Email received from Queenborough Harbour today:

Calling all classic boat owners! We’re looking forward to hosting next year’s Classic Boat Festival on 16-17th September here in Queenborough. 

If you have a classic boat that you would like to get involved and showcase at our event, please contact admin@queenborough-harbour.co.uk.  

We’re looking forward to welcoming you all! 

Aboard Whimbrel, this last September, I had the honour (being on the outside of the Queenborough YC finger) of witnessing and filming the spectacular arrival of the Thames spritsail barge Cambria.

The Cambria had to negotiate past the huge steam tug Challenge and drop into her allotted berth.

It was a timeless operation under sail: the dear old girl does not have any other means of propulsion apart from the wind in her sails…

The mate threw a ‘shiner’ and a light mooring line soon made its way to a forward bollard on the pontoon…

Punters would not normally see this sort of action unless watching through binoculars ashore. Early arrivals for the jamboree are privileged…

The weekend was saddened by the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the Thursday evening, but as vessels were already gathered or gathering the event went ahead – no bunting was flown.

Ensigns were left flying, even at night, in honour of our late Queen, however, for 24 hours on Saturday 1100 to Sunday 1100 ensigns were fully hoisted for King Charles III.

It was an exceedingly busy event for the crew of Whimbrel. People by Saturday just wanted to get out and do something and talk to other people. Sunday was just as busy!

There was even a newly married couple seen clambering aboard the Cambria – luck old skipper Ruffles!

There was though a dearth of smaller vessels. This has to be a priority for change.

So, come on classic boaters on the Medway, Swale and all the little ports hiding therein: come and join in…