South West
Welcome to the South West Section
The section covers from Portland Bill to the Isles of Scilly and then north along the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to Bristol. It is a stunning area to sail offering unspoilt estuaries, rivers and creeks with protected anchorages, some great coastal passages and is the departure point for many planning voyages to France, Spain, The Canaries, The Azores and beyond.
With more than 400 miles of stunning and varied coastline it’s no surprise it is the destination of choice for so many CA members. The area is steeped in nautical history, myths and legends. Whether you seek quiet, peaceful, scenic anchorages or are setting off on an ocean voyage, the South West has it all.
In addition to talks we arrange visits and events which all have a nautical theme and have included a cruise on a traditional Brixham Sailing Trawler, an exclusive private visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth and the Met Office in Exeter.
SWNet
Wherever you sail you can be sure that a CA member has been there and knows the ropes. One of the joys of CA membership is the willingness of fellow members to share their experiences and knowledge. That’s why we have launched SW Net – an online forum putting you in direct contact with every member of the SW Section. "What’s the best tidal strategy for going to the Scillies?", "What’s the best protected anchorage in The Dart?", "Can anyone recommend a good, reliable engineer in Plymouth?" – whatever your request an entry on SWNet will bring virtually instant replies from fellow members.
Forthcoming Events
Interested in Finding out More?
Please contact the Section Secretary at southwest@theca.org.uk or
CA staff at office@theca.org.uk or +44 (0) 207 537 2828.
Cruising Sections
Baltic
Covers the Baltic Sea, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Faroes. Holds a popular introductory seminar every spring.
Biscay
Covers Western France, Spain and Portugal as well as crossing Biscay. Holds a popular introductory seminar every spring.
Blue Water
For those sailing outside of European waters. Holds a popular Blue Water seminar in the summer.
Celtic
Covers waters from Land’s End to Cape Wrath. Meets at various west coast venues to share knowledge on all aspects of cruising the region.
Channel
For those cruising the south coast of the UK, Channel Islands, and France from the Belgian border to NW Brittany. Holds an annual seminar and summer rally/cruise-in-company.
European Inland Waterways
Covers over 30,000 km of navigable rivers and canals passing through over 20 countries. Annual seminar and lunch each autumn at CA House.
Mediterranean
Covers the Mediterranean from Spain and Morocco in the west to the Levant in the east, and includes the Black Sea. Meets at CA House in the winter, and afloat in the summer.
North Sea
Covers the UK, Belgian and Dutch coasts. Meets at East Coast venues to share knowledge on all aspects of cruising the region.
Local / UK Sections
Antipodean
For members who live in Australia and New Zealand and who sail in the Northern Hemisphere.
CA London
CA London events are held at our Limehouse HQ.
Essex
Meetings held at Blackwater Sailing Club and mid-week lunches arranged.
Kent
Kent Section's 'Winter Warmers', talks by a variety of speakers, will be held via Zoom for the forseeable future.
Solent
Summer rallies with weekend meets. Winter talks with ‘club’ suppers usually at a Hamble yacht club or marina.
South West
For members living in or cruising the areas from Portland Bill to the Isles of Scilly and along the north coast of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to Bristol.
Suffolk
Joint meetings are arranged with the Royal Harwich Yacht Club at Woolverstone.
Thames Valley
Winter talks are held in partnership with the Gerrards Cross Sailing Association (GXSA) at Colston Hall at The Memorial Centre in Gerrards Cross.
Wessex
Talks are held at Lilliput Sailing Club, Poole.
