Kent Section: Voyage around the UK in memory of Sam by Camilla Hermann

Join cruising editor Camilla Herrmann for an evening talk about her remarkable 2024 voyage around most of Britain, sailed in memory of her husband Sam. Camilla and Sam had long hoped to circumnavigate the UK in their Westerly Storm Kalessin. After Sam suffered a stroke in 2012 their sailing became gentler and more local, but following Sam's death in 2023 Camilla resolved to spend the summer of 2024 sailing anti-clockwise around the coast. She will describe the practical and emotional challenges of organising crew, coping with bumpy seas and unfamiliar harbours, anchoring and reefing after years of marina-hopping, and facing some of the worst summer weather in many years before making a safe return to Suffolk in late September 2024.

The talk will be held at the Dog and Bear Hotel, Lenham ME17 2PG. There is an opportunity to join for a meal in the restaurant before the presentation; the hotel asks that you phone to book and pre-order on 01622 858219. This event will appeal to sailors, cruising enthusiasts and anyone interested in small-boat voyaging and seamanship, offering practical tips, vivid sea stories and a moving personal memoir. For full details see the relevant page on the Cruising Association website.