April 2016 – Medway and Swale Boating Association

Arms smugglers convicted at Old Bailey

“Mastermind” Harry Shilling and Michael Defraine were convicted of smuggling 9 machine pistols and 22 assault rifles plus ammunition from Boulogne to a deserted wharf near Cuxton. Their operation was monitored for weeks by the National Crime Agency after a tip off by Kent Police. The gang were arrested last August as they loaded their deadly haul into a van at Trenchman’s Wharf. Displaying an appalling ignorance of nautical matters, the Daily Telegraph reported that their “yacht” was “sailed” from Boulogne to “Rochester Marina” by “boat expert” David Payne.

View video of the gang’s arrest by armed offers…

2016 River Events

Peel Ports has published an Updated List of Events of which they have been notified. Clubs and Organisations are obliged to notify Peel Ports of organised events taking place on the river such as races and regattas. From this list it would seem that only two or three clubs have done so.

Also, please remember that your club may borrow the two inflatable MSBA race marks (see photo) for races or other events.

Medway Valley Crossing – Important Announcement

Peel Ports have issued a Notice to Mariners stating that from 18 April 2016 lifting operations will commence on the Medway Valley Crossing. This work will start the process of removing the temporary air draught restriction. Safety boats will be positioned to marshal the area during lifting operations. Any vessel planning to navigate under the Medway Valley Crossing shall give prior notice of their intentions by contacting BAM Nuttall Limited on 07921 517991 or 07771 913923.

NtoM No 05 of 2016 – Update Medway Valley Crossing Update

Safety Boats Needed for AYC Powerboat Race

Owing to some last minute cancellations, Allhallows Yacht Club now needs some additional safety boats and crew to assist in their powerboat race on Sunday 24 April 2016. If you are able to assist could you please contact John Gore on j.r.gore (at) btinternet.com or 07702 805789 for further details

New Marina Planned at Medway Council Offices

Medway Council has revealed plans to build a marina behind its offices on Gun Wharf, Chatham. The authority owns the freehold of the land, building and some of the river bed which includes part of Waterfront Park, part of the Riverside Pay and Display Car Park and the building known as Riverside 4. The Crown Estate owns the bed of the river, and Medway Council hopes to enter a joint venture to bring the marina to fruition.

Pirates Cave Open Day, Sat 16 April

Reps from big brands will be giving special deals, advice and demonstrations of the latest in electronics from Icom and Raymarine.

Live Liferaft Demonstration and Giveaway at 11:30am

Along with offering free lifejacket checks all day, Suffolk Marine Safety will also be giving a live Seago liferaft demonstration at 11:30am with instruction on how to prepare and deploy your liferaft should the worst happen. Suffolk Marine Safety and Seago will be guiding you through exactly how to use a liferaft to stay as safe as possible should you get into trouble. We’ll also be giving away a Seago Lifejacket to someone in attendance for the demonstration!

Gillingham Marina Safety Weekend, 15-17 April

Kayaker missing on the River Medway – man named

Emergency services were called out last night after the family of a 46-year-old Londoner reported him missing and an empty kayak was found by the inshore lifeboat drifting on the River Medway. A Coastguard spokesman said: “Despite an intensive search from Rochester to the Kingsnorth Power Station we have been unable to locate the missing kayaker.”

FURTHER UPDATE: The kayaker has been named as Dale Vivian, general manager of a company based on the Medway City Estate. A post portem revealed he died of natural causes.

Marine planning: next phase announced

The Marine Management Organisation announces the next phase of English marine plans, along with updates on the South and East Marine Plans. Marine planning events are taking place the week of Monday 11 April. The events are an introduction to marine planning, for you to meet your local marine planner and to find out more about what marine planning involves, and how you can get involved. The MMO will also be demonstrating their Marine Information System and the evidence base where you can view some of the evidence already gathered for your area.

The events are open sessions, including a number of scheduled presentations on marine planning. These will be held hourly, beginning at the start times shown below.

South East