Month: June 2016
Nore Race
The annual Nore Race was held on Sunday, organised by Benfleet Yacht Club. The 17 nautical mile course in the Thames Estuary attracted a hundred sailing dinghies and cruisers, including multihulls, many from the Medway and Swale.
The Blackstakes buoy is back!
The Blackstakes buoy on the south side of Saltpan Reach, near Deadman’s Island, mysteriously disappeared a week or so ago. This led to some creative real-time race management for clubs that use it as a racing mark. However we are pleased to announce that the buoy has now reappeared, freshly painted in yellow and black.
Historic Tug Festival Cancelled
The Queenborough Harbour Trust regrets that the Historic Tug Festival that was to take place this weekend, 25/26 June, has had to be cancelled.
Reminder of LNG Terminal Exclusion Zone
Peel Ports have issued a notice reminding mariners to keep 150 metres away from the LNG terminal, or 250 metres from the tanker if one is present. Following recent exclusion zone incursions a number of vessel owners have been educated regarding their failure of navigational and situational awareness. Unauthorised Exclusion Zone Infringements may result in Enforcement Action.
Why is Gosport Ferry in Stangate Creek?
It has nothing to do with the old Gosport ferry terminal pontoons being at Queenborough Harbour. According to Wikipedia, the ‘Portsmouth Queen’, built in 1966, was sold to Absolute Charters and left Gosport in February to start a new life on the River Thames in London. She will be renamed ‘London Queen’.
Medway Dinghy Regatta, 2/3 July 2016
Here are the notice of race and sailing instructions for this year’s Medway Dinghy Regatta hosted by Wilsonian Sailing Club.
Nick Ardley book launch, Sat 23 July
Rescued yachtsman thanks lifeboat crew
63-year-old yachtsman Ken Milburn, a member of Lower Halstow Yacht Club, has visited the RNLI station at Sheerness to personally thank the crew. In the early hours of 19 May Ken fell into the water when loading gear from his dinghy. Fortunately someone heard his cries for help and the crew of the Sheerness Inshore Lifeboat came to the rescue. Ken says a simple safety measure saved him, “Put your life jacket on. Go for a self-inflating one – fifty quid to save your life. Without one I would not be here!”
Visit the Sheerness Lifeboat, Sun 3 July, 11am-3pm
The RNLI station at Sheerness is not open to the public but the All-weather Lifeboat and Inshore Lifeboat will be on display for you to visit at the All Tide Landing, Crundall’s Wharf, Queenborough Harbour. Come and meet the Crew and helpers and find out more about the work of the RNLI. Demonstration by the Inshore Lifeboat, RNLI Lifeguards and HM Coastguard.
Operational requirements permitting, the RNLI Lifeboats, lifeguards and stalls will be on display along with Kent Fire Rescue Launch and Fire Tender, HM Coastguard, Classic Cars and Scooters.