Barge Trips from Whitstable Harbour
|
|
HISTORIC THAMES SAILING BARGE 'GRETA' WHITSTABLE
We are excited to announce that we are back in Whitstable Harbour and operating Thames Barge trips from our moorings on the South Quay around the Thames Estuary.
BOOK ONLINE or call 07711 657919 to book your places.
Please note that we have suspended Standard (up to 6 hours) Sailing trips but will be providing shorter Special trips of 3 - 4 hours under engine with the possibility of limited sailing. With only foresail and mizzen (we have not put the mainsail and topsail on to ensure social distancing and safety)
The trips will be £35 per person weekdays (£40 for longer trips up to 5 hours on Wednesday 26 August and Thursday 27 August ) and £45 per person weekends or bank holidays.
We are unable to offer refreshments, please bring along your own drinks and snacks. No alcohol permitted on board.
Any decision not to sail is made by the Skipper for safety reasons.
Any pre-booked and paid for Standard (up to 6 hours) sailing trips will be moved to the 2021 sailing season.
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.
These Special Trips will depart from the South Quay of Whitstable Harbour in Kent and visit the old Maunsell Army Forts in the Thames Estuary. This route may change depending on wind and tide conditions on the day.
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 Special Trip date. If we confirm your trip then please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time. The Gorrell Tank Long Term Car Park is opposite the Harbour. If arriving in Whitstable by train allow 10-15 mins to walk from Whitstable Train Station to the Harbour.
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.
Maximum of up to 12 passengers on each trip
Steve Norris - Greta Owner/Skipper
COVID 19 – Safety information
· Face masks and gloves are not essential - but if you prefer to wear them please bring them along.
· Hand Sanitiser will be provided to be used before going down the ladder & to be used as you come aboard and leaving.
· If not from the same household, please always keep 2 metres apart – families can sit together.
· Bring your own refreshments in a small backpack or closed bag – No alcohol please.
· Additional clothing like raincoats or jumpers also need to be brought along in a closed bag as we are unable to provide.
· Bathroom Hygiene
o Only 1 person at a time to access to the bathroom which is below decks and no access to Private quarters.
o Hand Sanitiser will be provided for use before and after using the bathroom.
o Please use the supplied paper hand towels and dispose of in the peddle bin provided and use the foot peddle to open the bin
· Please always follow instructions from the Skipper and Crew – precautions are in place for everyone’s safety and may be subject to change.
