Comments on: On A Thames Sailing Barge

By: ANTHONY FORDHAM

ANTHONY FORDHAM — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 19:13:59 +0000

sailing on a stumpy rigged the glenmore the skipper was one of the old school billy bugs and i was his mate for a long time she was owned by wr cunis at tuffs wharfe woolwich we carried spata grass from theegipshan ship the memnon paper to snodland and cement back we had ballast from the old dreger and we lay of jimmy parlmers rowed ashore for a pint in the old ship and lobster the good old days it was hard graft but i wish i could go back in time to see those days again

By: Susan Reed

Susan Reed — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 10:26:20 +0000

My idea of heaven, to have grown up on a Thames Sailing Barge. My father and generations before him were Thames Sailing barge skippers, my Dad started his career on the river aged 15, his love of the water never left him, and he has passed that knowledge and respect for these wonderful vessels on to me. I was lucky enough to have a trip on Edith May a few weeks ago, a wonderful sense of peace descended as I sat on the covered hatches, just the wind in the sails and the seabirds screeching. Wonderful.

By: John Barrett

John Barrett — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 07:31:38 +0000

Hundreds of these barges traded around the London docks and the shallow creeks and estuaries of the east coast, hence Thames Sailing Barges. The cargo holds has been modified for passenger comfort. Several barges went to Dunkirk in 1940 to rescue our troops gathered on the beaches I understand one was lost. Yes; they are an important part of our maritime heritage. There is a band on dedicated, I will call them super-men, David is one, who dedicate their lives and just live for their barge they work so hard. There are just a few left, sail with David on SB Repertor you will not regret it, you will remember your voyage for the rest of your lives. You can sail/motor from the centre part of London down the estuary, unfurl the brown sails feel the wind on your face you are now out at sea, nice. You will have your waterproof coat on that will keep you warm. PS I sailed on Thames Barge Reminder (1929) for many years in the 1970-80s sailing out from Maldon in Essex. Barge was born again in 1975 by Roger Beckett to take passengers. John