Swale Barge Match 31 July 2021
Category: Regatta
Swale Regatta 2021 was great success
Nigel Stevens writes, “The Swale Regatta is a long standing local event traditionally held over three days, starting on a Friday in the Swale off Harty Ferry, and finishing in the Medway on the Sunday. It caters not just for regular racers but also especially for cruisers who would just like to give sailing with others a go. The Covid restrictions saw last year’s event cancelled but this year fifteen boats from various Medway and Swale clubs managed to get together for the regatta.” See Nigel’s full report below…
Swale Regatta, 25-27 June 2021
Nigel Stevens writes: The plan this year is very much a do what we can approach given the way Covid has dominated much of our lives for the past year or so. Despite the formal documents (below) we are really trying to keep the fun spirit of the regatta alive so would really encourage entrants from nervous first time “racers” as well as perhaps the more seasoned skippers. If people approach it with the attitude that it is long weekend of cruising in company then they hopefully won’t be disappointed.
Unfortunately the Swale Regatta website has crashed and we haven’t been able to get it back in time, so all entrants are asked to drop me an email at Nigelstevens8071@hotmail.co.uk with some basic details and I can get back to them as necessary.
Swale Barge Match, Sat 31 July
David Pollock of the Kentish Sail Association writes: After 2 years’ cancellations, we’re hoping for a third time lucky and invite you to take part in the Match on 31 July 2021. The Swale Match was established by Laurie Tester, Lena Reekie, Hugh Perks and others in 1973, as a festival of all manner of traditional sailing craft on the East Coast. The assembled fleet usually comprises not only Thames sailing barges, smacks and bawleys in several categories, but also a variety of gaffers, classic and bermudan yachts, as well as Dutch barges, Baltic traders and historic powered craft. This provides a magnificent spectacle on the water both for participants and for onlookers.
Last year we introduced a new Open class last year, for non-traditional or unconventional craft, subject to interest. We also held a match race for the Small Open Gaffers class on the Saturday after the scheduled Match, which was very well supported.
Both at anchor in the Swale and on land at Hollowshore, crews and supporters come together for prize-giving and entertainment. As well as Testers’ Boatyard, furnished for the weekend with food and drink stalls and live music, the shore venue also includes the fabled Shipwright’s Arms, supplying cask ales and food. The weekend starts on Friday afternoon, the Match is on Saturday and the homeward voyage is usually undertaken on the Sunday, but you can stay longer!
For further information and to register interest, please contact David Pollock at kentishsail@gmail.com, or phone 07831 200018
New Date for Wilsonian River Challenge
Because of the uncertainty over when the Coronavirus lock-down will be lifted, and to avoid unnecessary travel, the WSC River Challenge 2020 (formerly the Medway Dinghy Regatta), which was to be held in June, has been cancelled. Please put 26/27 June 2021 in your diary for the next event.
REYC Mary Cup Race, Sat 14 Sept
Fancy racing? Come out and join in.
ROYAL ENGINEER YACHT CLUB – MARY CUP RACE 2019
Run alongside Medway Cruising Club Gala on Saturday 14 September 2019. The first start is at 1000 hrs BST. The race is open to all comers! There are prizes for all classes. Entry forms, click here, are to be returned by 12th September. Sailing Instruction please click here. Please let us know if you wish to join in so that access at low water can be arranged.
UPDATE: There were six entrants and the winner was MSBA fan Clinton Lyon.
IOS Round the Island Race, 31 Aug & 1 Sept 2019
Medway Marathon, 22 Sept 2019
26 Mile Course on the tidal River Medway Open to monohull dinghies and keel boats of 30 feet and under with a PY number. First Start 10.00 Registration closes at 07.30 on the day. More information on MYC website
Swale Smack and Barge Match, 10 Aug 2019 – CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
There’s nowhere better to be than at sea to watch the 50-odd traditional vessels that are expected to attend. But for those not afloat there are good vantage points at the point at Harty Ferry, on Tankerton slopes and down at Herne Bay where competitors round the outer mark just off the pier. The first start is at 10.30 from Sand End in the East Swale and you can expect vessels to heading back into the Swale around 2pm onwards. More info at www.kentishsail.org
Admiral’s Cruise, 29+30 June 2019
Local boating clubs are invited to accompany the Admiral of the Medway (the Mayor) on this annual two-day cruise hosted by Rochester Cruising Club. There will be a briefing for interested skippers at the club on Wednesday 26 June. An informative article by Fred Trice about this unique event can be found here.