Thames Valley

From her base in Gosport, Ella sailed her 38-foot boat Yeva single-handed via Iceland, the NW Passage, Alaska, Russia, Norway and back home – an impossible passage just a few decades ago. She used procedures to avoid pollution or damage to the ocean environment.

Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

Russell’s early career was in the Merchant Navy, starting age 16 as a deck cadet but rising to Captain (Master) with P&O Ferries, seeing a few disasters on the way. Then Harbour Master on the Humber and later becoming Unlimited Marine Pilot (any ship, any size) on the River Tyne.

Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

In 2022/23 Andy sailed from Tenerife to Antarctica via the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands. He visited some of the places where Shackleton went as part of the Antarctic expedition and saw some of the wildlife and natural history of the region.

Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

Charles and Elizabeth brought their Westerly Ocean 33 across France to the Med. After exploring Spain, France and Italy, they arrived in Croatia in 2015. Then to Greece and Turkey but in 2023, despite Croatia’s reputation for crowds and cost, they were drawn back

Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

GXSA members Wolfgang and Elizabeth celebrated a special occasion with a fine cruise on a 4 masted barquentine from Barbados, taking in Tobago Cays, Grenada, Cartagena, Santa Marta, San Blas islands and then through the Panama Canal to Panama City.

Date: Wednesday 5 November 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill and the major fortifications of Portsmouth developed from a Royal Commission in 1859, driven by fears of a French invasion. It is difficult to imagine how the huge structure was built at that time. Following recent extensive restoration, the impressive structure now contains the Royal Armouries Museum.

Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025

Based in Maldon, TSBT maintains and operates two Thames Barges (Pudge and Centaur) in sailing condition. Sailing barges carried cargo around the UK and into Europe in the 19th and early 20th Century, economically important for our trade at that time.

Date: Wednesday 22 October 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

Julia will describe her journey from novice sailor to transatlantic co-skipper with her husband and crew on a 42-foot sailing boat. Teamwork, problem solving, enjoyment, decision making, division of labour in the face of adversity – and navigating some big waves!

Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15

With the aid of stunning images, John will tell stories of Ascension Island’s history and its birds. Boobies and Noddies are among the amazing seabirds that nest on Ascension Island and they have little fear of people. Sadly, the seabird populations have declined dramatically. John reveals how a team of citizen scientists from the Army Ornithological Society have discovered some of the causes of the decline, and found ways of restoring the population.

The Green Blue is the RYA’s environmental outreach programme, promoting a sustainable UK leisure marine sector. This talk will explore all aspects of how the boating community can act responsibly to avoid pollution and also protect wildlife and the environment.

Date: Wednesday 5 March 2025

Time: Doors open 19:30, talk begins at 20:15