Month: May 2018

Paul Mace

Sadly we have to report that Paul Mace, long time Captain of the Medway Branch of the RNSA, passed away on 3rd May. A keen and knowledgeable sailor himself, Paul’s enthusiasm and leadership of the local RNSA developed the Branch and steered it through difficult times and it is much to his credit that it is now a healthy and flourishing club.  He will be sorely missed by all in the RNSA, and the many other river users to whom Paul freely gave his time, help and guidance.

Paul served in the Royal Navy as a submariner.   He also served on board HMS Cavalier, now preserved in Chatham Historic Dockyard and Paul was an active member of the HMS Cavalier Association, helping to maintain the ship when time allowed.

Our condolences go out to Paul’s family at this sad time.

Maidstone River Festival is ON, 28 July 2018

Our non-tidal partners, the Medway River Users Association (aka River Medway Boaters on Facebook) have just announced that the Maidstone River Festival, now known as the “Gathering of Boats” is back on the last weekend in July.The new Mayor of Maidstone is fully behind this event and will be presenting the trophies. For those who haven’t ventured upstream yet, the non-tidal Medway is well worth a visit if you can get your boat under Aylesford bridge.

Queenborough Harbour Update

Photo Geof Reed

We have been advised by Emma Crompton the Harbour Manager that this morning they have a crane (shore-side) to lift the bridge, then the walkway, so they can re-position the floats. A team has been working through the night fabricating new brackets to go on today which, if all goes to plan, will be welded into place to stop the float coming free again. They have also positioned an additional float to provide extra support to the extremely heavy bridge.

While these works are carried out the walkway is unsafe and therefore closed. If anyone URGENTLY needs to access the ATL or pontoon they should contact Emma on 07456 459754.

UPDATE: The walkway is now open again.