Apparently, Peter Thurston, 81, made his “catamavan” because he could not afford a cabin cruiser. He owns some small yachts – but says they are too cramped to give him a comfortable view. So the agile sailor built the hull of a catamaran and bolted an old four-berth caravan on the top and says he now really feels at home on the water.
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Tom Sims
It is with great sadness that we announce that Tom Sims, a long-standing member of the MYA/MSBA committee, died on 24th March. A master mariner and member of Wilsonian SC, Tom was a driving force behind the MYA Dinghy Regatta and Hoo Freezer. More information will be given when available.
UPDATE: Tom’s funeral will be on 22 April at 10:30 at Beckenham Crematorium.
Three new members and two new partners
At yesterday’s business meeting, held at the Kent Boat and Ski Club, the MSBA welcomed three new members:
The British Marine Federation Kent & Sussex is now a partner of the MSBA, having generously helped to sponsor the recent conference.
Also we are now partners with the Medway River Users Assocation, who represent boaters and other river users on the non-tidal Medway.
Queenborough Harbour News
There’s lots happening at Queenborough Harbour. Read the latest newsletter here…
No road access to Oare Marshes
To upgrade the water main, Church Road at Harty Ferry Cottages will be closed to through traffic from the Monday 24th November for up to 15 weeks, meaning no vehicular access to Oare Marshes reserve. We assume this will also restrict access to the Harty Ferry south slipway.
Hulks return to Medway?
Is this a prison ship? This unprepossessing floating accommodation block is in Limehouse Reach just upstream of Sun Pier. You can see Rochester cathedral in the background.
Mystery solved, sort of: http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/mystery-of-huge-floating-hotel-8351/
Medway’s Great War relic on TV
Trevor Peen writes, “Probably back in November of 2012 Medway Watersports took a film crew down to the U-boat to make a short documentary. There have been two small articles in the local press. I’m sure many members would be intrested in the history on our doorstep.”
Britain’s Great War, presented by Jeremy Paxman, has now been confirmed for Monday January 27th at 9pm on BBC ONE. The episode in which the sunken U-boat is featured is episode 3, to be broadcast on Monday February 10th at 9pm on BBC ONE
See BBC video of the sub http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-25323057
Excitement reaches fever pitch for Medway Queen’s homecoming
We understand that the tug Christine is waiting in Bristol to tow the venerable paddle steamer home to the Medway. However the port authority there is waiting for a 48 hour clear weather window before giving permission for the tow to take place. [Update 5 Nov: tug and tow still in Avonmouth Docks waiting for better weather]
2014 Events Calendar
We invite clubs and other local boating organisations to give us dates, even if tentative, for proposed events in 2014. Hopefully this will help to avoid clashes of dates. As you can see from the MSBA events calendar (scroll down right side of this page) we have made a start on this.
MSBA burgees now available
Show your support for boating on the tidal Medway and Swale by flying one of these attractive burgees on your flag halyard. The nominal size is 30cm (12″) on the hoist, ie the vertical dimension. Theyare available , with or without toggle, for £10. We will have them for you to collect at the Medway River Festival on 6 July or add £1 for postage. Please place your order to secretary@msba.org.uk