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.
Whitstable has a rich maritime history which draws visitors and residents here again and again. As people bask in the beautiful surroundings, there are some very special boats in the harbour …
Gamecock, one of the last remaining Whitstable Oyster Yawls, built 1906, is being lovingly restored in Whitstable Harbour. This has involved removing over 2 tonnes of ballast!
Greta, Thames Sailing Barge built 1892, started her career as a working barge transporting ammunition, beer, grain, malt and building supplies!
Find out more: Vintage boats in Whitstable Harbour – Visit Canterbury
Gamecock, the last surviving oyster yawl built in Whitstable, has been saved from a watery grave by local charity Whitstable Maritime and is now undergoing restoration in Whitstable Harbour. Whitstable Maritime aims to use Gamecock to help people experiencing forms of disadvantage or barriers to accessing the many benefits local maritime heritage and the marine environment provide through a range of innovative educational and vocational skills training activities.
Gamecock’s Story
Built in 1906 by Collar Bothers, one of the ship yards that worked off the beaches at Whitstable, Gamecock is a 43 foot Oyster Yawl which plied the waters as part of a large oyster dredging and fishing fleet operating in The Swale and wider Thames Estuary.
Gamecock’s Story:
Once oyster dredging under sail became no longer viable, Gamecock passed into the ownership of Bill Coleman, a former oyster-man, and he kept her afloat until her maintenance costs became too much without the revenues she once provided from her commercial life at sea. In 2014, she lay decaying on Faversham’s saltmarshes and Whitstable Maritime took on the task of saving her from permanent loss.
Gamecock’s Restoration:
In July 2020, Gamecock was towed into Whitstable Harbour and hoisted onto the East Quay where space was kindly provided by Canterbury City Council’s Harbour Board. Morgan Lewis, a local shipwright, then set about the task of restoring her with a team of volunteers.
Her space in the harbour now comprises a mini ship yard in a nod to the thriving boat building industry that shaped the town and its connections to the sea and the oyster industry we find thriving here to this day.
Progress has been as good as can be expected from a project that relies heavily on grant funding. All the main structural work on her hull and sides is complete which stabilises her condition and means all the ‘dead wood’ has been replaced.
Looking ahead, the challenge is to find funding to complete her restoration (decking, rigging, engine, internal refit) before she begins the exciting journey of her new life as an operational vessel sailing on the Thames once more.
Gamecock’s Future:
Providing learning, skills, experience and awareness of opportunity into wider employment with an emphasis on the UK’s maritime sector is a key role for Gamecock within our community.
Maritime UK has identified that the maritime sector does not have the strong awareness amongst schools and young people that it should and part of Whitstable Maritime’s vision for Gamecock is to provide a local level response to this problem.
The charity believes she can be an inspiration and opportunity for people to realise their potential, overcome the challenges they face and gain education and skills in a context not offered by mainstream education.
Education & Skills Provision:
The charity runs a work placement scheme with a maritime emphasis for Y12 students. Working on various aspects of the charity’s operation and in collaboration with other local maritime businesses and organisations, we want this to help inspire young people in our community to consider themselves as future leaders of the UKs maritime sector.
We also have a pathway to offering Gamecock as a work placement for apprentices through our relationships with nearby heritage boat shipyards seeking the unique opportunity of learning on Gamecock through her restoration and future, ongoing maintenance.
We also want to inspire younger learners so the charity aims to create a maritime heritage and oyster themed educational offer for KS2 learners using the forthcoming Education Centre in Whitstable Harbour. Coupled with time aboard Gamecock the aim is to build their sense of ownership over their town’s history and the opportunities it offers them growing up here now and in the future.
Beyond this, there is the opportunity for sail training and other informal educational activities both afloat and shore based which can be tailored to people according to their specific needs, e.g. around mobility or other specific learning requirements.
The education and skills sphere is a very exciting area for the charity as we look to shape a future for Gamecock that gives her and the wider maritime and oyster heritage she represents a renewed sense of purpose in the modern world, serving those most in need of help within our communities.
The charity is seeking donations, funding raising support and volunteers, especially in terms of the educational support required in this area of the charity’s work.
Article by Alex Hare included in MSA Newsletter, Nov 2025, Edition 4.
alex@alexharephotography.com
Date for next bird watch!
Date for your diary – 9 November 2025, for the next Long Rock BirdWatch! Under the expert guidance of Andy Taylor, come and get involved! Meeting at the Swalecliffe Skate Park, 8am. Birdwatches typically last for 1.5 hours.
Come and join us for the Whitstable Maritime 2025 AGM, taking place on Tues 25 November, 6pm, at the Hotel Continental, Whitstable.
This meeting is an important opportunity to reflect on the activities of the past year and discuss future plans. Key agenda items include:
Your participation is highly valued, come along and get involved! For more details or to submit questions in advance, contact us at via the contact form on our website.
A Feathered Success!
On the crisp morning of 12 October, a group of enthusiastic birdwatchers gathered at 08:00 by the Skate Park at Swalecliffe for a charity birdwatch walk. Over the course of 90 minutes, participants enjoyed spotting a variety of birds while strolling along the scenic coastal path.
The event brought together nature lovers of all ages and raised awareness for local conservation efforts. Thank you to everyone who joined and the next planned Birdwalk is 9 Nov 2025.
Huge thank you for joining our beach as part of the Great British Clean 2025! It was great to see you all and your efforts were very much appreciated (especially in that rather chilly wind)!
Our results have been submitted to the Marine Conservation Society … we collected 532 pieces of litter off Tankerton beach – a great team effort!
Wednesday 24 Sept, 5pm meeting at the Hotel Continental, Whitstable.
Whitstable Maritime, Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants, and the Marine Conservation Society are teaming up for a shoreline sweep — and you’re invited to be part of it!
Every year, thousands of volunteers across the UK take part in the Great British Beach Clean, a nationwide effort to protect our coastlines and marine life. This isn’t just about picking up litter — it’s about collecting vital data that helps shape environmental policy and protect our oceans for future generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or just curious to lend a hand, this is a brilliant way to connect with your community, enjoy the fresh sea air, and make a real difference.
What to bring: gloves, sturdy shoes, and a sense of purpose. We’ll provide bags and guidance — you bring the energy!
Let’s show the world what Whitstable can do. Sign-up here: https://whitstablebeachclean.eventbrite.co.uk
A massive thank you to everyone who made this year’s show an unforgettable celebration of our maritime heritage, community spirit, and coastal creativity! From the Heritage Boat Building Centre and the iconic 1906 Gamecock restoration, to the off-shore barge races, model steam-train and live music by the quay. Every moment was a tribute to Whitstable’s vibrant connection to the sea!
With multiple maritime-themed stalls, gourmet food, lifeboat demons and even coracle building (!), the harbour came alive with stories, laughter, and waves of inspiration. Whether you were sea swimming, exploring the Coastal Trail, or dancing at the evening concert, you helped make this a truly magical day for all ages.
Here’s to the volunteers, performers, sailors, storytellers, supporters, and every visitor who joined us. You didn’t just attend—you became part of Whitstable’s living maritime legacy.
Until next year, keep the tide of enthusiasm rolling!
