In 1961 the Kent River Board sponsored the Harbour of Rye Bill in parliament. This Bill was concerned with land drainage requirements in the catchment area of the three rivers...Rother, Brede and Tillingham... and included a barrage and ship lock at Rye Harbour.

The sailing and boating interests were largely opposed to the scheme and were supported by the Royal Yachting Association. In order to bolster this opposition Dr John Thompson of Woodchurch, himself a boat owner in the harbour, called a meeting of like-minded owners and formed the Rye Harbour Boat Owners Association (RHBOA).

The Bill was then amended in the Lords, only to fail subsequently through lack of parliamentary time. As a result it was decided that RHBOA should continue as a pressure group, and that the association rules should read: "The object for which the Association is formed is to protect and further the interests of boating of all kinds in the port and harbour of Rye". This RHBOA continues to do.

RHBOA has a flag with a yellow sailing ship on a dark blue ground and the association is supported by a strong membership. The main purpose is still political (with a small 'p') with social activities being kept to about four events a year, two ashore and two on water.

The association is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association.

If you want to know more about the formation and history of the Rye Harbour Boat Owners Association, get in touch with John Sivier.