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Greta is an historic Thames Sailing Barge launched over 120 years ago in 1892. As a working cargo barge she carried ammunition, beer, grain, malt and building products.
Although Greta no longer carries cargo she still works providing Thames Sailing Barge day trips for individuals and groups from early spring through to mid October.
All sailings are from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent, England.
You can now experience life on board Greta during one of the daily sailing trips around the Thames Estuary.
We depart and return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent. The boat trips are up to 6 hours long (subject to tide & weather conditions)
We have added some scheduled Sailing Dates that you can book online now or order a Gift Voucher that can be redeemed later in the sailing season.
BOOK ON LINE or ORDER A GIFT VOUCHER
You can also have private use of 'Greta' for up to 12 passengers by booking a private charter
BOOK A PRIVATE CHARTER - WEEK DAY
BOOK A PRIVATE CHARTER - SAT, SUN or BANK HOLIDAY
One of Greta’s most popular trips is a visit to the World War II Army Forts designed by Guy Maunsell. The Forts can be seen from Whitstable and Herne Bay.
We regularly sail through the Kentish Flats Wind Farm, out to the Red Sands WWII Army Forts or towards Herne Bay Pier, Reculver Tower and back to Whitstable Harbour.
On another trip we could take a relaxing sail up the River Swale, under Kingsferry Bridge and see the wreck of the USS Montgomery off the Isle of Sheppey. We often watch the seals and seal pups sunning themselves, or lazily playing in the shallow water.
Trips around the Isle of Sheppey can also be arranged but due to tides would need to be a longer day sail.
The day can be as relaxing or active as you like, either sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst enjoying the view of the Kent Coast, or get involved with the sailing, hoisting the sails, winding the leeboards or taking the helm. The day is yours to enjoy and Skipper Steve Norris and crew are there to ensure you have a safe, relaxed experience on this lovely historic(1892) Thames Sailing Barge.
Spaces are very limited on all sailings as we only carry a maximum of 12 passengers on any sailing. On Thames Sailing Barge Match days this is restricted to 8 passengers. For last minute bookings Contact the Greta Skipper Steve Norris on 07711 657919 to check availability.
These trips can last up to 6 hours so bring food and cold drinks with you. On bright sunny days we suggest a hat together with sun glasses, sun protection cream and a light jacket/fleece.
Flat shoes on board please.
Safety Notes for all Passengers
Passengers board and disembark at their own risk via a near vertical ladder attached to the harbour wall. Passengers must ensure that they wear suitable clothing and flat footwear. A safety briefing is given on board prior to sailing.
Steve Norris - Greta Skipper - Tel: 07711 657919
PLEASE READ - As we may need to postpone the trip due to high winds or other poor weather conditions forecast for the Thames Estuary, YOU MUST telephone Greta's Skipper STEVE NORRIS (07711 657919) on the evening before your sailing date to check sailing times & weather conditions. All Barge sailings are at the discretion of Greta's Skipper Steve Norris.
NOTE - WHEN BOOKING EITHER BY TELEPHONE OR ON-LINE YOU ARE AGREEING WITH OUR TERMS &CONDITIONS
The Greta sails from the South Quay of Whitstable Harbour.
We are adjacent to the Harbour Garden Café. Seafood Restaurant & Café
Our passengers are very important to us but we could not keep the Greta afloat without the generous assistance of our sponsors
Faversham based Shepherd Neame (Master Brewers) are one of our main sponsors
FUTURE PROJECT - NEW SIDE FOR 'GRETA'
CAN YOU OR YOUR COMPANY HELP?
This historic Thames Sailing Barge was built 120 years ago in 1892. Our major project for the future, which is also, an expensive one, is to replace a side of the 'GRETA'. One side was replaced back in the 1980's. This project entails many hours in the dry dock and a tremendous amount of wood, not to mention skill and man hours. This is a project we would gladly except assistance with.
If you or your company would like to help preserve 'Greta' for future generations by way of sponsorship or other financial assistance, please contact the Greta Skipper Steve Norris. All serious offers would be considered
CALL Steve Norris - The 'GRETA' Skipper on 07711 657919 or
email Greta Admin
GRETA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CHARTERS & DAY TRIPS AROUND THE THAMES ESTUARY - SAILING FROM WHITSTABLE HARBOUR - UP TO 12 PASSENGERS WITH JUST 8 PASSENGERS ON THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH DAYS IF 'GRETA' IS TAKING PART IN THE RACE.
Sailings are subject to Wind & Weather conditions
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE NOW
Greta Historic Ship Certificate No. 206
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