The RYA East Cruising Conference is scheduled for Sunday 27 November, taking place at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. Aimed at cruising boaters from across the East region, the day is set to provide an opportunity for the cruising community to come together, learn about the latest issues and opportunities that relate to your boating and hear from experts on a wide range of topics that are informative and enjoyable.
With a packed agenda, the day will have plenty of networking opportunities with other sailors, RYA staff, volunteers and a wide range of speakers. Experts will be talking on a wide variety of topics, from Border Force through to crossing the Atlantic, the impact of Brexit to saving lives at sea.
Speakers include…
Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager
“Cruisers – What does the RYA do to support your boating?”
Stuart joined the RYA in January 2005. Having took up sailing at an early age, he has sailed extensively in many parts of the world including most of the European and North Mediterranean coastline and as a boat owner he’s acquired a detailed knowledge of the many issues which are of concern to the recreational boating sector.
Mark Roberts, Border Force
“An introduction to our role protecting the UK’s maritime border.”
Mark is a Border Force Intelligence Officer based in Harwich, Essex. He first started working in a maritime border environment in 2005 when he joined Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise (HMCE) after a seventeen-year military career. He worked as an anti-smuggling officer in Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency and Border Force. Mark began working in Intelligence in 2014 when he joined the newly formed National Crime Agency. In 2016 Mark returned to Border Force within the Intelligence Department at Harwich. Mark is now part of a small team that has the responsibility for collecting intelligence on border related crime on a national level.
Ian Patience, Sail & Powerboat Training
“The Ups and Downs of an Atlantic Crossing – SAR of a migrant vessel, an encounter with an American warship and some serious jury rigging.”
Ian has sailed over 130,000 nautical miles in various locations around the world in yachts and motor cruisers. Ian also now specialises in adventure sailing holidays and is an RYA Yachtmaster instructor who runs a small bespoke RYA Training Centre in Ipswich and Lowestoft.
Helen Field, RNLI
“Saving lives at sea – lessons learned & sharing experiences direct from first-hand experiences.”
Helen is an experienced educator with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organisation management industry. She is the Regional Lead for the RNLI Young Adults Programme and was previously an RNLI Community Safety Advisor.
Colin Stacey, Premier Sailing
“The good, the bad and the ugly of sailing round Britain. Seven-time veteran Colin will talk about the route, victualling, breakdowns and the challenge of a timetable.”
Colin is the Principal of Premier Sailing, having trained in the Merchant Navy and sailed as an Engineer Officer. As a Yachtmaster Instructor, Colin teaches Navigation, Diesel Engine Maintenance, VHF and all the Practical Courses up to and including Yachtmaster Offshore.
Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager
“Taking back control – Brexit, what does it mean for you? Learn more about how recent events have changed the cruising landscape.”
Danny Cowler, Essex Marine Training
“The pros and cons of tablet navigation – Can electronic navigation be done on a tight budget? Are paper charts still essential?”
Alice Davies, Deputy Chair of RYA East and Conference Organiser, said: “At our 2022 RYA East Cruising Conference we have lined up some excellent speakers and exhibitors.
“Whether you are looking to expand your cruising horizons, want to learn more about what is now available to make your cruising easier, safer, on point with current legislation or share your experiences this will be the ideal opportunity for you. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Tickets are just £30, with RYA members receiving a 50% discount on the ticket price. You can find the full agenda here and book here.
