Swale Smack & Sailing Barge Match, 4 (not 14) Aug 2018

The annual Swale Smack & Sailing Barge match is probably the most prestigious traditional boat event on the East Coast, and has been running since 1972. It is open to all Thames barges, smacks, bawleys and gaff rigged craft as well as classic Bermudian rigged vessels, small open boat gaff and lugsail dinghies are also welcome.

Prizegiving is at Hollowshore in the evening and is a lively and convivial evening with live music, hog roast, burger van and bar.

For full details contact: Match Secretary Lena Reekie. Email: lenareekie(at)talktalk.net, phone: 07968 058398, website: www.kentishsail.org

Queenborough Harbour 3rd Classic Yacht & Motor Boat Festival, 29-30 September 2018

The festival is open to any boat, large or small, designed or built before 1970 – wood, steel, aluminium, fibreglass, ferro cement, sail, power, steam or other, the bigger the variety of boats the better the show. If in doubt as to whether your boat qualifies please email a photo and a short description.

Without classic boats, we will not have a festival, so we are delighted to offer free berthing for up to 5 nights for qualifying vessels that register with us before 31 August.

You must register by email and have received a confirmation email to attend. To register your Classic Boat please email admin@queenborough-harbour.co.uk

Visitors (by foot)

Entry is FREE, the harbour will be open to the public to view the boats and meet the skippers. In addition, we plan to run passenger trips around the harbour and visit classic boats on their moorings.  Last year almost 1000 people attended and the atmosphere was terrific.

Opening Times

Friday 28th           Most of the Classic Boats arrive in harbour
Sat 29th                 Festival open 10am to 5pm
Sun 30th                Festival open 10am to 2pm

We hope you can join us in making this 3rd festival even better than last year and a regular feature in the boating calendar.

Guardians of the Deep Beach Clean, 12 April

Join Guardians of the Deep for a Family Beach Clean at Lower Upnor from 12.00 to 14.00 on Thursday 12 April. Meet in the free public car park next to the Arethusa Centre, Lower Upnor, Rochester ME2 4XB.

Please note the shoreline is very muddy so wellies are advisable. Equipment will be provided such as bags and litter pickers. Please wear stout footwear for beach clean and wind/weatherproof clothing for weather conditions on the day.

Please email msep@medway.gov.uk to book your place, (usual office hours are Wed-Fri).

 

Kingsnorth Chimney finally falls

Video by Gavin Parson, MSBA Secretary. Taken from on board Nepos, anchored close in, and from the MSBA’s CCTV camera at Medway Cruising Club in Gillingham Reach. Commentary (“There it goes”) by MSBA Webmaster. Detonation of explosives by MSBA Patron, Kelly Tolhurst MP.

APOLOGY: Very sorry to motor boat POGLER for blocking your view. We didn’t do it on purpose, really.

MT Kent going to Ipswich

SE Tugs have booked the 1948 motor tug Kent into the Maritime Festival in Ipswich on the weekend of 18-19 August. The Ipswich Maritime Festival features heritage vessels, tugs, tall ships etc and takes place on Ipswich Waterfront. Activities include Pirate & Sailor theme, Programmed stage of live entertainment (fully programmed all day both days), Street entertainers, Food market, Craft stalls, Bar, Vessels, Re-enactment activities and displays, Face painting, glitter tattoos, Funfair rides, Fireworks on Saturday night at 9:45pm

SB Westmoreland wrecked

In recent gales, the stern section of the old sailing barge Westmoreland, berthed at Lower Halstow, broke away and “sailed” round to Funton Creek, just south of Chetney Hill, where it has joined the remains of other once-pround sailing vessels. Nick Ardley comments, “Sad, very sad, but interestingly she seemed to know her way towards sisters of the tideway within this area… ”

For more info visit www.upchurchmatters.co.uk
and www.westmorelandtrust.co.uk

The wreck of the main part of the barge (in a sunken dock) is marked by a yellow buoy in Halstow Creek
Notice to Mariners about the wreck

Thanks to Kevin Thorton for the photo and track image.

Invitation to Surf and Turf Dinner at Medway YC, Sat 17 March

Brian Corbett, our chairman, and the flag officers of the Medway Yacht Club would like to open up this Surf and Turf dinner at the clubhouse to kindred clubs and all members of the MSBA. If you are able to join us at 7pm on Saturday, 17 March 2018, please book with the MYC office, 01634 718399.

Garlic King Prawns on Toasted Onion Bread
Sirloin Steak with Chips, Tomato, Mushroom, Onion Rings & Peas, served with Peppercorn or Stilton Sauce
Gin & Elderflower Cheesecake or Creme Brulee
Coffee & Mints
£19.75