Tag: News

  • 2 tonnes of ballast and transporting beer

    2 tonnes of ballast and transporting beer

    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

  • Tweet Tweet

    Tweet Tweet

    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.

  • Whitstable Maritime AGM

    Whitstable Maritime AGM

    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:

    • Review of the annual report and financial statements
    • Election of board members
    • Open forum for member questions and feedback

    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.

    About Whitstable Maritime – whitstablemaritime.org.uk

  • Bird Watching …

    Bird Watching …

    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.

  • It’s a Clean-Up!

    It’s a Clean-Up!

    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!

  • Great British Beach Clean 2025

    Great British Beach Clean 2025

    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

    Whitstable Beach Clean | Marine Conservation Society

  • The Harbour & Boat Show Sails back to Whitstable

    The Harbour & Boat Show Sails back to Whitstable

    Pictures courtesy of Gordon Butler and Peta Nash

  • Harbour & Boat Show back with a Splash!

    Harbour & Boat Show back with a Splash!

    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!

    Thanks to Gordon Butler for the picture 🙂

  • BBC Radio Kent – The Wake-up Call!

    BBC Radio Kent – The Wake-up Call!

    We will be flying the flag at this year’s Whitstable & Harbour Boat Show. Free family-focused day out, come and find out how Gamecock restoration is going!

    Here more about the day on BBC Radio Kent as Susannah Gooch (Chair, Whitstable Maritime) and Gordon Vincent (President, Whitstable Maritime) are interviewed on BBC Radio Kent, The Wake-Up Call. 9.42am

    Radio Kent – Listen Live – BBC Sounds

  • Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show 2025

    Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show 2025

    Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show 9th August 2025

    A celebration of our connections with the sea – past, present and future.

    Promotion of intra-generational cohesion, enterprise, and healthy life-style.

    A greater awareness of our maritime heritage and marine environment.

    A safe, enjoyable programme for all members of the family.

    • Sea swimming
    • Gourmet picnic
    • Horsebridge arts centre
    • Whitstable & tankerton sailing regatta
    • Whitstable & sheerness lifeboats & coastguards
    • Community stalls with a maritime theme
    • Model boats & pond
    • Whitstable & tankerton sailing regatta
    • Satellite tracking & sea-defences
    • Live music & children’s stories
    • Gamecock restoration & east quay steam railway
    • Big toys: cargo boat & earth movers
    • Fishing fleet and visiting heritage craft
    • Off-shore barge / smack race
    • Boat-building heritage craft centre
    • Canoeing club and bodgers’ coracle building
    • Evening quayside concert