Open day at Gillingham Marina.

[oldgit]

Glorious sunny day. Very busy and not just with nosy boaters from other marinas.
Lots of locals and hordes of little ones (and somewhat worried parents ) taking advantage of a chance to try out a kayak /canoe/ paddleboard in the shelter of the marina basin.
For the more adventurous the opportunity to go on a rib and actually get a chance to helm it out on the Medway.
Overheard comments from one Mum that this was the first time her daughter had ever been on the water let alone be paddling a kayak alone.
Chandlery was discounting on safety stuff and Gravesend RNLI were showing OG how to operate a parachute flare in the main showroom.
Had a natter with the local broker about a dearth of decent boats on the market.
Local yacht clubs all had stands, vigorously touting for business , especially young members to learn to sail.
Get em early.?
NOT ONE SINGLE MOTOR BOAT CLUB represented there. The Dinosaurs are dying out again ?
Other stands for model boat clubs and overpriced snake oil boat polish.
Sea schools and folks flogging Nav gear.
A good day out for all involved and a chance for the great unwashed to find out what goes on behind the security gates and guards preventing the hoi polloi from mixing with rich people with far too much time and money on their hands.
Anybody spot that rather nice Princess in the background ?

 

[UK-WOOZY]

had my boat repaired at gillingham after a buoy collision, loved it there, great people and facilities. But chose Chatham as the marina is more forgiving for newbies to marinas like me that are used to swing moorings on the Thames before. Also didnt like the lock or having to reverse between piles. Other than that its a fantastic place. I almost went to the event as thought would have been a good opportunity to grab a bargain on a much needed new lifejacket but was too tired in the end. Looked like it was a combinatin or perfect weather, well organised and good fun had by all.

 

[oldgit]

Was going to buy some flares but never got round to it.
Have used their hoist a few times , always found them helpful and efficient and importantly their hard standing is lot cleaner than other some other local yards.
No tidal restrictions either for haul out or relaunch and on site cafe and chandlery.
Gillingham Marina very easy yard to get to if you have bought a decent sized boat elsewhere and need to get it back in the water without bridge or steep hill drama.
Dual carriageway all the way from the M2 motorway as well .

 

[Malish]

Based there for many years, as I recall it is now under new ownership, has anything changed?

 

[oldgit]

Based there for many years, as I recall it is now under new ownership, has anything changed?

Not as far as I could see.