Category: news

  • Saving Gamecock: A Creekside Collaboration for the Future

    Saving Gamecock: A Creekside Collaboration for the Future

    Join us on 29 September, at Faversham Creek Trust. Together with our shipwright, we be talking about Gamecock, built 1906, and it’s restoration journey.

    Gamecock is recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a traditional Whitstable oyster yawl. Owned by local fishermen, the Gamecock was rescued by local residents and is being lovingly restored.

    In May 2026, Gamecock moved to Iron Wharf in Faversham where restoration work continues.

    Join us to hear more about the history and ongoing restoration of this much-loved local boat.

    Event – The Restoration of Gamecock

  • Harbour Day: Community at Full Sail

    Harbour Day: Community at Full Sail

    Harbour Day proved to be an exceptional celebration of Whitstable’s maritime heritage and community spirit, attracting large crowds and delivering what many described as a “wonderful event which displayed the harbour and Whitstable seafront as a fantastic experience for all ages.”  The day was supremely well organised, fully accessible and supported by an outstanding team of volunteers who ensured every element ran smoothly.

    Accessibility was a core strength, with clear routes, step‑free areas and helpful stewards enabling families, older visitors and those with mobility needs to enjoy the full programme.  The visit from the Lord Mayor of Canterbury added prestige, with the Mayor meeting volunteers, stallholders and heritage groups and recognising the harbour’s importance to the district.

    The event generated significant social impact. One charity raised over £1,000, demonstrating strong community generosity. The heritage boat stall received more than 150 enquiries, highlighting growing interest in Whitstable’s maritime history.  The WI stall also enjoyed notable success, attracting numerous new membership enquiries.  Live musicians added atmosphere throughout the day, earning excellent feedback from visitors and helping create a lively, welcoming environment.

    Overall, Harbour Day brought considerable value to the town, reinforcing Whitstable Harbour as a vibrant, inclusive and culturally rich destination. Many described it simply as an exception day.  Want to get involved in next year’s event … then get in touch via our Contacts Page.

    picture courtesy of Peta Nash

  • Whitstable Harbour Day: Harbour Tales & Salty Trails

    Whitstable Harbour Day: Harbour Tales & Salty Trails

    15 August 2026 – Whitstable Harbour Day is where the town’s salty, sunny, slightly‑chaotic magic comes out to play. It is the one day a year when the working harbour turns into a buzzing celebration of boats, local makers, maritime heritage and the brilliant community that keeps Whitstable ticking. Families wander the quayside with ice creams, kids clamber excitedly around heritage vessels, and the whole place hums with live displays, music and the unmistakable smell of fresh seafood drifting across the water.

    This is a community‑run event powered by local businesses, volunteers and harbour lovers — a proper Whitstable tradition. Whether you are drawn in by the history, the hands‑on activities, or simply the chance to soak up the harbour atmosphere, Harbour Day is your invitation to dive in and enjoy the best of coastal life.

  • Gamecock Floating (in the air!)

    Gamecock Floating (in the air!)

    https://www.facebook.com/reel/1919397912352961

    Every single hand on deck made this happen.

    A 120-year-old historic ship doesn’t move itself, it takes an incredible, dedicated community to protect our living history.

    Moving Gamecock to her temporary home at Iron Wharf (Faversham), due to planned engineering works in Whitstable Harbour. From the complex coordination of heavy machinery to the watchful eyes of local residents, this was a monumental team effort. While it was fantastic to have the ITV Meridian team join us on-site to document this milestone under the media spotlight, the true stars of the day were our tireless volunteers and shipwright. Every bracing installed, every rope pulled, and every hour given was essential.

    Gamecock is now resting safely at Iron Wharf, but this is just the beginning of her next chapter. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this historic journey.

    #WhitstableMaritime#GamecockTheMove#BehindTheScenes#MaritimeHeritage#Whitstable

  • Work Experience Week

    Work Experience Week

    Inspiring local futures through real‑world maritime and coastal careers

    Whitstable Maritime has completed our successful Work Experience Week in partnership with the Kent & Medway Careers Hub, connecting 15 students with 8 organisations across the private, public and charity sectors. Over five days, young people explored a wide range of local industries, from maritime heritage and marine engineering to coastal management, community services and environmental roles. All sessions were a combination of hands‑on activities, site visits and conversations with professionals.

    The week created space for meaningful discussion, helping students build confidence, understand workplace expectations and see how their interests and strengths can translate into real career pathways. Employers shared insights into both traditional and emerging roles within Whitstable’s coastal economy, giving students a clearer sense of the opportunities available on their doorstep.

    This programme forms part of Whitstable Maritime’s commitment to supporting local young people, strengthening the town’s skills pipeline and ensuring that Whitstable’s maritime heritage and modern industries continue to thrive.

    Thanks to the local companies supporting the week: Kent & Medway Careers Hub, RNLI, Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable Oyster Company, Brett Aggregates, Cardium Shellfish, Kent Wildlife Trust, CCC Coastal Monitoring and Boat Building Academy.

  • Birdwise

    Birdwise

    New for 2026, Birdwise N Kent will be at Faversham Eco Fair on 21 June 2026. Joining local businesses, charities and community groups celebrating sustainability and climate action, the event is taking place in the Market Place on Sunday 21 June from 9am to 2pm.

    Birdwise will have their nature trail to take part in and lots of information to help you discover more about the birds that call Faversham home throughout the year and how we can all help to protect them.

    Faversham Eco Fair 2026 | Bird Wise North Kent

  • Charting a New Course: Gamecock’s Temporary Relocation

    Charting a New Course: Gamecock’s Temporary Relocation

    Gamecock, one of Whitstable’s beloved oyster yawls, will begin a new chapter as she is carefully moved on 20 May 2026. Built for the tough, tidal work of the oyster fishery, Gamecock has long been a symbol of the town’s maritime grit and craftsmanship.

    With planned engineering works taking place in Whitstable Harbour starting this August, Gamecock needed to find a temporary berth until the engineering works are finished. Next week, Gamecock will be carefully lifted and transported to Iron Wharf, in Faversham, where restoration work will continue. Given the iconic nature Gamecock has in Whitstable, the move will have the level of care usually reserved for museum pieces.

    So whilst Gamecock will be missed in Whitstable Harbour, with restoration now underway, she is set to return in 2027 stronger. Her journey continues, and so does Whitstable’s proud connection to the sea.

  • The Harbour is Calling

    The Harbour is Calling

    Hello?” Who’s calling? The harbour called! We’re docking again soon!

    Save the Date: 15 August 2026! A FREE family celebration where centuries of oyster dredging, traditional boat building, and seafaring tales come alive right by the harbour.

    Spot historic yawls like the Greta, browse coastal craft stalls and demonstrations, soak up live performances, and discover Whitstable’s rich maritime heritage through hands-on displays and stories from the past to today’s sustainable seas.

    It’s more than just fun, it’s about keeping traditions alive, sharing knowledge across generations, and feeling the town’s deep connection to the water.

    Why visit? Because here the past floats right in front of you: interactive, inspiring, and ready for you to experience and pass on. Who’s joining for this seaside heritage day?

  • Long Rock Guided Nature Walks

    Long Rock Guided Nature Walks

    Every second Sunday of the month. Join Wild About Whitstable’s Long Rock guided nature walks. Hosted with Bird Wise East Kent, these walks are led by experienced locals and focused on spotting a variety of birds and wildlife in the Long Rock SSSI area.

    Long Rock SSSI is known for its numerous bird species, as it is an important feeding and roosting area for hundreds of our wintering waders. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see Turnstones, Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover and much more along this walk.

    Perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a fun educational outdoor experience, meet every 2nd Sunday of the month at the Skate Park, 8am. Walks last approx 1.5 hours.

  • Charity Sailing Forward!

    Charity Sailing Forward!

    Following our successful AGM, Whitstable Maritime is excited to build on the energy and ideas shared by our members and supporters. The meeting was a celebration of our achievements over the past year and a chance to chart the course ahead. With renewed commitment, we look forward to expanding our projects, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to protect and promote Whitstable’s rich maritime heritage.

    You can view and/or download the AGM presentation using the links below.

    AGM Nov 2025 – FINALDownload