December 2018 – Medway and Swale Boating Association

KSSA 2019, Promoting Youth Sailing in Kent

The KSSA is a voluntary organisation which aims to encourage all keen youth sailors to develop their sailing skills through a range of Kent-based events. Throughout the year we organise training and racing events at sea and inland venues.

Once you can sail a simple triangular course, come along and get involved. Our members range from 8 to 18 and are individuals from sailing clubs and organisations across Kent. Many members are also RYA and class squad members – whatever your level KSSA will have training or an event for you.

Download KSSA 2019 flyer

Medway/Swale Boating Conference, 9 March 2019

Will your club exist in ten years’ time? Our 2019 conference will focus on the future of our local clubs, which still form the core of active boating on the Medway and Swale. A major report has highlighted a decline in participation in most but not all watersports. Sailing in particular is in free fall. So what exactly is going wrong and what are we going to do about it? Key speakers Liz Rushall and Dave Selby will present different views on how our clubs can adapt to a changing world. Other speakers will present how local clubs are successfully dealing with ageing membership and new styles of boating. Get your earlybird ticket here…

Yacht Prikalthum now rescued.

This yacht was beached at Cockham Wood Fort, north shore between Wilsonian SC and Hoo Ness YC. Her name is Prikalthum, she was lying on her side, mast towards the shore. Medway VTS and the Coastguard have been informed. The HNYC mooring master has put her back on her mooring.

Annual Leisure Craft Conservancy Charges

Peel Ports Medway have made some alterations to the season for the collection of Annual Leisure Craft Conservancy and Yacht Mooring charges. Historically the Annual Leisure Craft Conservancy and Yacht Mooring Charges have been charged for the season 1^st April – 31^st March yearly.

In the future, as from April 2019, the Annual Leisure Craft Conservancy and Yacht Mooring charges will be charged for the period 1^st January – 31^st December yearly. Therefore the 2019 charges will be pro-rated to reflect this change and the charge will show a nine months pro-rated charge from 1^st April 2019- 31^st December 2019.

The new rates also include an increase of 3.3% as per the RPI guidelines. Therefore the 9 months pro-rata charges 1^st Apr-31^st Dec 2019 are as follows:

Yacht Club Leisure Craft Conservancy charge = £ 52.07 (VAT Inc.)
Yacht Club Yacht Mooring charge = £73.81 (VAT EX)

Going forward the charges shall be levied on the 1st January each year for the season starting 1^st January 2020- 31^st December 2020. If you need further assistance in the explanation of the new changes of the Medway tariff please do not hesitate to contact pauline.pardoe@peelports.com or telephone 01795 596444.

Are you going to Push the Boat Out?

The RYA’s Push the Boat Out programme is a great way to introduce people to boating and get new club members. If any RYA affiliated clubs/centres on the Medway are considering offering Push the Boat Out events in May next year, they can sign up their initial interest via the link below. More details will then be requested early in 2019 so that PTBO resources can be printed for them and despatched in time.

CA Winter Warmer Talk, 13 December

James Collier from RATS (Regulations and Technical Services) who work on behalf of Cruising Association members to advise and campaign on subjects affecting cruising. Their research and knowledge of technical and regulatory subjects is unique in the world of boating and they will liaise with both local and national government on behalf of members. Regulations and ‘red tape’ varies between countries and is constantly changing. RATS keeps our members up to date with the latest changes in legislation on issues such as red diesel, taxes and visas

This Festive Special will include mince pies and mulled wine – it is always well attended!

Other forthcoming Kent Cruising Association “Winter Warmer” talks:

10 January: Des Crampton, trip to Svalbard
14 February: Roy Brooks, Scotline
14 March: Chris Jeckells, Jeckells the Sailmakers
11 April: Dick Holness, East Coast Pilot

More information on the CA Kent Winter Warmer 2018 – 2019 programme…

We are all invited to these excellent talks, which are held at 8pm at the Dog and Bear, Lenham, near Maidstone. It’s a good idea to book a meal (by 5pm please) on 01622 858219 for 7pm before the talk. A special CA 7-choice menu is available for £9.95.