You can book and pay by card online

Welcome

You can now experience life on board Greta during one of the daily sailing trips around the Thames Estuary. You can chose 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.

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.

See below to book on line now from a choice of sailing dates

(additional sailing dates are added regularly throughout the sailing season so opt for a Gift Voucher if your date is not available as the voucher can be redeemed later in the sailing season which ends around mid October or during next years sailing season Note: Contact Greta Skipper to redeem a Gift Voucher on 07711 657 919 )

Find us on Google maps

All trips are subject to tide & weather conditions and are at the discretion of the Greta Skipper Steve Norris.

 

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 private charters from Whitstable Harbour Kent between April to October. During the winter months she is moored at the Standard Quay Faversham, Kent.

'Greta'  is listed (no. 206)  on the UK National Historic Ships Fleet Register.

Association of Dunkirk Little Ships website'Greta' took part in the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940, she is the oldest Dunkirk Little Ship that is still working today and is a member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.  

  

 

 

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 

 

 

 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, Kent, UK.

 

Our Whitstable Harbour mooring is on the South Quay adjacent to the Harbour Garden Café. Seafood Restaurant & Café

 

 

 

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

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
Day Trip
  • Description
  • More Details

Boat Trips from the South Quay of Whitstable Harbour on board the historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge 'Greta') gently *sailing around the Thames Estuary for up to 6 hours.

With the Skippers permission you can help sail the barge or just sit back and relax and let the crew do the work!

We recommend that you bring food & cold drinks with  you as these trips can last for up to 6 hours. We provide tea & coffee from the galley. You can either stay on deck or take a seat below deck. On warm sunny days don't forget your hat, sun glasses, sun cream & camera. A light fleece may also come in handy.

Flat shoes on board please!

Up to a Maximum of 12 passengers  on all sailing trips

(up to a  maximum of 8 passengers during a Barge Match when we are taking part in the event)

*Part or all of the sailing trip may be under power of the engine as setting the sails depends upon weather conditions in the Thames Estuary. We prefer to sail whenever possible as we then use less diesel.

FOR SAILING TRIPS WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS please ring Greta's Skipper Steve Norris on 07711 657919 to check availability before booking. We take bookings on-line, over the phone and at the Greta mooring on the South Quay of Whitstable Harbour so this website may not be completely up to date.

 

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip around the Thames Estuary.

 Up to a maximum of 12 passengers on each trip on board Thames Sailing Barge Greta

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

PRICES ARE PER PASSENGER

(£48 Mon-Fri except UK Bank Holiday) 

(£54 Sat-Sun or UK Bank Holiday)

DAY TRIP SAILING DATES WHICH YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE  ARE ADDED THROUGHOUT THE SAILING SEASON. 

the Sailing Season is  from May up to mid October if the weather is suitable for sailing.

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

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A GRETA GIFT VOUCHER THAT YOU WISH TO REDEEM PLEASE TELEPHONE  THE GRETA SKIPPER STEVE NORRIS ON 07711 657 919  TO BOOK YOUR DAY TRIP

IMPORTANT PASSENGER NOTICES

EVENING BEFORE YOUR SAILING DATE - CHECK THAT YOUR SAILING TRIP HAS NOT BEEN POSTPONED

 You MUST telephone Greta's Skipper STEVE NORRIS (07711 657919) on the evening before your sailing  date to check that your sailing 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

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.

FOOD & DRINK

Greta standard Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours so bring food & cold drinks with you (We supply Tea & Coffee) 

All Barge sailings are at the discretion of Greta's Skipper Steve Norris.

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.  

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

 

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter.

(We supply Tea & Coffee) 

Greta heading for the Kentish Flats Wind Farm

  • Description
Passengers enjoying the sun as Greta heads for the Kentish Flats.
Kentish Flats is an offshore wind farm located in the Thames Estuary approximately 8.5 to 13 km north of Herne Bay and Whitstable in Kent.

Greta passing a Wind Turbine July 2016

  • Description
Greta passing a Wind Turbine July 2016

The wind farm has been operational since 2005 and consists of 30 Vestas 3MW wind turbines, with a combined capacity of 90MW.

At the time of its construction, The Kentish Flats Wind Farm set a dual record; the wind turbines and the site itself were the largest installed in the UK.

Week Day Private Charter - Greta Thames Sailing Barge for up to 12 passengers *excludes UK Bank holidays - FULL PAYMENT

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
WD-PRIVATE CHARTER-FULL PAYMENT
  • Description

£580 Charter (Private use of Greta for up to 12 passengers during a weekday (Mon-Fri)

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.

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.

We recommend that you contact Steve Norris (Greta's Skipper) on 07711 657919 to discuss available dates before making a Private Charter  booking on-line 

All trips unless specified depart from & return to Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB

 We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

You can drop passengers off inside the harbour.  Where a dates falls on a UK Bank Holiday the cost is £540

Up to a maximum of 12 passengers

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

 

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

 Maximum of 12 passengers on private charters with a maximum of 8 passengers on Thames Barge Race Match days.

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Charters are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.

(We supply Tea & Coffee) 

Sat or Sun Private Charter - Greta Thames Sailing Barge for up to 12 Passengers - FULL PAYMENT

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
WE-PRIVATE CHARTER-FULL PAYMENT
  • Description

£650 Charter (Private use of Greta for up to 12 passengers on a Sat, Sun or UK Bank Holiday)

Sat or Sun 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 the same but limited to up to 8 passengers.

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

 

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.

We recommend that you contact Steve Norris (Greta's Skipper) on 07711 657919 to discuss available dates before making a Private Charter  booking on-line 

All trips unless specified depart from & return to the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour Kent CT5 1AB

 We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour 

You can drop passengers off inside the harbour.

Up to a maximum of 12 passengers

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

( Greta Thames Sailing Barge Charters are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.

(We supply Tea & Coffee) 

Greta Gift Voucher - Week Day (Mon-Fri) * excludes UK Bank holidays

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
GV-WD
  • Description
 Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Week Day Sailing Date

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the  Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email

   Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card)

 

The booking confirmation & the E-voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Week Day (MON-FRI) 

Not valid on UK Bank Holiday dates

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Gift Voucher - Weekend Day (Sat-Sun)

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
GV-WE or BH
  • Description
 Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Saturday or Sunday Sailing Date

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the  Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card)

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

  Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Weekend Day(SAT or SUN)

Not valid for Thames Barges Match Days

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Gift Voucher - Private Charter - Week Day (Mon-Fri) *excludes UK Bank holidays

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
WDGV-PRIVATE CHARTER
  • Description
 Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Weekday Sailing Date  - Private Charter  - Valid for up to 12 passengers. Not valid on Barge Match days where Greta is taking part.

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the  Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email

  Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card)

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Gift Voucher for Private Charter of Greta. An Historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge based in Whitstable Harbour sailing around the Thames Estuary. An ideal present for that special occasion, family get together and corporate award days.

Up to  12 passengers Maximum

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip (up to 6 hours) - WEEKDAY DATE  Mon - Fri

Not valid on UK Bank Holidays or Weekends

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

 Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Gift Voucher - Private Charter - Weekend Day (Sat or Sun or UK Bank holiday)

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
WEGV-PRIVATE CHARTER
  • Description
Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Weekend Day Sailing Date Sat or Sun  - Private Charter Valid for up to 12 passengers. Not valid on Barge Match days where Greta is taking part.

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email.

  Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a  Gift Card)

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Gift Voucher for Private Charter of Greta. An Historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge based in Whitstable Harbour sailing around the Thames Estuary. An ideal present for that special occasion, family get together and corporate award days.

 Up to 12 passengers Maximum

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip (up to 6 hours) - WEEKEND DATE  Sat or Sun or UK Bank Holiday

Not valid on Thames Barges Match Days

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.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

 Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Card for Gift Voucher

Greta Card for Gift Voucher

Greta Thames Barge
Greta Card
  • Description
Optional Greta  Card for Gift Voucher

Gift Vouchers are usually sent by Email but you have the option of purchasing one or more Greta Cards if you wish the gift to be sent by post.

We can send the Gift Card & Gift Voucher directly to the recipient if you use the  Alternative Name & Address option at the checkout.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering Gift Cards

The booking confirmation together with the Gift Voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Optional Greta  Card for Gift Voucher