RYA Club Development Workshops, Jan 2022

Posted on 18th December 2021 by admiral

Following the recent regional Affiliated Club Conferences, in January the RYA will be running a series of online club development workshops to cover the topics that conference delegates said are most important. These free workshops are a repeat of the workshops presented at the conferences so are ideal if you were a delegate and now want to revisit the content, as well as for those who were unable to make their live regional event. Each workshop will leave you with the latest information and ideas to create or update your plans and find out what support is available from the RYA.

10th January – 8-9 pm – How can you plan to retain more members?
17th January – 8-9 pm – How can you plan to recruit and retain more volunteers?
24th January – 8-9 pm – How can you plan to develop or replace your facility?
31st January – 8-9 pm – What are the governance and legal challenges that your club is facing?

If you register for the workshop you will be able to view a recording if you cannot make the live session. These are open to representatives from RYA Affiliated Clubs so do share the details with others involved with running your club.

Medway Queen looking magnificent

Posted on 13th December 2021 by admiral

Medway Queen looks magnificent on the Ramsgate slipway (photo: David Stearne).

News from MQPS: Unfortunately she is set to continue to look magnificent there for a little while yet. The plan was for her to come off the slip yesterday afternoon and for the tugs to bring her back to Gillingham at the earliest opportunity. The operation had hardly started and MQ was about a quarter of the way down when the winch jammed. Now we have to wait for that to be fixed. We have been assured that she is high enough to be in no danger, but it is still a cause of considerable frustration! It is just “one of those things” and we have to make the best of it.

Swale Match changed to 25 June 2022

Posted on 9th December 2021 by admiral

The Swale Smack and Sailing Barge Match, organised by the Kentish Sail Association, has been changed to Saturday 25 June 2022 (not as published on the KSA website) because of a clash of dates for 20 August with other East Coast events, which would have prevented many of the usual entrants from being able to take part. Next year is the 50^th Anniversary of the very first Swale Match inspired by Laurie Tester, Lena Reekie and Richard Hugh Perks.

There will be distinct advantages with the change. The later tides mean a very civilised later start than usual and, although this also means that the evening events will have to start later too, the long hours of summer daylight will mean that the prize-giving and party can go on for longer and without crews having to rush to catch a falling tide at Hollowshore.

More details about the Match will follow in the New Year.

David Pollock, KSA Swale Match Secretary

e-mail: kentishsail@gmail.com

phone: 07831 200 018

Yacht found adrift

Posted on 7th December 2021 by admiral

This tidy Leisure 20 was found drifting unmanned in the Thames Estuary and was brought into Queenborough by the Southend lifeboat. Using social media the harbour staff were able to trace the owner within two days.

CA Winter Warmer talk: Maunsell Forts, Thu 9 Dec, 7pm

Posted on 5th December 2021 by admiral

The Kent section of the Cruising Association invites you to join their “winter warmer” talk on Thursday evening at 7pm. This one should be very interesting indeed. You may need a stiff drink.

Title: May the Forts be with you – the story of the Maunsell Sea Forts

By: Flo McEwan (pictured), Founder of the Maunsell Sea Forts Appreciation Group.

Gillingham Marina SOLD

Posted on 1st December 2021 by admiral

At last we can reveal that the Parham family have sold Gillingham Marina including the workshop, chandlery and leisure centre to the Beckwith family, previously owners of City Cruises. We are pleased that Gary and Rita Beckwith plan to improve the site generally to provide a better experience for berth holders.

HMRC Notice 8 Updated Today

Posted on 25th November 2021 by admiral

MSBA committee member Peter Norris of Network Yacht Brokers has today been notified that HMRC has updated Notice 8 regarding rules on reporting required from 1 January 2022 for outward journeys to and inward journeys from EU countries. As Chairman of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) Peter has assisted HMRC in drafting the notice.

For the Notice including updates see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-8-sailing-your-pleasure-craft-to-and-from-the-uk

MSBA AGM, 30 Nov 2021

Posted on 22nd November 2021 by admiral

Please make sure your club or organisation is represented at the MSBA Annual General Meeting at Rochester Cruising Club, 10 Esplanade, ME1 1QN on 30 November 2021 at 6.30 for 7pm, 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 info@msba.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you there.

Adam says thank you

Posted on 18th November 2021 by admiral

Adam Taylor of Medway Council says, “We had an excellent response from River Medway users to our request for retrieving lost life rings, in particular the ones trapped under Sun Pier. Sincerest thanks to Pete, Rob, John, Tony and the Maritime Volunteer Service. Each lost life ring costs taxpayers £50 and we are grateful for your help.”