Robin Baron named as new President of the Cruising Association

Robin Baron, CA President © The Cruising Association

The CA Council members at CA House, London: l-r back: Mike Carey, Trevor Page, David Lovejoy l-r middle: Sarah Banks, Bob Slay, Camilla Herrmann l-r front: Robin Baron, Nick Nottingham, John Burbeck © The Cruising Association

The Cruising Association (CA) is delighted to announce Robin Baron as its new President, following the CA Annual General Meeting on 13 November 2024.

Robin, who previously chaired the CA's Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) group, steps into his role as the CA's thirty-fourth President. As President, Robin will serve as an ambassador and advocate for the cruising community, ensuring the CA's support and influence continues to benefit sailors and motorboaters around the world.

Expressing his gratitude, Robin remarked, "I regard this as a great honour and feel truly privileged to have this opportunity to head the CA as a leading organisation for cruising sailors. The CA is volunteer led and, as such, is reliant for much of what it does on the talents and hard work of our volunteers. I have enormous respect for all they do.

"In some respects, the CA is a sleeping giant, unknown to many cruisers who would benefit from membership. I hope to raise the CA's profile to match its undoubted capabilities."

With a vast background in cruising and an enthusiasm for the CA's mission, Robin is set to build on the CA's legacy of knowledge-sharing and enhancing services for members and the wider cruising community.

About Robin Baron

A long-standing member since 1976, Robin brings 48 years of experience with the CA, giving him an in-depth understanding of its core values of sharing expertise and supporting fellow cruisers.

Robin started sailing aged thirteen in an Enterprise. Aged sixteen, he experienced his first cruising adventure to Cherbourg on 'Rona', a 72' ketch, with the London Sailing Project (LSP). This trip he describes as one that left him 'hooked for life.'

After chartering and crewing, Robin and his wife Chris bought a Contessa 32 in 1976. They have since cruised in the Baltic, the North Sea, the Channel, Biscay, the Irish Sea and Scottish West Coast in a succession of boats. Today, they cruise on their current boat, 'Misha', an X-Yachts XC38 based in Mylor, Cornwall.

Robin's extensive volunteer service with the CA includes roles as Honorary Solicitor (1999- 2007), Cruising Almanac Regional Editor for NW France (2014-2018) and SW England (2018 to date), as well as member (2019 to date) and Chair (2019-2024) of the Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS).

Appointments and Departures

Nick Nottingham returns to Council as a Vice-President and Chair of Council, with David Lovejoy elected as a Vice-President. Bob Slay continues his role on the Council. New members joining the Council are Sarah Banks, John Burbeck, Mike Carey, Camilla Herrmann and Trevor Page.

A heartfelt thank you was extended to outgoing President Derek Lumb for his dedication and leadership, alongside appreciation for Vice-President Ivan Andrews and Council members Simon Hampton-Matthews, Peta Stuart-Hunt, and Martin Sutcliffe. Simon Hampton-Matthews will move to become chair of the CA's Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS).

The CA's elected Council are:

• President: Robin Baron
• Chair of Council & Vice-President: Nick Nottingham
• Vice-President: David Lovejoy
• Council Members: Sarah Banks, John Burbeck, Mike Carey, Camilla Herrmann, Trevor Page
• Honorary Treasurer: Nick Clayton
• Honorary Solicitor: Jennifer Bowes