Missing inflatable and outboard

Has anyone has seen a grey Avon Redstart inflatable dinghy with silver Honda 2.3hp outboard, which went missing last night (Tues/Wed) from a yacht on the Hoo Ness YC moorings? The owner believes it came loose by itself but has searched for it today without success. The tender is marked “T/T Aurai” but this is very faded. If you have any information, please call Charles Hessey on 07720 147010.

UPDATE: the dinghy has been found, minus the outboard, near Sun Pier. It is now clear that this was the work of thieves.

Stolen hovercraft now found

stolen hovercraftThis 2013 BHC Marlin II ‘Extreme’ was stolen over the weekend of 17 June from Broadstairs in Kent. It’s very distinctive in being one of only three in this colour scheme – black hull and red trim. It’s fitted with an upgraded ‘Rampage’ engine and was taken on its trailer, so could very well be launched on the Medway or Swale.

UPDATE: The stolen hovercraft was found by police in a Ramsgate yard, severely damaged by attempts to disguise it. Read more…

Medway in Flames, Sat 17 June

Medway Council’s spectacular finale to the Battle of Medway commemoration will take place on Saturday evening. During the fireworks display, a section of the river from the Upnor Pier to Whitewall Creek will be cleared from 21.40 to 22.40 hrs, see Peel Ports’ Notice to Mariners. Controversially, boats on the RNSA and REYC moorings are required to move out of the exclusion zone.

UPDATE: At 17.30 a sail past will start in the vicinity of Chatham Ness / Sun Pier and “parade” to Upnor Castle. MT Kent will lead the fleet, followed by the steam ships SS George Stephenson, flanked by VIC 56 and VIC 96 (3 steam ships together on the Medway, probably the first time in 50 years). These will be followed by other classic/historic vessels.

Also on Saturday, Queenborough will be celebrating Independence Day with a flotilla, music and other events. The Medway Queen Preservation Society will have a Fun, Food and Craft Day at Gillingham Pier.

Don’t miss the SS George Stephenson, this week only at Chatham

SS George StephensonMSBA Chairman Brian Corbett was treated to a personal tour of the indescribably weird and wonderful steamship SS George Stephenson. The beautiful vessel is the brainchild of eccentric Dutch owner Vaas Stik who used hundreds of recycled components and materials, some more than a hundred years old, in her construction. The ship has both a steam engine and an eight cylinder 1950s Gardner diesel engine, both wonders to behold in their respective immaculate engine rooms The ship is moored on the waiting pontoon in the river at Chatham Marina and is free to visit this week only, so don’t miss the opportunity!