Welcome

Greta is an historic Thames Sailing Barge launched 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 late September/early October. 

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 sailing dates that you can  BOOK ON-LINE NOW  or  you can order a GIFT VOUCHER for a  barge sailing trip later in the 2012 sailing season.

We also have limited space on some of the Thames barge races 2012

 

PRIVATE CHARTER - BARGE HIRE FOR PRIVATE USE OF THE GRETA THAMES SAILING BARGE WITH UP TO 12 PASSENGERS

 

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 - Mobile 07711 657919