Dear MSBA member

On 6 and 7 July, in a centuries-old tradition, the Admiral of the River (the Mayor of Medway) will “beat the bounds” of the Rochester fishery from the Hawkwood Stone, near Snodland, to Sheerness. The event is run on behalf of the Mayor by Rochester Cruising Club with Rochester Oyster and Floating Fishery but all clubs and marinas on the River Medway are invited to take part.  

Other organisations that participate in and support the cruise include Peel Ports, Svitzer tugs, RNLI, Kent Police, Maritime Volunteer Service and Medway Towns Sea Cadets. 

As the convoy passes each club or marina, the Admiral’s barge will fire a gun salute or sound a bugle and dip her ensign. We invite a response in kind. RCC will issue invitations to relevant organisations.

On Saturday 6 July, please be ready to respond to the salute (with cannon, bugle, horn or dipped ensign) at the following approximate times:

• 1233 Strood Yacht Club
• 1241 Medway Bridge Marina
• 1248 Port Medway Marina
• 1250 Cuxton Marina
• 1251 Kent Boat and Ski Club
• 1257 Elmhaven Marina

On Sunday 7 July, please be ready to respond to the salute (with cannon, bugle, horn or dipped ensign) at the following approximate times:

• 1010 Chatham Historic Dockyard
• 1024 Chatham Maritime Marina
• 1029 (and 1637) Medway Yacht Club
• 1032 Wilsonian Sailing Club
• 1035 Hoo Ness Yacht Club
• 1039 PS Medway Queen
• 1041 Gillingham Marina
• 1042 Segas Sailing Club
• 1043 Medway Cruising Club

Boats from other clubs can join the convoy up the river on Saturday and down to Sheerness on Sunday at a speed of 6 knots. A skippers’ briefing will take place on Friday 5th July at RCC for those interested. 

Please contact Fred Trice by email at upnorboats@gmail.com if you or your club/marina are able to participate.