Kingsnorth Chimney demolition, NOW 22 March

Peel Ports advise that on 22 March 2018 the main chimney at Kingsnorth Power Station will be demolished by controlled explosion. An exclusion zone, patrolled by the harbourmaster’s launch WESTBOURNE and by the Marine Police Unit vessel, will be established as shown in this chartlet from 09:00 until sometime after 10:30. All vessels must keep outside the exclusion zone until the all clear is broadcast. Further information may be obtained from Medway VTS on VHF Channel 74 or telephone 0151 949 6656. NTM 14 of 2018 refers.

UPDATE 1.3.2018: The demolition has been postponed from 8 March.

Tidal Thames Navigators Club Evening, Wed 7 March

For those of us who venture up the Thames. This event will be held on board the vessel DIXIE QUEEN, at Butlers Wharf Pier, on the south side of the river next to Tower Bridge, commencing at 18.30 with tea and coffee being served from 18.00. The event will finish by approximately 20.30.

The evening will consist of topics from representatives of the Port of London Authority Harbour Master’s team, (some of whom we may recognise) as well as guest speakers covering:

  • Overview of events held by a local club (TBC)
  • Special Guest Speaker (TBC)
  • Large scale towing operations on the Thames
  • Bigger ships now visiting the Thames
  • ‘Journey of Thames experiences’ presentation
  • A Q&A session will follow

There will be information given on the first batch of the highly recommended ‘TTNC River Trips’ and how you can book.

To book and confirm you attendance please book in online here (or go to www.bookitbee.com and search ‘Port of London Authority’) by Monday 26 February 2018.

In addition, you can find out more about the TTNC and what benefits there are to being a member here.

Is your bottom clean? Medway CC, now Thurs 8 March

  • Want to know why there are so many options of antifoul on the shelves?
  • Interested in how they work? And why they’re different?
  • How about the future for antifouling?

Join us at Medway Cruising Club clubhouse, The Strand, Gillingham ME7 1TT, at 7pm on Thursday 8 March, where International Paint’s Technical Support Specialist Tim Bannister will talk us through some of the different products and technologies available and the advantages/disadvantages of each. Antifoul vs. copper coat, and some of the new products that will be introduced over the next few years. Plus a Q&A session if you have any other paint queries.

ALL WELCOME! Contact: Chris Diaper, chrisdiaper58(at)gmail.com

CA Winter Warmer Talks, 8 Feb 2018

Caroline Milmo will give a short presentation on the CA Crewing Service and tell us about her trip from Lymington to Svalbard in the Norwegian archipelago. This will give you a flavor of how YOU can make use of the service. The CA’s Crewing Service puts skippers and crew in touch.

Clifford Mickleburgh will talk about his trip around the Frisian Islands in Dawn Owl. The Frisian Islands are a chain of islands in the North Sea off the Dutch coast, along the edge of the Wadden Sea. They continue further east as the German East Frisian Islands. If you have sailed the East Coast you will be fascinated by the Frisian Islands and the Wadden Sea.

The Cruising Association Kent Section Winter Warmers are held at 8pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month at The Dog & Bear Hotel, The Square, Lenham, ME17 2PG, which is 8 miles east of Maidstone, just off the A20 in the village square. All are welcome. There is a small charge of £3. Many eat beforehand and it helps speed up service if you telephone the pub on 01622 858219 and order your meal before 5pm.

The next CA Winter Warmer will be as follows:

  • 8 March 2018: Jeremy Batch on 110 Years of Cruising

Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club Spring Head Race

Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club will be holding the Maidstone Spring Head Race on Sunday 4 March 2018. Boats will be launching from the Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club steps and King’s School Boathouse from 08:00 hours and should be clear of the water by 16:00 hours. The races will be run on a timed basis over a course from Allington Marina bend to Town Bridge, Maidstone. There will be four divisions starting at 09:00, 10:45, 12:30 and 14:15 hours. Each race should last between 45 and 60 minutes.

Would all other river users please give the rowers unhindered passage during race times. Vessels travelling upstream from Allington Lock may be asked to wait until a race has been completed.

For further information please contact Allington Lock on 01622 752864.