Submitted by Richard Keen on Fri, 13/02/2026 - 08:20

If I had to sum up 2025 in one phrase, it would be “a year of contrasts”. We’ve had some awkward weather — short, steep seas and spells of unseasonably strong winds that have kept everyone on their toes.

In my role as RNLI Water Safety Adviser at Ramsgate Lifeboat Station, John Homer and I have been busy. In March, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, 64 of the Dunkirk Little Ships gathered here before crossing the Channel for the commemorations. We carried out safety inspections, including lifejacket checks at the Royal Temple Yacht Club, and continued similar checks throughout the summer during our regular marina walks.

What we found was worrying. Between 72% and 80% of the lifejackets we inspected failed. Most problems came down to expired automatic firing mechanisms or gas cylinders that were loose, discharged and not replaced, missing altogether, or so rusted in place they would likely have torn the bladder if activated. It’s a simple message: please check your lifejackets properly. Don’t assume they’re ready — make sure they are.

Visitor numbers have been noticeably down this year, although it was good to welcome the sail training ship Royalist and several impressive Dutch sailing vessels.

A word of warning if you’re coming into Ramsgate. The shoal between the two original harbour piers continues to grow and creep into the entrance channel from the eastern pierhead. At lower states of tide, keep closer to the western pierhead — the one with the lighthouse — when entering. It’s also worth remembering that this is a busy commercial seaway, so keep well clear of larger traffic.

I have to say it was disappointing to see very low LSC turnout for both the Calais and Holland rallies this season. These are long-standing club events, once led by Norman Hummerstone and now successfully continued by Jonathan Hague. The Royal Temple Yacht Club continues to support them strongly, and it would be good to see more LSC boats doing the same. In the early 1990s, club boats alone almost filled the West Basin at Calais — it would be wonderful to see that level of participation again.

It was a real pleasure to meet HPO Co-ordinator Tim and his wife Liz during their visit. Ramsgate remains a key sailing hub — where the Thames, the North Sea and the Channel meet — and in this centenary year of the club, I would love to see many more members making use of it.

I look forward to welcoming you here and wish everyone safe and enjoyable sailing and motor boating in the season ahead.

Update: The dredger Mannin is currently removing the sand build-up at the eastern pierhead. With luck, that should ease the entrance issue for the coming year.