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 mid 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 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 now for use during the 2013 SAILING SEASON ( April - Mid October)

You can also have private use of 'Greta' for up to 12 passengers  by booking a private charter

 

BOOK WEEK DAY (MON-FRI) PRIVATE CHARTER 

 

BOOK SAT OR SUN PRIVATE CHARTER

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

 

NOTE - WHEN BOOKING YOU MUST AGREE WITH OUR TERMS

The Greta sails from the South Quay of Whitstable Harbour.

We are adjacent to the Harbour Garden Café. Seafood Restaurant & Café

 

The Harbour Garden Cafe

Greta Thames Sailing Barge *SPECIAL Trip (up to 3-4 hours)

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Special Trip around the Thames Estuary.

We depart/return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent.

From £30 per person

Up to a maximum of 12 passengers

Greta Thames Sailing  Special Trips are usually up to 3-4 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you. 

(We supply Tea & Coffee) 

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip (up to 6 hours)

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip around the Thames Estuary. 

We depart/return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent. 

From £44 per person on a week day and £49 on a Saturday, Sunday or UK Bank Holiday. 

Up to a maximum of 12 passengers

Greta standard Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours so bring food & cold drinks with you. 

(We supply Tea & Coffee) 

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

Thames Sailing Barge Match (Whitstable Sat 10 Aug 2013)

Thames Sailing Barge Match  - Whitstable Saturday 10 August 2013 Greta is not taking part in any of the other Barge Matches in 2013.

Be part of aThames Sailing Barge  Match day experience by being on board Greta. We depart/return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent.

Passenger places are in high demand with a maximum of 8 places available. This will reduce as we near the date.

BOOK NOW

Bring food & cold drinks with you.

 (We supply Tea & Coffee) 

For details of Thames Barge Match Days ring Greta's Skipper Steve Norris  on 07711 657919

Up to a maximum of 8 passengers

Please arrive 30 minutes before the departure time

 

Week Day (Mon-Fri) 1 Day Private Charter - Greta Thames Sailing Barge for up to 12 passengers

Week Day (Mon-Fri) Private Charter - Greta Thames Sailing Barge for up to 12 passengers

We depart/return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent.

Sat, Sun or Bank Holiday 1 Day Private Charter - Greta Thames Sailing Barge for up to 12 Passengers

Sat, Sun or Bank Holiday Private Charter - Greta Thames Sailing Barge  for up to 12 Passengers

 Where a date falls on a Thames Barge Race Match day in which Greta is taking part, the cost is £560 and for up to 8 passengers.

We depart/return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent.