Less gadgets equals better sailing, Skip Novak expected to say as keynote for RYA conference
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has recruited epic adventurer and four times Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race contestant, Skip Novak, as the keynote speaker at this year’s virtual Cruising Conference taking place on 21 March 2021.
“I am so pleased to be joining the line-up,” says 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 will focus on the advantages of utilising uncomplicated onboard systems when voyaging. He will draw on his own wealth of experience through his 30 years of travelling in high latitudes.
“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,” says Novak.
As the builder and operator of both Pelagic and Pelagic Australis, built out of Novak’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, he was awarded the Tilman Award by the Royal Cruising Club of London for his work pioneering Antarctic sailing expeditions.
“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,” says Stuart Carruthers, RYA cruising manager.
The RYA Cruising Conference takes place 09:30-14:30 on Sunday 21 March 2021. Places are free for RYA Members and £10pp for non-members.
