Category: RYA

Oyster trestles obstruct navigation at Whitstable

Following a complaint by Whitstable Yacht Club, a report published on the Marine Management Organisation’s website acknowledges that the presence of oyster trestles causes or is likely to cause obstruction or danger to navigation, whilst concluding that the farm’s operations are nevertheless acceptable as a low risk to marine navigation.

In response, the RYA has formally written to the Director of Marine Licensing at the MMO setting out their concerns with the report and arguing that the measures put in place since the investigation started do not negate the need for a marine licence. The RYA considers that these trestles require a full marine licence on the basis that they could cause obstruction or danger to navigation.

Read more on RYA website…

RYA Bursary for Young Dinghy Sailors

Young talent across the RYA London and South East region is receiving a boost thanks to Performance and Coaching Bursaries from the regional Youth Training Fund Charity (YTFC). The awards are intended to provide modest financial assistance to support either a sailor’s ongoing efforts to fulfill their recognised potential or a coach’s activities towards the development of their talent and coaching ambitions.  The RYA has a bursary for young people who do dinghy sailing.

Tony Rowe, RYA YTFC Secretary, says: “The YTFC has been established for many years and is well known for its provision of dinghy fleets to support the sail training of young people in Kent and Sussex. The demand for the fleets is diminishing as clubs become more self-sufficient and the Trustees have decided to supplement the provision of dinghies with ‘Youth Bursaries’ to encourage young sailors in the form of the new bursaries. We have an abundance of talent in the region and we want to give all our young sailors, whether destined for podiums or as coaches, the best chance to realise their ambitions.”

More information from the RYA website…

Honda RYA RIB Youth Championship 2017

The RYA London and South East area Honda RYA Youth RIB finals will be held at the Medway Yacht Club (MYC) on Saturday, 8 July 2017. MYC would like this year’s event to include participants from across our London and South East area.

The championship is split into two age groups; 8 to 12 and 13 to 16. The events are exciting and very well organised. There must be many boys and girls who would revel in the opportunity to take part, and; one really useful outcome is the potential for future safety boat drivers!

For information about the Medway event, please email Henry Chung at henrychungmh(at)btinternet.com or Ian Glass at ianglass(at)live.com

Further information from the RYA website:

RYA Affiliated Club Conference, 12 Nov 2016

Get someone from your club along to this event!

The RYA London & South East Regional Affiliated Club Conference takes place on 12 November 2016 at New Line Learning Academy, ME15 9QL. Following the success of the Regional Affiliated Club Conferences which were introduced last year, a series of conferences will again be taking place across the UK during October and November. Each conference will include a national and regional update, along with a range workshops and clinics delivered by RYA staff, contactors and volunteers.

To book your place at the conference please click here.

The conference is an opportunity to feedback some of what has been happening across the UK and in clubs within the region, and to look forward to ensure that 2017 is even more successful for clubs. It will also provide us with a great forum to engage with RYA staff and volunteers who will be on hand to answer any questions we may have.

RYA responds to renewed Red Diesel concerns

The advice on the RYA’s website concerning going to Belgium with red diesel in your tank does not seem to have changed. However the latest Yachting Monthly states that the Belgian government has announced that it will once again be enforcing its ban on dyed fuel. The MSBA has today asked Gus Lewis, Head of Legal & Government Affairs at the RYA, for clarification and this is his reply:

“Last year the Belgian Government issued a formal statement to the effect that UK boaters would not be penalised for the presence of red diesel in their yachts’ fuel tanks. That formal position statement was time-limited and it expired at the end of last year.

“The Belgian Government has so far declined to reissue its formal position statement but our understanding is that, at a practical level at least, nothing has changed since last year and while it continues to be unlawful for recreational boaters to use red diesel in Belgium no action will be taken in relation to fuel bought in the UK.

“We are not aware of any UK boaters having been fined in Belgium this year for having red diesel in their yachts’ fuel tanks.”

UPDATE: RYA urges local marinas to lobby Belgian Government on red diesel

Tom Banks

Tom Banks oversaw the development of youth and adult sailing within the local community for over 25 years. During this time he dedicated his weekends to provide recreational sailing and racing for young and old alike. He inspired a dedicated team of volunteers at what is now the Medway Watersports Centre.

Tom’s funeral will take place on 3 March 2015 at 1000 hrs. It will be held at Medway Crematorium, Robin Hood Lane, Chatham, ME5 9QU. A wake will take place afterwards at Medway Cruising Club.