Peel Ports to clear debris from river today

After numerous complaints about the increased quantity of hazardous floating debris in the upper reaches of the tidal Medway, especially between Aylesford and Allington, we have just been informed by James Goodfellow that Peel Ports will at last be undertaking a river clearance today. Peel Ports have traditionally run regular rubbish clearance operations using the Medway Otter but this elderly vessel has had operational difficulties of late. The debris includes numerous large logs, several gas cylinders and floating rubbish of all kinds. Motor boaters, deterred from using the river for fear of damage to hull and propellers, have been deserting the non-tidal marinas because of the danger of passing this stretch of the river. A major rowing event was cancelled too.

Nick Ardley book signing aboard SB Edith May, Sat 11 Nov

Venue: Aboard saling barge Edith May at Lower Halstow Dock, Lapwing Drive, Lower Halstow.

When: 11 Nov, 1030-1600 with parking available

Nick was brought up, afloat, on a Thames spritsail barge: his childhood life and that of the barge is told about in his first book. Nick now sails the Thames estuary between North Kent and Snape in Suffolk. Along the way, he observes the coast and compares with the recent past: much of our coastal history of the past 150 years is fast disappearing. While wending his way he studies the land’s often soft edges, looking at wasted marshes, at silted creeks and abundant wildlife. He wanders amongst old industries, lost barge quays, the rotting hulks of traders, wondering… See Nick’s web site at www.nickardley.com

RYA Affiliated Club Conference, 2 Dec

RYA affiliated clubs can send up to four people for free to this excellent all-day conference which will be held near Maidstone. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

This year we will be unveiling the regional plans for the next four years and delivering the RYA national updates. There’s a choice of workshops that could help benefit your club and there will also be the opportunity to meet members of other clubs within your region. This conference is perfect for your committee members.

The day will be hosted by your Regional Development Officer Steve Mitchell. If you have any questions about the event please do not hesitate to contact him via email steve.mitchell@rya.org.uk

Please see conference documents.

Sign up here…

RNLI attends grounded yacht

Aground in Hoo Creek
Photo Derek Chalk

The crew of the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) were called by the UK Coastguard at 8.33am on Friday 13 October reporting that a yacht had run aground on Hoo Island in the River Medway with its sails still set.  The crew located the craft at 9.09am and found the yacht hard aground on the island. The single male occupant of the craft reported that he lived onboard the boat and was quite happy to await the next high tide to re-float him and then make his way back to his mooring at Strood.  The ILB was released at 9.26am and was back on station at 9.50am. Weather conditions at the time of the incident were fair with the wind SW force 5.

Harbour Controller Wanted

Queenborough Harbour TrustApplications are invited from enthusiastic pro active persons in the Leisure Boating Industry to join the team at Queenborough Harbour Trust CIC in the role of Harbour Controller. The harbour is a not for profit Community Interest Company which is rapidly developing and expanding. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day running of the harbour, management of staff and plant equipment, as well as be part of the team developing the harbour. The successful candidate will also need to show evidence of a successful track record in the industry as well as qualifications, expertise and experience in management and marketing similar organizations. In order that there is a smooth transition from the current post holder the Directors wish the successful candidate take up the post as soon as possible before the new year, if at all possible.

Interested persons should apply, for full further details, in writing, including a CV, to the Chairman at the following address by 31st October 2017.

Queenborough Harbour Trust CIC
Harbour Masters Office
Town Quay, South Street
Queenborough, Kent
ME11 5AF

Blue Yacht seized by Peel Ports

Blue yacht
Photo Rob Chandler

The nameless blue yacht was evicted from Sun Pier and then moored unsuccessfully on the Historic Dockyard slipway, as shown in this photo taken on Sunday.  The vessel, which has been the subject of more than one RNLI call out, has now been towed away to Sheerness. Medway VTS informed us that the boat will be held until the owner comes forward with proof that he has a legitimate mooring for it. Well done Peel Ports!

Vessels obstruct Faversham Creek

Pirate Ship Revenge

Peel Ports have advised that the exceptional high tides have caused some vessels in Faversham Creek to float into the wrong places, in some cases out of the creek altogether. The infamous “pirate ship” Revenge, which has featured on this website several times before, is obstructing the channel having tipped onto its side towards the middle of the creek. Photo from Peel Ports Notice to Mariners No 31 of 2017.

“I’ve got a dead whale on my bow”

Jack Smedley and the whale carcass he and his crew brought into Sheerness docks
Jack Smedley and the whale carcass he and his crew brought into Sheerness docks

Sailing past Sheerness Dock on Saturday, your webmaster thought he was imagining it when he heard the captain of the huge car carrier call Medway VTS saying, “We’ve got a whale carcass on our bulbous bow.” He later called again to say it had slipped off when the ship reversed away from the dock. Read more at Kent Online…