the CA website and CAptain's Mate.

Yes. One of the many benefits of CA membership is the right to apply for a permit to fly the CA Defaced Blue Ensign, a distinguished mark of membership. You need to apply for a permit, and once it is granted, ensigns are available to purchase through the CA shop in five sizes to suit any vessel.

Yes. Non-members can subscribe to receive a curated edition of our quarterly members’ magazine Cruising and our monthly newsletter full of updates and insights. Subscribe here to stay connected with the CA.

Yes, non-members are welcome to visit CA House, London. Open to both members and visitors, The Galley Restaurant & Bar offers drinks, snacks, and full meals. It is a flexible space for both casual visits and celebratory events and has a terrace overlooking Limehouse Marina. Opening times are Monday-Friday from 1800-2300 hours / Saturday-Sunday from 1200-2300 hours. CA House is also available to hire for business seminars, meetings, club functions, private parties, weddings, and social events.

Only members can book cabin accommodation at CA House. Members can book accommodation for their non-member guests when staying at the same time.

Access to the Information Centre and Library at CA House is usually for members only. However, non-members can use the library for research for a fee of £25 per day. If you would like to find out more, please contact the CA on office@theca.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7537 2828 and we will be happy to help.

Yes. Limited parking is available for members on business at CA House and those attending functions. Parking is on a first come-first served basis. Outside of Monday-Friday (0830-1730 hours), there is parking in the adjacent Northey Street.

The CAptain’s Mate member app provides an unrivalled breadth of information and cruising reports covering 9,000+ locations in 100+ countries worldwide. Available as an app and on the web, CAptain’s Mate provides up-to-date, accurate and informative location data on anchorages, marinas, ports, harbours, boatyards, quays and local interest. Drawing on a database of 20,000+ member contributions, it offers first-hand insights, practical knowledge and photos.

CAptain’s Mate is an exclusive benefit for members. If you would like to see how it works, we would be delighted to arrange an online demo via Zoom. Please contact the CA on office@theca.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7537 2828 and we will be happy to help.

CAptain’s Mate brings together trusted, first-hand information contributed by members using their real names, carefully reviewed by experienced volunteer editors. The result is reliable, high-quality content that is entirely independent and free from commercial influence.

Simply complete the subscriber information here. And you can buy a copy of the Almanac from our online shop.

The CA publishes a range of Cruising Guides covering popular sailing destinations, all available to members and non-members through our online shop. These cover specific cruising waters plus 26 guides on the European Inland Waterways. Most guides are available in both print and digital formats. CA members can download the digital versions of most guides free of charge as part of their membership.

Yes, the European Inland Waterways Section (EIWS) publishes a range of free guides, covering everything from trip planning to coping with emergencies and top tips

Orders received before 1500 hours Monday-Friday are normally dispatched the same day. Orders received after 1500 hours Monday-Thursday are normally dispatched the next working day. Orders received after 1500 hours on Friday are dispatched the following Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a UK Bank Holiday). All orders will be sent by Royal Mail unless specifically requested otherwise.

The CA has partnerships with 100s of marine and other companies/partners around the world. Discounts are available on everything from marine insurance, sails, hotels and charter holidays to training courses. You can enjoy an unlimited number of discounts, with many members saving the cost of their annual membership or more by making the most of the offers available.

Yes. The CA has a group dedicated to providing regulatory and technical guidance for cruising sailors. The Regulatory & Technical Services group - known as RATS - represents cruising sailors (sail and motor) and addresses issues of concern or interest on the regulatory and technical aspects of cruising. RATS conducts research, follows political trends and engages with international, national, parliamentary, trade, special interest and local bodies, all of whom often consult RATS and seek its input on their proposals. On the technical side, RATS reviews all aspects of cruising including navigation, safety at sea, communications, environmental issues and sustainability.

Members can email questions to RATS who will do everything they can to provide an answer. RATS aims to answer questions within 14 days, but this can sometimes take longer if they need to carry out research.