The Cruising Association has announced details of its Spring series of talks at its Limehouse, London, headquarters. Highlight of the programme will be the Hanson Lecture given by adventurer and explorer Tim Severin on April 9. He will describe the Sinbad Voyage from Muscat to Canton under sail in an Arab dhow. The season gets underway this Thursday with a talk by local nautical history expert, Jeremy Batch.

Talks begin at 1900 and run for 2 hours, with an interval for refilling glasses! It’s £3 for CA members, and £6 for non-members. There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and meet the speakers. To book e-mail office@cruising.org.uk or call 0207 537 2828.

February 7The link between the Thames, King Alfred, ice cream and the 2012 Olympics.

February 13Sailing in the northern Baltic. Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Sweden in a Nauticat 351.

February 21By sail to Syria. From southern Turkey to the castles, souks and mosques of Syria, returning via northern Cyprus. A month without seeing another yacht.

February 27The best and worst of cruising, with Bill and Laurel Cooper. 32 years, 100,000 miles, 45 countries, 6 books, all distilled into a two hour talk.

March 6Cruising the Libyan coast. Outstanding natural beauty, ancient civilisations and new friends.

March 20A two-parter. A view from the bridge – a master mariner’s thoughts on big ships and small boats, followed by the challenges of rounding Cape Horn.

March 27From west to east across the roof of the world. The first one-season transit of the North West passage by a British yacht.

April 9Adventurer and explorer Tim Severin recounts his voyage from Muscat to Canton, under sail in a dhow.