The Sandwich Historic Boatyard project was conceived in 2014 as a not for profit trust to build a replica medieval boat and boatyard on Sandwich Quay which would be used to train apprentices to build wooden boats in the traditional, medieval style, with the aim of becoming a tourist attraction for the town. This has not happened. Instead in 2016, the lease for the land was signed over to a private
company (with one director) for a nominal rent of £1 per annum. In March 2016 the boatyard was completed, since then no progress has been made with the project, the building is falling into disrepair and the mooring is currently being used by a private yacht. The Sandwich Boatyard Action Group (SBAG) is campaigning to pressure Dover District Council and Sandwich Town Council to explain why a private company has been allowed to take over the project in place of the agreed trust and what plans the councils have to ensure that the project benefits the people of Sandwich rather than a private individual.
