About Sandwich Port & Haven – Sandwich Port and Haven

Sandwich Port & Haven

Who We Are

Our Harbour Master, Ian Broughton, is supported by a team of Commissioners, and Clerk to the Commissioners, all dedicated to managing, maintaining and improving the Port of Sandwich for the benefit of its users today, and for future generations.

Our commissioners are:
Oliver Richardson. James Blackmore. Harvey Cole. Keith Heaven. Paul Miller. Danielle Sivrikaya. Steven Manser.

Clerk to the Commissioners:
Andrea Kelly

Harbour Master

Ian Broughton

Ian is the Port & Haven Harbour Master – a long term resident of Sandwich, having lived around the area for 50 years. His early years were spent as an RSPCA Inspector in Kent, and he developed an interest in sailing and cruising, crewing on race days as a Royal Temple Yacht Club member. Later, Ian moved into the construction industry where he was involved with heavy machinery. This move freed up more leisure time, and he took the opportunity to cruise UK waters, the European coast and Dutch waterways.

His involvement with the boating community involved him in the building and promotion of a new boatyard, downriver from Sandwich. He has crewed, delivered and Skippered numerous private yachts and this valuable experience meant the Commissioners jumped at the opportunity to appoint him to the role of Harbour Master in 2019.

Ian’s calm, professional and friendly manner, together with his intimate knowledge of the river makes him an invaluable asset to Sandwich Port & Haven. His work includes management of navigation markers, helping and advising boat owners understand the rules and regulations of the river, collection of harbour dues, advising the commissioners and general health and safety administration of the river.

Our area of Responsibility

Under the 1925 Act Of Parliament that set up the Sandwich Port and Haven Commission, the geographical limits were defined as extending from North Poulders Sluice (one mile above the toll bridge) downstream and out into Pegwell Bay, to the point where the tide falls to Mean Low Water Springs.

River Services & Amenities

The medieval history of Sandwich and the River Stour is kept alive by the Sandwich Medieval Trust, based in their quayside visitor centre.

Sandwich is one of the best preserved towns of the middle ages, and one of the principal Cinque Ports. Before the River Stour silted up, it was a prime trading location and large ships plied their trade here. Nowadays, the Stour is a much smaller river and the preserve of recreational boaters, commercial operators and many liveaboards.

The river offers many facilities and services including a slipway on the quayside in town with parking and trailer storage.

Situated in the heart of Sandwich is Highway Marine, offering boat sales, pontoon moorings, boatyard services, storage and accommodation.

On the outskirts of Sandwich, is Sandwich Marina, who have moorings available together with slipway facilities, boat lifts, storage and hardstanding.

Downriver is Richborough Marine who have Dry Docking, towage and shot blasting/painting services available.

Towards the mouth of the Stour and Pegwell Bay, is a thriving colony of Seals, and these beautiful, engaging animals can be best viewed with a trip aboard the River Runner which operates from the quayside in Sandwich.