YBDSA Spring Webinar in partnership with Ocean Safety, 10 March @ 19:00
Click here book now Cost £25
Join us for Onboard Safety: What to look for
Presented by Alistair Hackett, Managing Director of Ocean Safety
This is a sample of one of the new signs designed in partnership with the Personal Watercraft Partnership (PWP) and local authorities. The signs will be set up at known launching sites for jet skis (PWCs). Most PWC users are responsible boaters but an irresponsible minority spoil it for everyone else and will be liable to prosecution. Peel Ports will increase the number of patrols using a harbour launch or RIB, including holidays, weekends, and during heatwaves. The patrol personnel will be equipped with body cams.
This chart shows the zones where there are speed limits, yellow for 6 knots and red for 8 knots. The purple zone from Cuxton to Wouldham is where members of the Kent Boat and Ski club have exclusive permission to water ski.
Peel Ports have been notified of scheduled maintenance work at Kingsferry Bridge between the above dates meaning lifting restrictions will be imposed affecting all vessels. Work to rectify issues with the gates will result in NO bridge lifts being possible during the periods stated below.
At the Peel Ports Leisure Users Forum, held virtually on 25 February, our harbour authority announced several new vessels.
This brand new all-electric (zero emissions) vessel is purpose-built to scoop up floating debris, a ton at a time. This week, after trials at Chatham, “Gannet” will be deployed above Aylesford, where there are lots of floating logs and other hazardous debris to clear.
April 2021 will see the first Medway trial of the group’s remotely operated survey craft ‘Fitzroy’. Should be fun!
And there’s more! These two new handy-looking work boats are due to arrive later this year. Suggestions for names please to AllMedwayMarineManagers@peelports.com
Peel Ports have been notified of a sunken vessel on the Segas Sailing Club moorings at the following approximate position: 51°24.017’N. 000° 33.842’E . This is roughly opposite Gillingham Marina. The wreck is believed to be a red motor launch/cruiser, 22-23ft long, which is occasionally visible at low water is now marked with an unlit, yellow ‘pellet’ buoy denoted “Wreck”. When practicable an attempt to recover the vessel will be made and once complete a cancellation to this notice will be promulgated. Until the obstruction is removed all mariners should keep clear of the area. Peel Ports NtoM 18/2021 refers.
The Cruising Association Kent Section’s brilliant “winter warmer” talks, organised by Clifford Mickleburgh, have not stopped for Covid. All of us, CA member or not, can enjoy them online. This month’s talk is by Adam Taylor who regularly represents Medway Council at MSBA meetings. Clifford had a preview and was amazed at how much there is to learn about the Medway, Adam has put in a lot of energy researching his presentation and you will not be disappointed. Here’s a taste:
* Deadman’s Island: Kent’s terrifying forgotten island littered with human remains.
* Tom Court Island and the German U-Boat.
* William Turner’s painting at Stangate Creek.
This is the River Medway that nobody knows and yet we enjoy sailing up and down this fascinating river. And then we have the Reculver smugglers battling with the Excise officers; the once inhabited islands and the fortress islands. But don’t let us spoil it for you, this is a river that nobody knows, a talk not to be missed.
Adam suggests that you might also like to search National Library of Scotland – Map Images before his presentation.
APOLOGY: We’re sorry that the number of people trying to access Adam’s excellent presentation very quickly exceeded Clifford’s Zoom limit of 100, far more than have previously attended a CA winter warmer meeting. Furthermore the session was not recorded – unless someone knows differently. We’ll try to make sure this doesn’t happen next time!
HOWEVER, for those who missed out, Adam repeated the talk on Tuesday 23 Feb at 7pm.
Everything is still locked down by winter and the pandemic but the Medway Queen Preservation Society has ambitious plans for the coming year. All dependent, of course, on Covid and in some respects the weather. Nevertheless they will get as much done in 2021 as available time, effort and cash allow. To that end the MQPS is seeking sponsorship for two main projects this year. Follow the link below to find out more…
Bookings for this year’s RYA Cruising Conference are now open! The online event has a packed schedule to interest regular and novice cruisers alike. Topics will include real-life stories from fellow cruisers, as well as practical cruising advice from the RYA experts and all the latest updates on travelling around the EU.
Places are free for RYA Members and just £10 for non-members. Tickets will allow you access to not only the live speaker sessions but also to the exhibition area where you will be able to visit virtual stands and chat with experts. You can also learn more about the current trends in the cruising world by watching the pre-recorded presentations and videos.
The historic Queenborough Harbour is to be linked with Milton Creek. At Queenborough, the harbour trust is improving mooring facilities for Thames sailing barges.
Lloyds Wharf, in Milton Creek, is home to the Raybel Charters project. There is also a magnificent new building which will house the reborn Dolphin Barge Museum. An inaugural meeting is to be held shortly.
Peel Ports have arranged for two red beacons to be placed beside the wreck of the infamous “pirate ship” Revenge in Faversham Creek.
Unfortunately one of the beacons is positioned just the wrong side of the channel and we have suggested that it should be moved. If you are passing the wreck please try not to knock the beacons.