Greta Thames Sailing Barge

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
Pleasure Trips aboard ‘Greta’ A Thames Sailing Barge

Greta Thames Sailing Barge

‘Greta’ Thames Sailing Barge
Whitstable Harbour
Whitstable
Bookings – Tel: 07711 657919 – Website

HISTORIC THAMES SAILING BARGE ‘GRETA’ WHITSTABLE
We are excited to announce that we are back in Whitstable Harbour and Special trips will start from Friday 10th of July, weather permitting .

Greta Forts
Visit The Forts

Book

Please contact ‘GRETA’ SKIPPER – STEVE NORRIS on 07711 657919 to book your places

The trips will be £35 per person weekdays and £45 per person weekends or bank holidays.

Please note that we have suspended Standard 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)

Refreshments

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 normal sailing trips will be moved to the 2021 sailing season.
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.

Greta Interior 2
Greta Interior 2

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.

Greta Thames sailing barge 1
Greta Thames sailing barge 1

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 15-30 minutes before the departure time. The Gorrell Tank Long Term Car Park is opposite the Harbour. 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.

Steve Norris – Greta Owner/Skipper

Maximum of up to 12 passengers on each trip

Greta is a Thames Sailing Barge built in 1892 to be used as a working barge transporting cargo on the River Thames and the Thames Estuary. 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 offers private charters from Whitstable Harbour Kent.

Season

The sailing season is usually from Spring (April/May) till late Summer (Sep/mid Oct). During the winter months she is moored at the Standard Quay Faversham, Kent.

You can also have private use of the ‘GRETA’ Thames Barge by chartering the barge for the day.

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 meters 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

Only 1 person at a time to access to the bathroom which is below decks and no access to Private quarters.

Hand Sanitiser will be provided for use before and after using the bathroom.

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.

Private Charters

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