Restoration - Past
The present Skipper Steve Norris has been involved with the 'GRETA' for a number of years.
In the early days helped with the massive rebuild project to get the 'GRETA' back sailing. Steve assisted in the rebuild and re-rigging and took part in her first new sail, once she was ready to take to the waters again.
After years of enjoying the best of both worlds with the 'GRETA, becoming part owner, working, sailing and living on her. Steve's own employment was becoming more demanding and as with most jobs, the income was not keeping up with the expenditure and a hard decision had to be made.
As giving up the 'GRETA' would break his heart.
Steve now the sole owner the historic Thames Barge - The 'GRETA', felt that the time was right to make a go of offering sailing days and private charters.
He made a pledge that any profits made would be ploughed into the upkeep and maintenance of her, thus keeping her sailing and preserving her very special history.
This was a very brave decision but it has proved to be a very rewarding one.
Restoration - Recent work carried out in the last two years.
Due to the popularity of the 'GRETA' Thames Barge day trips from Whitstable and private charters (A little bit of praise should also go to Steve as skipper, the voluntary crew and and the support of some very good friends) . Steve has been able to undertake some really large rebuild projects, which will ensure that the 'GRETA' Thames Barge will be sailing for many years to come.
Steve has replaced the Stem of the barge and rebuilt the bow. Including new bow rails and badges, taking the rebuild right back to the rigging chocks. The bow badges were designed to replicate the badges from the Thames Sailing Barge 'MILLIE' who was GRETA's sister barge.
This work takes place in the winter as not to interrupt the sailing season. Sometimes the conditions of working are far from the sunny laid back summers spent out on the water.
Ongoing & Long Term Future Projects.
Despite the momentous amount of work Steve has carried out on 'the GRETA' it's like the "Forth Bridge".
Every year she is de-rigged with all her rigging stripped, maintained, painted or varnished. This year Steve plans to replace the rest of the rails and re-plank some of the deck.
New Side for the 'GRETA'
Our major project for the future, which is also, the most expensive one, is to replace a side of the 'GRETA'.
One side was replaced back in the 80's. This project entails many hours in the dry dock and a tremendous amount of wood, not to mention skill and man hours.
This is the project we would gladly except assistance with, so if you or your company fancy sponsoring the side of an historic Thames Sailing Barge please do not hesitate to contact us. all serious offers would be considered
Steve Norris - The 'GRETA' Skipper
