Any Advantage to Joining Cruising Association ?

[svBeBe]

Several Brits have suggested we join the Cruising Association, a UK organization. They tell us membership provides discounts at numerous Med marinas and other places in the Med. Yet I find nothing about any such discount offerings on the Cruising Association website.

Anyone know if there are any real benefits to joining the Cruising Association?

Thanks,

Judy
S/V BeBe
currently Marmaris

[boatman61]

Well... you get a sticker for your window... another Burgee to fly... may be of use in some Yacht Clubs... G&T's.... Wot Ho....
If it floats yer boat do it...

[svBeBe]

That is the point of my original question. Is there any FINANCIAL advantage to joining this organization? If it doesn't save me money, why the heck would I want to pay a membership fee!

The Brit friends claim membership provides discounts but could not answer any specifics. Website does not mention any such discounts. Anyone know of any marinas that offer discounts to members of this organization?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by svBeBe

That is the point of my original question. Is there any FINANCIAL advantage to joining this organization? If it doesn't save me money, why the heck would I want to pay a membership fee!

The Brit friends claim membership provides discounts but could not answer any specifics. Website does not mention any such discounts. Anyone know of any marinas that offer discounts to members of this organization?

Nope.... sounds like the AA and RAC of the water... minus the hunky mechanics showing up on Jet Bikes instead of M/cycles or vans...
Don't save money.... but think of 'The Status...'

[simonmd]

Have been moored in Southern Spain for well over a year and never heard of them. I wouldn't do anything before confirming with the marinas themselves if they recognise them.

[David M]

The advantage may not be financial. It might be information. See if they will let you access their website to see what information they have.

[swagman]

We do find the CA valuable as an info source and yes, can confirm we also got an additional 10% off annual berthing fee in Kemer, Turkey in 2006 as members. But not sure I'd fly their flag - it's not the prettiest around.
Cheers
JOHN

[svBeBe]

Thanks, John. That was the kind of info I was looking for.

Judy

[rivonia]

We did a lot of research before joining CA last February.

We are travelling from Lefkas to Karpaz Gate Marina (TRNC) this summer

Lefkas, Gouvia, Zea and Kalamata same group offer a discount.

We are going to Kos to be hauled out and they also offer a discount.

Delta Marina in TRNC offers a discount

There are other discounts too - not just for marinas

We pay the overseas membership rate. By the end of the year this will be 'free' and we'll be in pocket after making use of some the marina discounts.

Lots of useful information on their MedNet section - other sections too, but that's the main interest to us.

Haven't met many people (mind you we anchor mainly in secluded bays), but so far the information has been very useful.

Hope that helps.

Looking forward to meeting many people in Karpaz Gate

[Roaring Girl]

Hi - I've been a CA member for years for three reasons. Info is great and there's stuff on the member's area and email nets you can't get elsewhere. Secondly for the craic: we do fly the burgee, and have made friends and (not incidentally) bought cheap charts etc from other members going the opposite direction. Thirdly - for the discounts. we have had money off on charts (via Imray), on marinas (eg Port St Louis, which paid for two years membership) and other odds and sods.

Oh yes and fourthly, actually because they represent cruisers interests both in the UK and overseas (through the local representative network) even when I don't directly benefit, I'm happy to support that intervention.

[Kimmo]

I debated a lot too of joining to CA, before our one year sailing trip began. Finally I thought that what the heck, it's not that much money to try.

So far I have been positively surprised. The amount of information itself is worth the money to us, as we are sailing in completely new waters for us. Pilot books are of course good, but those might not be quite up-to-date.

What comes to financial side, I at least saved the one year membership fee, when buying paper maps for our trip. So in essence, it was about free to join to CA for us.

Compared how much it costs to maintain a boat, the fee to CA seems minor to me.