Find below what we are currently planning for 2026
Programme page last Updated 25th February 2026
Upcoming Events
Thursday 12th March 2026 @ 7:30pm
Royal Naval Association W G City SOCA 2026 AGM
This will include the Commodores Report and presentation of trophies plus appointment/election of the new flag officers. This will be conducted in person and on ZOOM. New blood on the committee is always welcome so please volunteer if you have an interest in keeping the club going. You can be co-opted anytime during the year,
You can also click on the links below to find out what has happened in the previous few years.
Saturday 28th March 2026 @ 1:00pm
Cowper Arms
The SOCA 2026 fitting Out Lunch will be held at the Cowper Arms at 1:00pm on
Saturday 28th March
Menu details will be provided ASAP as the menu is changing at the moment.
Please confirm attendance by emailing commodore@socasailing.org.uk
Thursday 19th April 2026 @ 7:30pm
Royal Naval Association W G City
Eight Years Sailing the West Coast of France
Anchoring-in-the-Vilaine-River.
Since 2017, Paul Bragg and his wife Elaine have been steadily exploring the west coast of France and northern Spain — and this year marks their ninth season cruising this remarkable region.
A-busy-day-in-Hoedic
In this engaging and personal talk, Paul and Elaine explain why this coastline is so easy to fall in love with and so hard to leave. Drawing on years of first-hand experience, they share what keeps pulling them back season after season.
Is it the reliable sailing weather?
The long sandy beaches and beautiful islands?
The welcoming harbours, relaxed pace of life, and unforgettable food and wine?
As you’ll discover, it’s all of those things — and much more.
Market-Day-in-Vannes
Whether you’re an experienced sailor planning future cruising, or simply curious about what makes this part of the world so special, this talk offers inspiration, insight, and a genuine taste of life afloat on one of Europe’s most rewarding cruising grounds.
Come along, be inspired, and see why this coast captures hearts — and rarely lets go.
2026 PROGRAMME
| When | What | Details |
Thursday 10th December 2026 | Meeting / Competition | SOCA 2026 Photo Competition This was the annual nautical themed photo contest which included the opportunity for a pre-Christmas social. A selection from the entries will form the basis of a future year’s calendar. |
| Thursday 12th November 2026 | Meeting/Presentation | Wrecks of Malta presentation by Terry and Stewart |
| October/November 2026 | Social Laying Up Lunch | SOCA Laying Up lunch. Details to be confirmed |
| Thursday 8th October 2025 | Meeting/Presentation | We are trying to arrange another of teh very interesting presentation given by Jeremy Batch |
September 2026 | Sailing | September Cruising In Company (CIC) Sailing Weekend (East Coast). Details to be finalised |
| Thursday 10th September 2026 | Meeting/ Presentation | Saronic sailing presentation by Terry and Stewart |
| Thursday 13th August 2026 | Social | BBQ at Dave & Liz Arnolds |
| Thursday 9th July 2026 | Social | Sabbatical drinks at RNA W G City |
| Thursday 11th June 2025 | Meeting/ Presentation | Sailing in Sicily Terry Branston |
May 2026 | Sailing | May Sailing Weekend (East Coast). The East Coast rally, Details to be Arranged. Hopefully we will be joined by members from BOSG & NOSCA. |
| Thursday 14th May 2025 | Meeting/ Presentation | Life Raft Discussion with photos/Quiz |
| Thursday 16th April 2025  | Meeting/ Presentation | Seven Years Sailing in France Paul Bragg Since 2017, Paul Bragg and his wife Elaine have been steadily exploring the west coast of France and northern Spain — and this year marks their ninth season cruising this remarkable region. |
| Saturday March 28th 2026 | Social | SOCA will hold 2026 Fitting Out lunch in March Details to follow |
Wednesday 25 March 2026 | AGM/Social | BOSG Fitting Out Breakfast & AGM, scheduled at 9:30am on Wednesday 25 March, D’Parys Hotel. There has been good Member attendance at this location, get it in the diary. D’Parys 45 De Parys Ave Bedford MK40 2UA GB |
| Thursday 12th March 2026  | AGM / Presentations | SOCA 2026 AGM This will include the Commodores Report and presentation of trophies plus appointment/election of the new flag officers. This will be conducted in person and on ZOOM. New blood on the committee is always welcome so please volunteer if you have an interest in keeping the club going. You can be co-opted anytime during the year, |
Wednesday 11th February 2026 | Training | A special Training Event on Sea Survival at Hatfield Swimming Pool In conjunction with Mid Herts Diver, SOCA have arranged a Sea Survival Liferaft session at Hatfield Swim Centre This was an informal training event based on RNLI, BSAC and RYA safety advice ensuring members learn to use equipment before they are in any emergency situation. |
Thursday 8th January 2026 | Meeting/ Presentation | ASailing the Norfolk Broads, Narrow Boating and more A talk by Dave Arnold The first talk of the year was given by Dave Arnold, who idescribed how he is staying afloat after the disposal of his East Coast boat Joint Affair. The first half of the evening focused on sailing a traditional Norfolk Broads yacht. Dave then branched out into other forms of water transport, including life aboard a 66-foot narrowboat – covering his 2025 travels on the Coventry and Ashby canals, along with highlights from earlier trips. |