Sailing Holidays and Short Breaks On Board Traditional Thames Sailing Barges

TSBT's involvement in the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships is testament to the dedication and diligence of the fantastic personnel of the Trust. The emotional departure from Ramsgate was heart-felt. The sheer volume and generosity of the visitors in Dunkirk was overwhelming. The crews' professionalism, patience and skill are second to none. Boarding our registered historic vessels enables individuals to become part of history. Sailing bonds individuals and nations through order, tradition, skill, and synergy... be part of it!

A wonderful experience with great sailing time.

This trip MUST be repeated. It was an unforgettable experience and thanks goes to all onboard who represented Pudge and TSBT so enthusiastically.

Friendly, knowledgable, highly competent crew. Comfortable, well-fitted, immaculate barge. An amazing trip to Dunkirk to join the 85th anniversary of the 1940 evacuation.

Excellent barge experience hands on or just sit back and enjoy the trip , the choice is yours

An excellent sailing adventure suited to all types of people given the stability, size and space on board. I would recommend a trip on these vintage craft even to the most unlikeliest of sailors.

Wonderful experience of maritime heritage, hands on sailing, companionship and relaxation.

I was a last-minute addition to the river cruise, sailing from Harwich, that my sister and friends had signed up for. I am so glad that I was invited to join their party. We sailed on Pudge with an excellent crew and congenial companions - 14 of us in all. As my first experience of sailing on a magnificent Thames sailing barge, this trip was perfect, helped by the exceptional weather. Everyone mucks in to assist the crew and prepare meals, so we quickly get to know each other and feel part of the ship’s company. I would certainly recommend this cruise on such a beautiful vessel.

TSBT can offer an experience like no other. This is down to the staff expertise and facilities. For those who enjoy adventure it is perfect for you.

My time on the historic sailing barge Centaur with my friends was a memory I will hold onto for the rest of my life! Getting involved in the sailing of the barge and having fun with my friends and the crew was a unique experience I would recommend to anyone!

Incredible way to spend my 30th with friends. Unforgettable experience - cannot recommend enough!

Most memorable weekend charter, taking part in sailing a barge, cooking in the galley and seeing porpoises each day was just incredible. I couldn’t recommend the trip more, thank you.

We booked as a group with TSBT to spend a birthday weekend on Centaur. Everyone had a fantastic weekend experiencing life on a sailing barge. The crew were fantastic and encouraged us to get involved with sailing. There are plenty kitchen amenities to cook and a large dining and seating area. To top it off the views are beautiful and we saw porpoise on both days!

Nothing comes close to looking up at the taut red canvas of a Thames Sailing Barge as she tacks her way up the Blackwater estuary, especially if you are responsible for steering her. We were part of a mixed paying and training crew on a weekend afloat from Maldon and even the weather cooperated to make this a special trip. From start to finish the professionalism and genuine friendliness of the crew shone out and we were entertained, educated and kept safe.  Throughout the trip, we were encouraged to join in under numerous watchful eyes and gentle reminders  to “stay behind the horse”.   The highlights for us were Pudge under sail and the camaraderie of the people on board. Where else can you find yourself casting off at midnight, wresting ropes on deck in bright sunshine and then be entrained by a communal singing session in the cabin at night? We can recommend this as an adventure to any land-locked, inexperienced wanna-be salty sea dogs equipped with sou’westers, sensible footwear and suncream – you will need them all!

I have been a member for over 50 years, on and off, and try to have one sail a year and the one-day sail is perfect for me. I hope to be fit enough to do the same next year.

Would recommend TBST to anybody who wants an experience that is fun and exciting but also challenges.

Knowledgeable and friendly crew who share their enthusiasm with their guests.

What a wonderful weekend

At the October 2025 Tendring District U3A meeting, Tim Kenney a speaker from the Thames Sailing Barge Trust gave a very interesting talk about the work of the trust and information about trips they run.

Bob, Mike (a friend visiting us from Eastbourne) and I said it sounded like fun.

When the dates for 2026 were published, the three of us decided to book a weekend trip form Maldon in June. We knew the evenings would be long and hopefully the weather would not be too wet.

We had to be at Maldon at 7pm on the Friday evening, we had a meal at the Queen’s Head and watched the water level hoping the tide would come in. At that time in the evening the temperature was still 33 degrees and very humid.

We boarded the barge and found our cabins; we had a safety briefing and at 9 pm the tide was high enough for us to sail. There were 8 passengers and 3 crew onboard. That Friday evening was magical, we did not need to use the engine, and we watched a beautiful sunset over Maldon. At midnight the crew dropped the anchor, and we all retired to bed. The cabins were very hot and during the night there was a storm, therefore all the hatches had to be closed. The crew worked hard to make sure we were all safe.

The next morning, we took our turn with the cooking, and we all had a hearty full English breakfast. Saturday was very hot still over 30 degrees, but the crew were able to use the wind and sail again. We stopped at Osea Island, West Mersea and Bradwell, if anyone wanted to go ashore there was a small tender to take them.

When we got up on Sunday, the weather was windy and the humidity had gone. The crew sailed most of the way back to Maldon, only using the engine for the last part of the journey. That morning was exciting because the crew had to tack many times to reach Maldon again.

If anyone wanted to get involved, they were very welcome to and encouraged, but you could sit and watch the world go by if you wanted to.

Our barge was Centaur and was built in 1895, the crew Chris the skipper, Adam and Ben were very informative and we all always felt very safe.

We got back to Maldon around midday on Sunday. We had a fantastic weekend, and our thanks go to the crew and our fellow passengers who added to the experience.