Thames Sailing Barge Greta

Launched in 1892 'GRETA' is one of the oldest remaining Thames sailing barges left in Britain. Their heyday came at the turn of the 20th century when over 2,000 were on the shipping registry and working in and around the Thames Estuary and the old London Docks. Only thirty barges remain with a few still working as pleasure craft. In 1940 Greta took part in Operation Dynamo to rescue troops from Dunkirk.

Departing from Whitstable in Kent, you can now experience being on board the historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge GRETA during one of the daily sailing trips around the Thames Estuary. Trips can be up to 6 hours so please bring cold drinks and food with you. We supply Tea & Coffee. Please wear flat shoes on board.

PRICES ARE PER PASSENGER (2019) - Maximum of 12 passengers per trip

54.00 Mon- Fri (except on a Bank Holiday in England)

(£64.00 Sat or Sun

£74.00 Bank Holiday in England 

The Sailing Season is usually from April/May up to the end of September or if the weather is suitable for sailing, mid October.

OCTOBER SCHEDULED SAILING DAYS  ADDED  - AVAILABILITY UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE SAILING SEASON - LAST UPDATED 16 September 2019

TO BOOK - SELECT A SAILING DATE AND NO OF PASSENGERS FROM THE DROPDOWN BELOW OR PURCHASE A GIFT VOUCHER  for the 2020 Sailing Season.

IF YOU  HAVE A GIFT VOUCHER AND WISH TO BOOK PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07711 657919 TO MAKE A BOOKING.

We depart and return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent CT5 1AB. Whitstable is on the North Kent Coast about 7 miles (11.5 km) from Canterbury. 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. Owner/Skipper Steve Norris and crew are there to ensure you have a safe, relaxed experience on this lovely historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge.

The trip will depart from the South Quay in Whitstable Harbour and will be around part of the Thames Estuary.  The actual route will  depend on weather conditions and will be decided on the day by the Greta Skipper Steve Norris.  Our most popular trip is a visit to the World War II Army Forts, we regularly sail through the Kentish Flats Wind Farm, out to the Red Sands WWII Army Forts. Another trip may be towards Herne Bay Pier, Reculver Tower and back to Whitstable Harbour. If the wind is too strong to head out to the forts we may take a more sheltered and relaxing sail up the Swale towards King's Ferry Bridge. We often watch the seals and seal pups sunning themselves, or lazily playing in the shallow water.

Day trips on can be up to 6 hours long so we recommend that you bring cold drinks and sandwiches with you. We supply tea & coffee!

Sailing depends on weather and wind conditions and is at the Skipper's discretion, therefore, some or even all of the boat trip may be under the power of a diesel engine.

Important - In case of late cancellation by us due to weather conditions or another reason please confirm your trip with the Greta Skipper Steve Norris on 07711 657919 the evening prior to your sailing date. If we confirm your trip then please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time.

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 Owner/Skipper

Maximum of up to 12 passengers on each trip