Sailing Barge Greta

We offer barge day trips for individuals and groups from early spring through to late September/early October. You can also have private use of 'GRETA' Thames Barge by chartering the barge for the day. Our insurance allows for groups of up to 12 passengers. On Thames Barge Match Days we allow up to 8 passengers.

A Gift Voucher for a Thames Barge Sailing Trip on the 'GRETA' makes an excellent present for a birthday or any other Special Occasion.

Depending on the course set on the day by the Skipper - Steve Norris, you might see the Maunsell Forts built during World War 2 that are just over 12 miles from Herne Bay. The Kentish Flats offshore Windfarm 6.2 miles off Whitstable, the old Herne Bay Pier Head, where once steamers called to take trippers to France, The Ancient Reculver Church Tower, once more than a mile from the sea or even seals off the Isle of Sheppey!

Most of our boat trips from Whitstable are approximately six hours in duration, so bring your own picnic and refreshments. We can also arrange catering with a local supplier for large parties.

A typical day on board 'GRETA' starts 30 minutes before departure with a welcome coffee and a brief talk about the barge and safety. Slipping her moors the 'GRETA' sets out for the day's sailing. Once the sails are set and the engine is stopped a new calm atmosphere envelopes the barge and its occupants. Peace and quiet replace the stress and strain of every day life.

Lunch may be taken at anchor or underway.

If anyone in the party are of a musical ilk please bring your instruments and have a sing-a-long. Drifting along with a guitar strumming and gentle voices mingling for an idyllic afternoon.

You can just lie back and doze, wake up, eat and drink and doze again; you can help with the sails, winding the anchor or leeboards. Passenger involvement in the sailing of 'GRETA' is optional and at the Skipper's discretion.

After a day of sailing, which is to a certain extent influenced by the wind and tide, the 'GRETA' returns home to her mooring along side the South Quay inside Whitstable Harbour.