Faversham Creek: it’s not a street

At Faversham Creek sailing barges and other traditional craft are still moored and repaired, but for how much longer? Planners and developers seem ignorant of history and geography, also blind to what is lost if the edges of such navigable waterways are simply covered with housing and shops as if the creek was a suburban street.

Dr Arthur Percival, director of the Faversham Society’s Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre, has written a wonderfully eloquent letter to the clerk of the council on behalf of Faversham Creek Trust: http://favershamcreektrust.com/2013/06/30/arthur-percival-its-a-creek-not-a-street/

Medway Queen Re-dedication

TMedway Queen Preservation Societyhe hull of paddle steamer Medway Queen is nearing completion in the Albion Dockyard, Bristol. A re-dedication ceremony will be held at the dockyard on Saturday 27 July.

The ship will not leave the dry dock immediately. When the weather conditions are right and the tug is available the ship will be moved back to Gillingham without further ceremony. The MQPS website (www.medwayqueen.co.uk) has a page dedicated to the “tow home” and details will be posted there as they become clear.

The fitting out phase will then commence in earnest. The society’s Gillingham Pier workshops will be open to the public on all 4 days of the Heritage Open Days weekend of 12-15 September.

MSBA burgees now available

MSBA burgeeShow your support for boating on the tidal Medway and Swale by flying one of these attractive burgees on your flag halyard. The nominal size is 30cm (12″) on the hoist, ie the vertical dimension. Theyare available , with or without toggle, for £10. We will have them for you to collect at the Medway River Festival on 6 July or add £1 for postage. Please place your order to secretary@msba.org.uk

MSBA Dinghy Regatta, 12-14 July

Wilsonian Sailing ClubAlong with the racing, there’s lots going on off the water , so come and join us whether you want to sail, spectate or socialise.

On the water:

  • 2 races on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, with 3 to count if all four races are completed.
  • REMEMBER Sunday racing kicks off at 10.00 hours!
  • Entry Fee – £5 for double-handed boats, £4 for single-handers
  • 12 or more boats of the same Class entered and paid with prior arrangement prior to 10.55 on Thursday 11 July will qualify for their own separate Class and start
  • 6 or more boats of the same Class entered prior to race 2 with race committee’s discretion will qualify for their own Class (but will share their start with the relevant handicap fleet with which they would otherwise qualify)
  • Prizes for individual race winners, perpetual for Classes & keepsake Class positions

Off the water:

  • Friday evening (12 July) – bar will be open and food available
  • Saturday breakfast, lunch and evening BBQ
  • Sunday breakfast and lunch
  • Free raffle after the BBQ with excellent prizes donated by Hyde Sails
  • Selection of real ales in the barrel, as well as the usual selection of bottled beers and lagers

Notice of Race & Entry Forms are available from www.wilsoniansc.org.uk

Medway Yacht Club Keelboat Regatta, 11-14 July 2013

Medway Yacht ClubOne of two Medway regattas on the same weekend, the MYC Regatta is open for Dragons, Sonatas, Squibs, Old Gaffers and 4 other classes of Cruisers based on their NHC rating, which is the new handicapping system from the RYA, replacing the Portsmouth Yardstick. Race positions will also be calculated on an IRC basis for boats so rated. The regatta starts on Thursday evening with an evening race at Upnor Sailing Club, open to all comers followed by a barbeque. For more information visit the MYC website at http://www.medwayyachtclub.com/2013%20Regatta%20Detail/index.html

Boat and Chandlery Fair, Gillingham Marina, 6 and 7 July

Established in 2010, the Medway Boat & Chandlery Fair is the largest boat show on the Kent Coast.  There will be over 60 sail and motor boats on display.

There will be trade stands from 3D Tenders, Dolphin Sails, English Braids, GJW Insurance, Medway Watersports, Raymarine, Robert Bingham Yacht Surveyors, Suzuki. This is an ideal opportunity for you to meet and discuss with specialists all aspects of boat ownership.

For more details and fast-track registration, see http://www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk/boat-and-chandlery-fair

On Saturday a free shuttle bus will carry you to and from Chatham Waterfront where you can see the Medway River Festival.

Medway River Festival, 6 July 2013

Sonatas from Medway Yacht Club racing at the festivalThis year’s free council-run festival will be bigger and better than ever before. It will be a  fun-packed day of activities centred on and around the River Medway, best viewed from Chatham Waterfront where there will be lots to see on and off the water.

If you want to try a boat or have a go at sailing, a shuttle bus will take you to and from the Boat and Chandlery Fair at Gillingham Marina.

Races and floating river processions are among the plans with colourful displays of yachts, rowing boats, motor cruisers, barges, tugs and kayak activities taking place on the River Medway. Local clubs and associations will be offering support and advice shore side for everyone to learn more about the river. Live music, nautical-themed performances, food stalls and children’s entertainment are also planned for the festival.