Gillingham Marina’s On The Water Weekend, run on the 27/28 April in association with Medway Watersports Centre, marked what seemed to be the start of the boating season in regard to the weather by getting prospective boaters on the water. The nationwide boating and watersports event was launched by the British Marine Federation (BMF) to encourage more people of all ages and abilities to get on the water and try something new.
Clinton Lyon of Gillingham Marina said “We are very pleased to spread the addiction to boating on the Medway and put a smile on a number of faces. To top it all, the sun finally came out.”
Trevor Peen and the team from Medway Watersports Centre had a very productive weekend recruiting a number of adults and youngsters to join the weekend dinghy sailing session which runs until December from the Strand, a site next to Gillingham Marina on the River Medway.
If you missed the opportunity to join us during the On the Water Weekend, come along to the fourth Gillingham Marina and Clarke and Carter’s “Medway Boat and Chandlery Fair” to be held over the 6/7 July where, as well as the on the water experience, the marine trade will be on hand with demonstrations, technical advice and question and answer sections. There will be an array of pre-owned and new sail and motorboat to be viewed with Clarke and Carter along with RIBs, dinghies and kayaks in the Chandlery.
It is hoped that a connecting shuttle bus service from and to the Medway River Festival on Saturday 6 July, on Chatham waterfront, will swell the numbers at both events.
Medway Council intend the festival to be bigger than ever, with the landing of a seaplane, races and river processions, colourful displays of yachts, rowing boats, historical craft, barges, tugs and kayak demonstrations. On shore amongst the children’s entertainment, live music, food and trade stalls you will find the Gillingham Marinas Boat & Chandlery Fairs stand directing show goers to the bus and booking On the Water sessions. Please do come and join us for what promises to be a very enjoyable weekend.
For further details relating to the Boat & Chandlery Fair please contact Clinton Lyon on 01634 280022 or Clinton@gillingham-marina.co.uk
