Welcome to the MYA website. The site has been developed with simplicity and accessibilty as paramount and we hope that you will find the extensive data content informative and useful.

Not only does the MYA now encompass activities other than sailing, it also does considerably more than facilitate a sharing of resources amongst its member clubs and organisations.

The Association has an excellent relationship with the port authority and is represented on the RYA Regional Council as well as at meetings of the Medway and Swale Maritime Forum which encompasses other organisations such as the Kent Police Marine Unit, English Nature, the Port of London Authority, the River Medway Business Users Association as well as the large marine operators such as Powergen, Thamesport and Scotline. From this privileged position we not only have real opportunities to influence the outcome of issues that have the potential to damage the wonderful marine environment we all enjoy so much, but also to promote the sports that we participate in to a wider audience than we might normally interact with.

2010 Review

The possible closure of the All Tide Landing at Queenborough is of great concern to the MYA. Faced with spiralling maintenance costs and a decreasing volunteer force, coupled with the loss of financial support from the local council and the very real possibility of damage, theft or physical assault by local trouble makers, Queenborough Yacht Club are seriously considering whether they can continue to provide this valuable facility. It is hoped that, through contacts introduced via the MYA, sources of funding can be found that will enable changes to be made that would allow the All Tide Landing to be kept open.

The MYA is also lobbying members of Medway Council with a view to improving the facilities available to visitors arriving by boat to visit the Medway Towns, which we see as being ideally placed to attract visitors wanting to visit the Olympics in 2012.

The problems with the operation of the Kingsferry Bridge appear to be diminishing and it is hoped that by continuing to report any incidents of yachts being kept waiting without good reason, yachtsmen not receiving a response from the bridge keeper, being given unreliable information or the bridge not being lifted fully to Medway VTS it can be identified whether the
problems stem from individual operators or other factors.

The issue of the nuisance Jet Skis, especially in Gillingham reach, has also been addressed, largely due to the intervention of PCSO Michael Dann, and it is hoped that the dialogue that has been started with the Jet Ski users will help to solve the problems that have dogged the
area for the last few years.

The Marine Watch Scheme continues to be a successful partnership between the MYA, the Marine Policing Unit and Medway Police. Michael Dann has become a very familiar face around the boat clubs and marinas in the Medway area and as well and his involvement with the PWC issue he has been instrumental in organising a second Marine Safety and Security evening hosted by Rochester Cruising Club in May and a Community Engagement Meeting involving members of the marine community, Medway Police and Medway Council that
was held at Strood Yacht Club.

The MYA Yearbook and website remains a vital source of information for everyone involved in boating on the Medway and Swale. Each year the yearbook is being more widely distributed, and the website is receiving a good number of ‘hits’, both of which we hope are bringing more visiting boats to the area. The additions of a Facebook page and Twitter account have also broadened the MYA’s exposure and ability to communicate with its members.

The MYA Medway Keelboat Regatta is being rested until a format can be found that meets the needs of keelboat racers. The 2010 MYA Medway Dinghy Regatta, on the other hand, attracted over 80 entrants from 20 different clubs located across the length and breadth of the country. The engraving on the trophies has been brought up-to-date and long-overdue repairs have
also been carried out. This event continues to be successful thanks both to its hosts,
Wilsonian Sailing Club, and their sponsors MTS.

Through its association with the RYA the MYA aims to keep its membership updated on major issues that have the potential to adversely affect the use and enjoyment of the waters of the rivers Medway and Swale. Current issues include the Marine and Coastal Access Bill, which has paved the way for both waterways to become part of a massive marine conservation area and ‘Boris Island’ continues to be a threat that we cannot afford to overlook.

Meetings during 2010 were held at Wilsonian Sailing Club, Conyer Cruising Club, Medway Towns Rowing Club and Medway Yacht Club. I thank them for their hospitality and look forward to visiting more clubs that have not yet hosted MYA meetings during 2011.

Jenny Deacon
Chairman Medway Yachting Association (February 2011)