CA launches new membership options and special offers at Southampton International Boat Show

The Cruising Association (CA) is introducing new ways to join at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, 18–27 September 2026, including 20% off Full Membership, a new monthly payment option and the launch of Young Cruiser Membership for those aged 35 and under.

Visitors to the CA on Stand H244 in New Wave Hall can meet the team, discover how membership can enhance their cruising and take advantage of special Boat Show rates.

“The CA is all about cruisers sharing knowledge, experience and friendship,” commented Robin Baron, President of the Cruising Association. “We want to make that community accessible to as many people as possible. Our new membership options and ways to pay give people greater choice and flexibility, whether they are just starting their cruising journey or have many miles under their keel.”

Save 20% on Full Membership

New members can save 20%* on Full Membership, reducing the annual subscription from £172 to £138 when paying by Direct Debit or recurring card payment.

Full Membership covers either an individual or two members living at the same address and provides access to the CA’s extensive cruising information, services, expertise, events and worldwide community of cruisers.

If you can’t make it the Boat Show you can still enjoy the offer. Simply use the code SIBS2026 on the online joining form to enjoy 20% off until Saturday 31 October 2026.

Spread the cost - just £11.50 a month

For the first time, new members joining the CA can spread the cost of Full Membership by monthly Direct Debit.

At the special offer rate, that means Full Membership costs just £11.50* a month.

The monthly payment option is available to all new, first-time members who join or apply to join by 31 October 2026. You can join in-person on Stand H244 at the Boat Show or apply directly to the CA by email or telephone (+44 (0)20 7537 2828).

Introducing Young Cruiser Membership

The CA has launched a Young Cruiser Membership, making Full Membership more accessible to the next generation of cruisers. The new membership type replaces the existing youth membership and significantly broadens the age range, with the reduced rate available until the end of the year in which a member turns 35.

Year-round, those aged 18-35 can join for just £50 a year, with access to all the benefits of Full Membership.

The move builds on the Association's long-standing commitment to making cruising more accessible and affordable for younger sailors and young families. Whether setting out on a first cruising adventure, crewing, sailing your own boat or planning to cruise further afield, Young Cruiser Membership offers an affordable way to access the CA’s knowledge, resources and cruising community.

Upgrade from Crewing Service Membership

Crewing Service Members can upgrade to Full Membership enjoy 20% off and pay my monthly Direct Debit if you join or apply to join by 31 October 2026, gaining access to the CA’s full range of member benefits, cruising information and services.

Come and talk to the team on the stand to discover what Full Membership will add to your cruising.

More than a membership

Joining the CA opens the door to a wealth of knowledge, experience and support, by cruisers, for cruisers.

Members become part of an unrivalled network of experienced cruising sailors across the UK and worldwide, with access to thousands of technical articles, cruising reports and destination information, alongside expert advice on cruising, boat maintenance, regulations and passage planning.

Through CAptain’s Mate, Cruising and Home Base Sections and a worldwide network of members and representatives, members can tap into invaluable local knowledge and practical support wherever their cruising takes them. Membership also brings local, national and international rallies, social events, lectures and webinars, the Crewing Service, London clubhouse, and discounts from a wide range of marine businesses and service providers.

Come and talk to us

Visitors to the CA stand at Southampton International Boat Show can experience some of that community for themselves. Across the ten days, the CA will host specialist stand days, cruising and technical experts, competitions, morning coffee and tea socials, evening happy hours and more.

Whether you are thinking about joining for the first time, upgrading from Crewing Service Membership or taking advantage of the new Young Cruiser Membership, come and find out which option is right for you.

Visit the Cruising Association on Stand H244 – and plan your visit by discovering what’s happening throughout the show at www.theca.org.uk/southamptonboatshow.

*Applies to first year of membership