Month: November 2020

Medway real-time tide info

Here’s what we’ve all been waiting for! Paul Cozens of Peel Ports has kindly given us the link to their site which gives real time tidal heights and differences over prediction (ie surge) plus wind for Tripod, Sheerness, Chatham and Strood. Here’s the link:

https://peelports.port-log.net/live/Display.php?Cluster=Medway

You can drill down for detailed tide times etc by clicking on the tide station of interest. Note the big tidal surge that occurred a week ago:

Kingsferry Bridge Closures (updated)

Network Rail have informed Peel Ports about planned maintenance taking place on Kingsferry Bridge from 26 November to 3 December 2020. The work will involve a 6 hour lockdown of all electrical power and will cause disruption from approximately LW-3hrs to LW +3hrs (see below).

Between the times stated on the dates below bridge lifts will not be possible:
26.11.2020 – 13:00 – 19:00
27.11.2020 – 13:30 – 19:30
30.11.2020 – 14:50 – 22:30
01.12.2020 – 16:30 – 22:30
02.12.2020 – 17:30 – 23:30
03.12.2020 – 18:00 – 00:00

And more:

14.12.2020 – 14:00 – 20:00 LW Sheerness – 18:18
15.12.2020 – 14:30 – 22:30 LW Sheerness – 19:04
16.12.2020 – 15:30 – 21:30 LW Sheerness – 19:47
17.12.2020 – 16:30 – 22:30 LW Sheerness – 20:27

Local boat sails to New York

Peter Norris of Network Yacht Brokers (NYB) has told us of a local yacht currently sailing to the USA. The 31ft Westerly Tempest was known to many on the Medway as Tongawalla when she was at Medway Cruising Club and is now renamed Miranda. NYB sold the boat in 2011 and again in 2019.

Full story here and follow Miranda’s progress across the Atlantic…

RYA confirms boating is permitted, but…

The RYA has published its understanding of the current restrictions in England that apply for 4 weeks until 2 December:

  • Recreational boating from a public outdoor space for single households and support bubbles or with one other person (with social distancing) is currently permitted
  • Public waterways and beaches will remain open during the lockdown
  • Outdoor sports centres and amenities (which includes sailing clubs and watersports centres) will have to close
  • Members may be able to access boats for essential checks and maintenance, however, this will need to be agreed with their club/marina/harbour authority, with individuals taking personal responsibility for meeting Government guidance
  • University sport will not be taking place
  • School sport will be happening but only as part of organised school activity
  • Some charities may be able to continue aspects of their work
  • There are continuing exemptions for elite athletes for them to train or compete, so the British Sailing Team programme can continue
  • No overnight stays are allowed on boats except for residential berth holders (where the boat is their Primary Residence) or for business purposes

Read the full article…

Debris clearance underway in upper reaches of Medway

Photo Chris Murr.

Briggs Marine, working for Peel Ports, have cleared over 5 tons of debris from the river this week between Halling and Elmhaven Marina. A new purpose-built, electric “Waterwitch” vessel, that can pass under Aylesford Bridge, will soon be deployed to keep the upper reaches clear.