Medway and Swale Boating Association
The voice of boating on the tidal Medway and Swale
The Blackstakes buoy on the south side of Saltpan Reach, near Deadman’s Island, mysteriously disappeared a week or so ago. This led to some creative real-time race management for clubs that use it as a racing mark. However we are pleased to announce that the buoy has now reappeared, freshly painted in yellow and black.
Colin Weston, Commodore of Medway YC, says there’s a whole lot of sailing going on this weekend:
Peel Ports has published an Updated List of Events of which they have been notified. Clubs and Organisations are obliged to notify Peel Ports of organised events taking place on the river such as races and regattas. From this list it would seem that only two or three clubs have done so.
Also, please remember that your club may borrow the two inflatable MSBA race marks (see photo) for races or other events.
The MSBA committee is looking for a volunteer to take over as Trophy Secretary from Ken Waller who has had to step down after many years service. As we currently do not organise a regatta, the main need is safe storage for the trophies.
UPDATE: Wil Pretty has kindly volunteerd to take on this role.
The keelboat regatta, organised by Medway Yacht Club, is an open event with classes for racing boats from out-and-out IRC racers to gaffers and white-sails-only cruisers. For more details see www.medwayyachtclub.org.uk
If you’d like to become a race officer for your club, here is your chance. The two day course covers all aspects of race management from course laying, timing, starting and finishing sequences together with protest procedures and all subjects within the RYA race management guide.
The Andrew Simpson Foundation is attempting to break the Guinness World Record by having “The Largest Sailing Race in 24 Hours (Multiple Venues)” Guinness World Record attempt.
More details of the event:
A 26 mile course on the tidal River Medway, open to monohull dinghies and keel boats of 30 feet and under with a PY number of less than 1315 for the Full Marathon and 1386 for the Half Marathon. Full details here…