Beach lifeguards are paid even while they train. There are some fitness requirements. Contact Lucy_Macgowan@rnli.org.uk for more information.
Could you be a Swale Lifeguard?
Category: Training
Morning Star decommissioned
The MSBA is sad to learn that on 14 December the Morning Star Trust decommissioned its flagship vessel Morning Star of Revelation in a moving ceremony at Chatham Marina. The 19-metre, gaff-rigged ferro-cement ketch with its distinctive maroon sails has been a familiar sight on the Medway when she was not away in the Baltic or even further away. Officially a “tall ship”, Morning Star is the oldest purpose-built sail training vessel in the UK Sail Training fleet and has been in continuous service since 1978.
The MST is a Christian sail training organisation based in Chatham. The Trust’s remaining vessel is an 11-metre Westerly Oceanquest called Bright Star and we understand that a larger, more up to date vessel is being sought to replace Morning Star.
Marine & Coastal Biosecurity Workshop, 10.30-2pm, Thurs 12 Dec – PLACES STILL AVAILABLE
The Marine & Coastal Biosecurity and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) workshop will be held at Riverside Country Park, Gillingham on Thursday 12 December. It is primarily targeted towards people involved with the management of coastal/marine waters, or for those who work, organise, or deliver activities in coastal/ marine areas. For example:
• Marine kayaking/watersport/boating clubs
• Marinas, ports and boat yard owners
• Estuary & Catchment Partnerships
• Harbour authorities
• Coastal managers/beach owners
This is the first of two workshops to be held in this area, and is designed to provide attendees with the tools to better manage the threat of INNS and help create a draft biosecurity plan. It will include:
• An overview of regionally important INNS
• Improving site biosecurity
• Tools to write an effective estuary biosecurity plan
• INNS reporting
This workshop is free to attend and there will be refreshments available throughout the morning and a light networking lunch provided at the end of the workshop.
A second, follow-up workshop will be held in early 2020 with the aim of pulling together the outputs from the first workshop and producing a draft estuary-level biosecurity plan for the Medway Estuary area.
Here is the link to register your attendance for the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marine-coastal-biosecurity-workshop-tickets-80872236035
If you have any questions about the event or would like more information, please feel free to contact Alice Morley, Marine Conservation Officer, Kent Wildlife Trust, phone 07702 551524 or email Alice.Morley (at) kentwildlife.org.uk
CA Winter Warmer talk: James and Carol Littlewood, Thurs 12 Dec
On Thursday, 12 December 2019, we will have minced pies and mulled wine during the break. James and Carol Littlewood will be stepping in at short notice with an exciting and well humoured talk as, unfortunately, the talk on Morning Star and the Morning Star Trust has been cancelled at very short notice, more details on the night .
Having “sailed” the coastline from the Norwegian Arctic Circle to La Rochelle, James and Carol Littlewood decided it was time to visit the “inside”. In 2014 they started to explore in a “motor boat” the gutters of France, the ditches of Belgium, the canals of the Netherlands and the big waterways of Germany. James will talk about some of the differences between “outside and inside”, will compare locks with crocodiles and will give us a glimpse of French champagne country and the German Mecklenburg Lakes.
We are all invited to these excellent Kent Cruising Association talks, which are held at 8pm at the Dog and Bear, Lenham, near Maidstone. It’s a good idea to book a meal (by 5pm please) on 01622 858219 for 7pm, before the talk. A special CA menu is available.
RYA webinar “Putting People First”, 5 Dec
If you didn’t get to the RYA Regional Affiliated Clubs seminar last Sunday you missed some very useful tips and information for keeping your club members engaged, particularly with regard to volunteering for the committee, work parties and so on.
All is not lost however; an access-for-all webinar will be broadcast on Thursday 5 December (7-8pm) to delve deeper into the findings and recommendations with the chance to ask questions. If you can’t join us please sign up anyway and you’ll be able to hear the recording after the live show. Register here for the webinar.
Last MYC Powerboat Course of 2019
Medway YC are organising their last Powerboat Course of the year on 5 and 6 December. The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course covers the theory and practical skills needed to be a competent powerboat driver. Focusing on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations. This course is governed by the Royal Yachting Association, who sets the syllabus for the Level 2 powerboat course. This course will also allow you to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) should you wish to go boating abroad. If you are interested contact Inti Guaschino at training@medwayyachtclub.com or come to Medway Yacht Club’s Office.
RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference, Maidstone, 24 Nov 2019
It’s not too late to register for this excellent conference, free to representatives of local RYA affiliated clubs. The day is a fantastic opportunity for you to meet and network with other clubs, share ideas and success stories and discuss the current issues that are having an impact, both in clubs and the sport more widely. Places for this conference are free with lunch and refreshments provided at no cost. Due to limited capacity pre-booking is essential, so get in early to avoid disappointment. This year’s conferences are about ‘Putting people first’. That means understanding what your members, volunteers and new sailors need, and putting that at the forefront of your decision making. Whether you want to grow your membership, increase your volunteer base, develop your instructors and race coaches or simply get better at retaining members of all ages, interests and abilities, you will leave with the ideas and information you need to make it happen.
To find out more and register click here.
New RYA training dates at Medway YC
Inti, the new training manager at Medway Yacht Club, invites members of RYA/MSBA affiliated clubs to MYC training events at the special members’ rates. Here are the dates for for October and November 2019:
RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 COURSE: 17/18 OCTOBER, 31/1 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER, 14/15 NOVEMBER, 21/22 NOVEMBER
RYA SAFETY BOAT COURSE: 24/25 OCTOBER, 7/8 NOVEMBER
FIRST AID COURSE: 16 OCTOBER, 11 NOVEMBER
More info here: http://www.medwayyachtclub.com/training/formal-training
RYA Training at Medway YC
Inti Guaschino, the new training manager at MYC, is offering the following courses. Members of MSBA/RYA affiliated clubs are eligible for MYC member rate.
RYA Powerboat Level 2:
29 & 30 August
5 & 6 September
19 & 20 September (1 space left)
26 & 27 September
RYA Safety Boat:
12 & 13 September
25 & 26 September (1 space left)
First Aid Course:
17 September
For further information visit MYC webpage
BOB rescued by SB Centaur
Mick Nolan of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust has written an excellent account of a practice session with the MSBA’s rescue dummy “BOB”. Click below to read or download the article. Contact the MSBA via info@msba.org.uk if your club or organisation wants to borrow BOB.