Is the cruising association worth it

[billyfish]

Looking at joining the cruising association as retirement is looming and will be able to go further afield done the West Country (England) to death. Might go east from the Solent and may go north from there...I guess the question is are all ports round GB covered. Western Isles ect

 

[goeasy123]

We found it invaluable. What are you looking for from such an organization?

 

[billyfish]

Invaluable is a good start . Thanks

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

You get out what you put in! Been a member for over 20 years. To start with, just going to local shore meetings, useful and informative, but probably not worth the subscription. Then we tried a couple of rallies and met friendly like minded people and decided to join a long rally in 2005. Despite appalling weather the excellent organisation made for a superb experience. Since then we have been to a rally in the Baltic, on "land" cruises to St Petersburg, Tunisia. Istanbul and Iceland and numerous other gatherings.. For 10 years I ran a Section and laterly I have zoomed in on Kent and East Section meetings and hope to meet other CA boats on our summer cruise and may join another rally if dates tally. Far more value to the cruising (motor and sail) yachter than the RYA, in my opinion, and I'm a member of both. Suck it and see, but participate to see clearly whether it suits you.

 

[Sandy]

Give the Ocean Cruising Club a look. A more international view of the world

 

[Concerto]

In September I finally decided to join the CA after some badgering from CA friends, after sailing for over half a century,. This year I expect to meet a lot of CA members when I head up the East Coast, stopping when I get to the Shetlands and then back down the other side, taking 5 months to complete. The new CAptains Mate, allied with the CA Almanac, will both be heavily used whilst visiting harbours and anchorages for the first time. Not gone to a meeting yet, but I have been asked to give a talk next winter.

 

[goeasy123]

In September I finally decided to join the CA after some badgering from CA friends, after sailing for over half a century,. This year I expect to meet a lot of CA members when I head up the East Coast, stopping when I get to the Shetlands and then back down the other side, taking 5 months to complete. The new CAptains Mate, allied with the CA Almanac, will both be heavily used whilst visiting harbours and anchorages for the first time. Not gone to a meeting yet, but I have been asked to give a talk next winter.

In addition, you might find the following useful.

• First hand local support from Honorary Local Reps when you get into trouble.
• Discounts, which (in our case more than) cover the membership fee.
• Technical advice from RATS and the general membership.
• Social interaction (there are strong Celtic and UK sections).
• Local knowledge to plan passages. pilotages and identify points of interest.
• Dirt cheap quality accomodation in London.
• Opportunities to sail on other members' boats all round the world.

 

[Kelpie]

We joined last year principally because the discounts would more than pay the been membership fee. Very glad to have joined, it's a good source of information and the CAptain's Mate app is good too, along similar lines to Navily etc.