Month: January 2015

DEFRA includes Swale as MCZ in second tranche

Defra has published a consultation on the second tranche of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) today, inluding the “Swale Estuary.” At first read, boating and angling are not likely to be affected but there are mysterious references to “designated anchorages” and hints about restrictions on maintenance/navigation dredging. Defra’s consultation on Tranche 2 sites runs from 30 January 2015 to 24 April 2015.

Kingsferry Bridge major problems

Peel Ports advise that bridge span lifts will not be possible during peak train operating times and all lifts will take approximately 1 hour to complete. A minimum of 3 hours notice will be required to arrange a bridge span lift. Vessel movements may have to be delayed to facilitate the most efficient use of each bridge span lift.

All leisure vessels requiring to transit the bridge should contact the bridge operator on VHF channel 10 to be advised of the next available bridge span lift time.

NtoM No 08 of 2015 – Kingsferry Bridge – limited span lift capabilities until further notice

Next CA Winter Warmer talk is MAIB on 12 Feb

Cruising AssociationClifford Mickleburgh warmly invites us all to the Cruising Association Kent Section winter talks at the Dog and Bear pub, Lenham. The next one is on Thursday, 12th February 2015, 8pm. Admission £3.

Nick Hance, an inspector with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, has been an Inspector for 14 years. He is also a very experienced sailor. Nick has been involved in the MAIB’s investigations of many accidents involving recreational craft.  Nick will tell us about the role of the MAIB and how it fits into the wider marine safety picture, before concentrating on some case studies.

Questions are encouraged both during and after. I’m sure that Nick will brief us on recent accidents. Perhaps Nick will have news on the dredger that was in collision with the 14 yachts on the River Medway.

Theres a special CA menu of home-cooked meals if you want to come earlier to eat first. Best to phone and order by 5pm to ensure prompt service, so let Clifford know if you are thinking of coming and he’ll send you details. Email Clifford (at) Mickleburgh.me.uk

Kingsferry Bridge new lift times

Max Taylor, Peel Ports DHM, tells us that changes in the train time table now result in commercial vessels planning bridge lifts at minute 10 and minute 40 past the hour. (The trains pass the Swale halt at minute 5 and minute 35 past the hour). This is useful info for the recreational boater wishing to use the bridge. It should be noted that most commercial lifts only take place 5 hours before HW to 1 hour after HW.

Roman Settlements of the Medway, 22 Jan 2015

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Kent & East Sussex Branch, invite us to an illustrated talk on Roman Settlements of the Medway by Simon Elliott, a local archaeologist with a particular interest in Roman history in Kent. All are welcome to attend, whether IWA members or not, on Thursday, 22 January 2015, 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm at Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood ME2 2AH

Expansion at Queenborough Harbour

Press Release from Queenborough Harbour Trust

With the recent addition of a further 9 moorings, Queenborough Harbour continues to expand its services to the boating community. These Shoal Draft/Half Tide moorings are suitable for boats up to 10m long that are able to settle in the soft mud. Mooring holders will benefit from all the amenities available at Queenborough, including a free trot boat service, while the low pricing reflects the restriction on access. Please contact the Harbour for further information.If you like the idea of a half tide mooring, but your boat is longer than 10m, please let us know and we will arrange to install half tide moorings to suit longer boats.