Month: November 2019

RYA webinar “Putting People First”, 5 Dec

If you didn’t get to the RYA Regional Affiliated Clubs seminar last Sunday you missed some very useful tips and information for keeping your club members engaged, particularly with regard to volunteering for the committee, work parties and so on.

All is not lost however; an access-for-all webinar will be broadcast on Thursday 5 December (7-8pm) to delve deeper into the findings and recommendations with the chance to ask questions. If you can’t join us please sign up anyway and you’ll be able to hear the recording after the live show. Register here for the webinar.

Last MYC Powerboat Course of 2019

Medway YC are organising their last Powerboat Course of the year on 5 and 6 December. The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course covers the theory and practical skills needed to be a competent powerboat driver. Focusing on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed and collision regulations. This course is governed by the Royal Yachting Association, who sets the syllabus for the Level 2 powerboat course. This course will also allow you to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) should you wish to go boating abroad. If you are interested contact Inti Guaschino at training@medwayyachtclub.com or come to Medway Yacht Club’s Office.

MSBA AGM, Tues 26 Nov

Please make sure your club or  organisation is represented at the MSBA Annual General Meeting at Medway Yacht Club, Lower Upnor, ME2 4XB on 26 November 2019 at 19.00hrs, followed by a Business Meeting.

At the AGM, there will be the election of officers for the MSBA committee. Please consider volunteering for the committee as there are vacancies.

As this is the last meeting of the year before Christmas, a buffet will be provided free of charge and there is a bar in the clubhouse.

If you didn’t receive the agenda and minutes by email please contact secretary@msba.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you there.

Kingsferry Bridge closed until further notice

Network Rail have announced that, due to mechanical failure, the Kingsferry Bridge will be inoperative and unable to be lifted until further notice. Efforts to repair the fault will commence on Monday 18th November 2019 but timescales for normal service restoration are unknown.

RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference, Maidstone, 24 Nov 2019

It’s not too late to register for this excellent conference, free to representatives of local RYA affiliated clubs. The day is a fantastic opportunity for you to meet and network with other clubs, share ideas and success stories and discuss the current issues that are having an impact, both in clubs and the sport more widely. Places for this conference are free with lunch and refreshments provided at no cost. Due to limited capacity pre-booking is essential, so get in early to avoid disappointment. This year’s conferences are about ‘Putting people first’. That means understanding what your members, volunteers and new sailors need, and putting that at the forefront of your decision making. Whether you want to grow your membership, increase your volunteer base, develop your instructors and race coaches or simply get better at retaining members of all ages, interests and abilities, you will leave with the ideas and information you need to make it happen.

To find out more and register click here.

CA Winter Warmer: Medway Pilot, Thu 14 Nov 2019

David Lloyd will reminisce about his life and times as a pilot, picking up ships off Ramsgate and advising the master of a safe route to the Medway. David’s home port was Sheerness but other ports were served including Ridham Dock and we will hear of “near misses” when the train had priority. David will describe a typical trip into the Medway and highlight occasional “difficulties” both with ships and captains. There will be much for us to learn.

We are all invited to these excellent Kent Cruising Association 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 menu is available.

Chatham Docks to close in 2025

As long suspected, Peel Land & Property have revealed that Chatham Docks will close in 2025 for redevelopment into housing, retail, tourism and leisure. Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst has expressed concern at the potential loss of up to 800 jobs at the docks that have been the centre of Chatham’s economic activity for hundreds of years. Peel have not yet responded to the MP’s request for a meeting.  The privately-owned Peel Group makes no secret that their business is primarily about highly profitable property development at the many old docks and harbours that they have acquired. Dave Harris of Medway Council is reported to have said, “It is a landowner’s decision as to whether existing use of a site continues and the local authority has no control over this.”