Skip Novak announced as keynote speaker of RYA Cruising Conference

by Emma Cotton 28 Jan 2021 10:56 UTC 21 March 2021

Skip Novak © RYA

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is excited to announce that epic adventurer and four times Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race contestant, Skip Novak, will be taking to the virtual main stage as the keynote speaker at this year's RYA Cruising Conference.

"I am so pleased to be joining the line-up of the RYA Cruising Conference," said Skip Novak. "During these times when so many sail and motor trips have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions I'm really looking forward to being able to join this virtual event and share my experiences with fellow cruisers."

Novak's presentation, 'How excelling in basic boating skills can enable you to accomplish your cruising dreams,' will focus on the advantages of utilising uncomplicated on-board systems when voyaging. Drawing on his own wealth of experience through his 30 years of travelling in high latitudes Skip will demonstrate how those skills can be sharpened and transferred to your next cruising adventure.

Skip added: "After so many years of voyaging and in spite of getting on in years I am still convinced that having less gadgetry and conveniences on-board makes for a richer sailing experience."

As the builder and operator of both Pelagic and Pelagic Australis, built out of Skip's wish to combine his sailing and mountaineering skills, he now spends every season in Antarctic waters and sets new standards in expedition yacht construction and design. In 2016, Skip was awarded the Tilman Award by the Royal Cruising Club of London for his work pioneering Antarctic sailing expeditions.

"We're thrilled to be able to welcome Skip Novak as this year's keynote speaker. He is a great inspiration to many cruisers and brings with him a score of expedition stories and cruising knowledge which we're sure will excite and engage our audience," commented Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager.

"Skip's chosen topic of utilising uncomplicated on-board systems will be a great complement to the other talks at the Conference, which range from how to read the weather, the past, present and future of charts, to how to use electronics as an aid to navigation."

The RYA Cruising Conference takes place 09:30-14:30 on Sunday 21 March 2021, bookings are available now. Places are free for RYA Members and just £10pp for non-members. Tickets will allow you access to not only the live speaker sessions, but also to the Exhibition Area where delegates will be able to visit virtual stands and chat with RYA experts. You will also be able to learn more about the current trends in the cruising world by watching the on-demand presentations and videos. The full event agenda is available to view now on the RYA website.

For all the latest conference news visit the RYA Cruising Conference page or follow the Royal Yachting Association on Facebook and Twitter.

For all RYA Cruising Conference enquiries, please email:

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