June 2022 – Medway and Swale Boating Association

We are very sad to announce that our beloved chairman Brian Corbett died on Tuesday 29 June after a long illness that caught up with him very quickly in the last few weeks. Hard to believe, in his eighties Brian was still working for the NHS and regularly racing his Herreshoff half-rater Winifred, pictured. A true old-school gentleman and generous to a fault, Brian earned the respect and affection of all who knew him. He championed the interests of all forms of boating locally and elsewhere in the UK, with a special interest in classic sailing yachts and was a leading light in the Old Gaffers Association, the Association of Yachting Historians, the Maritime Heritage Trust and the Heritage Harbours movement. Brian was instrumental in Medway becoming Britain’s first Heritage Harbour. We will miss him.

Some of the many tributes we have received are in the Replies to this post.

Brian’s funeral will be on 1st August, see details in other post.

Consultation on Chatham Docks redevelopment, Wed 29 June

Peel Land & Property are hosting two open events (one is past) to understand the local community’s opinions on their masterplan for the regeneration of Chatham Docks Industrial Estate.

Peel Land & Property is bringing forward an exciting vision for the regeneration of Chatham Docks Industrial Estate. They are hosting two open events to share this vision with the local community and understand feedback and opinions on their initial early masterplan design.

Peel L&P claim that the lock gates will cease to operate beyond 2025 and are currently working with the local authority and existing port tenants to find suitable relocation options. This timeline provides an opportunity to engage and listen to the community, local businesses, charities and wider stakeholders, ensuring that the vision for Chatham Docks Industrial Estate is aligned with what Medway needs to be: a place where people want to continue to live, work and play for generations to come.

Where: Unit 4, Ground floor, The Kell, Gillingham Gate Road, Gillingham, ME4 4SA (opposite the Waterfront UTC)

When: Wednesday 29 June, 10:00am -7:00pm

If you are unable to attend, you can provide feedback via the Chatham Waters website www.chathamwaters.co.uk.

MSBA Business Meeting Tues 28 June, Gillingham Marina

Please ensure your club or organisation is represented at our next quarterly business meeting, which will be at Gillingham Marina on Tuesday 28 June at 7pm. If you’d like to get a drink before the meeting please gather at the Quarterdeck bar (near the boat hoists) from 6.30pm. Depending on numbers, the meeting will most likely proceed at the marina’s Leisure Centre with its superb view of the river. The marina’s security staff will give you directions if it’s your first visit.

The agenda and minutes will be emailed out shortly. If you don’t receive the email please contact secretary@msba.org.uk with your contact details.

Rail strikes to disrupt Kingsferry Bridge openings

Industrial action by the rail union RMT is expected to disrupt the operation of Kingsferry Bridge. Strikes are planned for June 21st, 23rd and 25th; however, the impact will also affect periods outside of these days. Normal service will be maintained up to 06:00 on Tuesday 21st June and will not resume until the 26th. Network Rail have implemented a contingency plan to cater for the spells of industrial action meaning the bridge will be manned and lifts available over the following dates and time periods:

Tuesday 21st June 2022 Midnight – 06:00 and 08:00 – 20:00
Wednesday 22nd June 2022 06:00 – Midnight
Thursday 23rd June 2022 Midnight – 18:00
Friday 24th June 2022 06:00 – Midnight
Saturday 25th June 2022 Midnight – 06:00 and 07:00 – 19:00

Priority will be given to commercial shipping, however, leisure craft will also be able to transit the bridge but it is advised to give as much notice as possible to avoid delays. If talks between employers and the unions are successful and industrial action is avoided a cancellation notice will be issued.

NtoM-No-30-of-2022-The-Swale-Kingsferry-Bridge-Period-of-Restricted-Operation Download

Swale Barge Match, 25 June

Spectators welcome. Plenty of room to anchor near the start line.

Gillingham Marina is hiring

To help us deliver exceptional service we are looking to recruit a Marina Operative to join the Berthing Team. Working as part of a small hard-working team this role will include, but is not limited to:

⚓ Assisting with safe boat lifting and yard operations

⚓ Carrying out Lock Keeper duties

⚓ General maintenance around the site

⚓ Regular site patrols and maintaining site cleanliness

⚓ Welcoming visitors and serving fuel

A good knowledge of boats and experience driving plant would be a significant advantage but not essential as training, where required, will be given.

If you feel you could be part of our team please send your CV with a covering letter to:

📧 berthing@gillingham-marina.co.uk

Wilsonian River Challenge CANCELLED

The Wilsonian SC committee has decided to cancel this event. Fortunately we still have a Medway event in the 2022 Sailjuice Great British Sailing Challenge, in the form of the Medway Marathon on Saturday, 6 August.