Introduction to the Mediterranean Section

The Section came into being in 1996 as a re-incarnation of the 20-strong Eastern Mediterranean Special Interest Group formed in 1992 under the auspices of the Handbook and Information Committee to sort out the information in the Regional Files for Greece and Turkey. The Section now covers the whole Mediterranean, and there are some 500 names on the Section mailing list, presumably covering almost twice as many individuals, since most of the entries are couples.

From these simple beginnings, major information sources have been developed including our 'Pilot Book Updates' which are compiled from members' reports and cover the whole Mediterranean region by region. They can be downloaded from our website and they are available from the CA Library, either by e-mail or, on request, as print-outs. The Updates also include information about lay-up opportunities as vetted by members.

The Section communicates with its members electronically where possible: more than half of them subscribe to MedNet, an interactive email network on which they can post questions. Some questioners have received upwards of 30 replies. We also maintain our own MedSec pages within the CA's website, and MedNet subscribers are alerted when information is posted there so that they can download it when convenient to them. Members without access to the internet receive information by post, and can request printouts from the CA library.

For those still contemplating cruising in the area, the CA's Cruising Information Series includes guides written by Section members to Greece, Turkey, the Northern Adriatic and Croatia, to the Western Mediterranean and North Africa and to the Atlantic coast of Iberia. Section Newsletters are published twice a year. Michael Manton has edited a Yachtsman's Ten-Language Dictionary and the Section works with the RYA on volume 2 (Mediterranean and Black Sea) of its Foreign Cruising booklets.

The Section takes special responsibility for Honorary Local Representatives in the Mediterranean, mailing them the Newsletter, calling on them whenever possible, listening to gripes and identifying gaps in coverage. The Section Secretary is a member of the HLR Working Group.

Section meetings are held in CA House twice a year, in November and February, to discuss initiatives and projects which may serve to enhance the value of CA membership for members sailing the Mediterranean (or contemplating doing so). All members are welcome to attend, preferably letting the Section Secretary know in advance. There is an open Mediterranean Forum in March at CA House providing an opportunity to ask questions and share our experiences. All these meetings are followed by a buffet supper. There is usually a Mediterranean party in CA House at the time of the London Boat Show and a summer party somewhere in the UK.