Thames Sailing Barge Trust
Get on Board...
Both Centaur and Pudge have modern engines and safety equipment and we operate to safety standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Sailing Barge Association/Association of Bargemen.
With a qualified skipper and an experienced mate (and sometimes a third hand), we take parties of up to 12 people sailing in the Thames Estuary and the Essex, Suffolk and Kent rivers during the Summer months. Trips are usually weekends or 3-4 days on Bank Holiday Weekends and we run a couple of 'Family' Day sails, when children can sail with accompanying adults and anyone else can come for a taster before committing to a weekend.
Come Sailing
Usually crew join the barge on Friday night and the barge returns to port on Sunday afternoon. Some trips are passages from one port to another. We will sail where the wind and tides allow, enjoying sights as varied as Felixstowe Frieght Terminal and the wide-open spaces of saltings and marshes.
It is possible to sail in a barge Match too. Centaur usually takes part in the Medway, Blackwater, Pin Mill, Southend-on-Sea, Swale and Colne Matches, which provide a fascinating spectacle with a dozen or so barges competing against each other. Often there is a race for East Coast fishing smacks at the same time and as well as being an enjoyable experience, a Match is a brilliant opportunity to photograph traditional craft and attend the prize giving and social event after the Match.
Take Part
The crew (you!) deal with the cooking and washing up on a rota drawn up by the Mate and can, if you'd like to, help sail the barge: setting and stowing the sails and learning other tasks. We want people to learn about barge sailing and you will be encouraged to take part in sailing, including taking the wheel when conditions allow to actually sail the barge yourself.
We provide a traditional sailing experience with good company and a tremendous atmosphere. Usually the Saturday night will be spent at anchor often where a boat trip can be made to have a walk ashore or visit a pub. Everyone returns on board for a meal in Centaur's wood panelled saloon lit by traditional Tilley lamps.
It is a unique experience!
The cost of a weekend is £95 per person. Payment must be received in full with your booking and is non returnable if you cancel with less than 30 clear days notice of the day you should have joined the barge. However Trust members receive a £15 discount on the weekend rate.
Season Schedule / / / Booking Form (PDF) / / / Map of Sailing Area / / / Chartering
