Planning application to restrict access to the water at Harty Ferry – REJECTED!

Kent County Council has applied to “stop up” the road leading to the old ferry hard at Harty Ferry (Sheppey side) except for access by foot. This would make it impossible to launch small craft such as dinghies. It would be yet another loss of access to the water for boaters.

Tim Bell of the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club says: Access to the water at Harty Ferry is vital for safety at this dangerous part of the Swale. This will affect all boat owners who want to use Harty Ferry in an emergency, and for the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club for its coverage and safety of the Round the Island Race.

UPDATE: KCC’s Highway Department have now gone through the various comments/responses received as part of the consultation process. The council has decided not to proceed with the current stopping-up application and so the court hearing has been vacated..

Reminders from Medway VTS (VHF channel 74)

Race officers, as well as phoning Medway VTS on 0151 949 6650 to advise on their race schedule on the day of racing, should also listen out on Channel 74 to pick up information relating to inbound and outbound vessels or seaplanes.

If a seaplane is due to land in Sharfleet or Stangate creeks Medway VTS will broadcast details on VHF channel 74,  of what time the seaplane is due to land or take off. Commercial vessels as listed below will also report to Medway VTS on VHF channel 74 when passing inbound or outbound at the following reporting points, Medway buoy, Spile buoy, Mid Swatch buoy, No 12 buoy, Darnett Ness Beacon, No 32 buoy, Chatham Ness beacon or when berthed or anchored.

Reporting Vessel” means every vessel which is required by the Ports General Directions to report its position, intentions, or movements, specifically:
(a)   vessels having a Gross Tonnage of more than 50 tonnes.
(b)   vessels whose Length Overall is more than 40 metres.
(c)   Passenger Vessels.
(d)   vessels carrying Dangerous Goods; and
(e)   vessels which are engaged in Towing Operations.

RYE Race Officer Course, 8+9 Oct

The Regional Race Officer course, to help clubs with the delivery of the Race management for their special events and open meetings, is being held at Downs SC near Deal in Kent on 8/9 October. Full details for the course are on the RYA Race Management website or contact Martin Styles on 07515 164874

Bart’s Bash, 11+12 Sept 2022

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASF) was established in 2013 after the tragic death of Andrew “Bart” Simpson. Andrew was a talented sailor who firmly believed in the benefits that participation in sport can bring to young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.  ASF now exists to continue Andrew’s vision and to bring change for thousands of young people. ASF’s core purpose is to transform lives through sailing.  

Would your club/friends/family like to take part in Bart’s Bash 2022, ASF’s annual flagship fundraising race? 

Bart’s Bash is a global sailing race taking place at 100’s of venues, with 1000’s of sailors in 100’s of different classes of boat around the world. Founded in 2014, the event was verified by Guinness World Records as ‘The Largest Sailing Race in the World’. 

This year Bart’s Bash takes place on 10-11 September 2022 and is open to all venues globally. Each individual event is organised by a venue and organising authority for all activities at the site. Each of the Andrew Simpson Centres will be hosting events too, so if you would prefer to come take part at your closest centre, here are the locations:  Birmingham, Reading, Portland, Portsmouth

To find out more see the attached event guide and register yourself, your group or your club here

Medway Marathon open event, Sat 6 Aug

Medway Yacht Club extends a warm invitation to dinghy and dayboat sailors. The Medway Marathon has provided a yearly challenge for the dinghy and dayboat sailor for over half a century. This year the event will be held this year as part of the Great British Sailing Challenge. The 26 mile course takes competitors through the sweeping main estuary reaches of the Medway River and into the mysterious creeks bisecting wading flats of abundant birdlife. The tides and differing points of sail nature of the challenges the sailors endurance tactics and seamanship. Support and safety however is second to none with guard boats and safety ribs stationed along the course. Come along and spend a Saturday doing something very different.

Key information and access to entry of the race is available on https://www.medwayyachtclub.com/medway-marathon/

Brief facts:

  • Venue: Medway Yacht Club, Lower Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XB.
  • Entries close: Thursday 04/08/22 5:00pm.
  • Great Lakes handicap applies.
  • Storage: Boats will be inside the secure MYC compound
  • Launching: All tide winch assisted slipway,
  • Camping: Free if you wish to arrive Friday. Contact the office on 01634 718399 to book a space.
  • Food: Clubhouse open Friday Evening serving a fish and chip supper(Booking is required) and Saturday from 07:30h for breakfast, plus tea/coffee with cake and bar snacks throughout the day.
  • Contact:  office on 01634 718399 or email office@medwayyachtclub.com