Barge Trips from Whitstable Harbour

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Thames Sailing Barge Greta

Departing from Whitstable Harbour in Kent, you can now experience life on board the historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge GRETA during one of the daily sailing trips around the Thames Estuary. You can choose to either stay on deck or use the lounge below deck. We provide tea/coffee but suggest that you bring sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks as the trip may last up to 6 hours. Maximum of up to 12 passengers on each trip.

PRICES ARE PER PASSENGER

(£48.00 Mon- Fri except on a Bank Holiday in England)

(£54.00 Sat, Sun or on a Bank Holiday in England

The 2018 Sailing Season is from May up to the end of September or if the weather is suitable for sailing, mid October.

TO BOOK SELECT FROM THE LIST OF DATES BELOW (WE ADD TO THIS LIST DURING THE SAILING SEASON) OR PURCHASE A GIFT VOUCHER THAT CAN BE REDEEMED LATER IN THE SAILING SEASON.

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

Launched in 1892 Thames Barge 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 2000 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.

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

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 or towards Herne Bay Pier, Reculver Tower and back to Whitstable Harbour.

If the wind is too strong to head out to the forts we take a more sheltered and relaxing sail up the River Swale 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.

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

Availability as of Friday Evening 17 August 2018. (All places are subject to availability as we receive bookings online, by telephone and at Greta’s Summer mooring in Whitstable Harbour)

Maximum of up to 12 passengers on each trip

AUGUST 2018 - ALL SAILING DATES IN AUGUST ARE FULLY BOOKED

SEPTEMBER 2018 - FULLY BOOKED EXCEPT DATES SHOWN BELOW

FRI 7 SEP - 2 PLACES

SAT 8 SEP - 1 PLACE

SUN 9 SEP - 3 PLACES

WED 12 SEP - 8 PLACES

THUR 13 SEP - 6 PLACES

MON 17 SEP - 10 PLACES

WED 19 SEP - 10 PLACES

FRI 21 SEP - 10 PLACES

SAT 22 - 3 PLACES

MON 24 SEP - 4 PLACES (NOT VISITING THE FORTS - WILL BE GOING UP THE SWALE)

ADDITIONAL SAILING DATES ARE ADDED DURING THE SAILING SEASON.

SEE BELOW TO BOOK A TRIP

If you have a Gift Voucher and wish to book your trip please call us on 07711 657919

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

Greta Thames Sailing Barge

Day Trip

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With the permission of Greta's Skipper Steve Norris you can help sail this historic Thames Sailing Barge.

Thames Sailing Barge GRETA Departs from Whitstable Harbour, Kent. During the sailing season GRETA has moorings on the South Quay adjacent to the Harbour Garden Café. During the non sailing season you will find GRETA moored in Standard Quay Faversham, Kent.

Most of our Barge Trips are up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks.We supply tea & coffee. Don't forget your hat on sunny days if sitting on the exposed top deck. Flat shoes on board please. You can also sit below deck to maybe read or simply relax.

Scheduled Sailing dates are added during the the sailing season which is usually from April/May up to the end of September or mid-October if the weather is suitable for sailing.

If your preferred date is not available you can purchase a GRETA GIFT VOUCHER which can then be redeemed later in the season.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A GIFT VOUCHER THAT YOU WISH TO REDEEM PLEASE TELEPHONE THE GRETA’s SKIPPER STEVE NORRIS ON 07711 657919 TO BOOK YOUR DAY TRIP

IMPORTANT PASSENGER NOTICES

MAXIMUM OF 12 PASSENGERS ON EACH TRIP

CHECK THAT YOUR DAY TRIP HAS NOT BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELLED

YOU MUST telephone Greta's Skipper STEVE NORRIS (07711 657919) on the evening before your sailing date to check that your Day Trip has not been postponed due to high winds or other poor weather conditions forecast for the Thames Estuary. We will reschedule any postponed trips.

DON'T MISS THE BOAT!

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

Thames Barge trips from Whitstable Harbour. Enjoy a relaxing day (up to 6 hours) on board the historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge 'Greta' with Skipper Steve Norris and his crew. £48 per person on a week day or £54 on a Saturday, Sunday or a UK Bank Holiday. As we are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers we are unable to offer discounted rates for children or seniors. For Private use of 'Greta' please book a Private Charter.

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 MATCH.

Sailings are subject to Wind & Weather conditions

Greta is listed on the National Historic Ships Register UK Certificate No. 206