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‘Spot the Difference’ winner enjoys complimentary tickets to Southampton International Boat Show

CA member Clive Carrington-Wood plans to use the prize to "spend a little more on the boat."

Clive has won a pair of tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show, 19-28 September 2025, after his name was drawn as the winner of the Cruising Association's recent ‘Spot the Difference’ competition.

Happy 75th Birthday to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

On this special day, the Cruising Association and all our members extend congratulations and best wishes to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as she celebrates her 75th birthday.

We wish Her Royal Highness continued health, happiness and joy in the year ahead.

Since 2019, the Cruising Association has been proud to welcome Her Royal Highness as an Honorary Member.

July’s Refer a Friend prize - David Woolgar wins a Marine Hygiene cleaning bundle

Congratulations to CA member David Woolgar, our July ‘Refer a Friend’ prize winner of a Marine Hygiene cleaning bundle – the perfect prize for keeping your boat sparkling.

"I do not usually win anything, so I am over the moon to win this prize! The boat is going to need a good clean as I am halfway through a 6-week cruise," said David.

CAptain’s Mate of the Month - Épernay, River Marne, France

There is huge appeal to cruising the European Inland Waterways, not least the numerous gems where you can stop.

Visit the CA at Southampton International Boat Show, 19-28 September 2025

Whether you are new to cruising, heading to European destinations or an experienced sailor embarking on blue water adventures, head to Stand H522 in New Wave Hall to discover how the CA will support your cruising journey.

A showcase of cruising information

The CA stand is always a hub to gather, discover what’s new, share experiences, catch up with friends and talk all things cruising.

Decarbonising Smaller Vessels: Department for Transport Call for Evidence

The Department for Transport (DfT) has a stated goal for "…UK domestic maritime to aim for zero fuel lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, with at least a 30% reduction by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2040, relative to 2008 levels."  It has launched a Call for Evidence (CfE) which consists of up to 122 wide-ranging questions for completion by any interested parties such as vessel builders, operators, representative organisations or individuals.

Change to the UK VAT rules on temporary admission in July 2025

HMRC (His Majesty's Customs & Excise, the UK tax authority) has announced a change in the period for which a non-UK VAT-paid vessel can remain in the UK without incurring VAT and customs duties (known as 'temporary admission' or TA) - this period is currently 18 months but will increase to two years this summer.

June’s Refer a Friend prize of a Wescom EVDS goes to Barry Edmonds

We are delighted to share that CA member Barry Edmonds has won the ‘Refer a Friend’ prize in June and adds a Wescom EVDS (Electronic Visual Distress Signal) to his onboard safety kit.

Introducing Bob Slay – the CA’s Volunteering Champion

At the heart of the Cruising Association lies an incredible force - our volunteers. Their dedication, passion and hard work are the backbone of the CA.

Often their work and knowledge sharing contributions remain unseen behind the scenes. That is why we have launched our new Volunteer Spotlight - a regular feature to celebrate the very essence of what makes our community special.