The Skippers Blog
A Cargo of Timber to Kent
16/04/2024
Ed Gransden asked if we would like to take some wood belonging to Ardwina from Kevin Finch’s yard at Fullbridge to Lower Halstow where it will be used on her. We said yes and asked… Read More
The Skippers Blog
02/05/2022
Polishing the Silverware
Polishing the Silverware Here is the haul of Blue Mermaid’s cups from 2021 before the new racing season starts. Last year we were able to compete in all the matches, an unintended Covid dividend as… Read More
The Skippers Blog
15/04/2022
Keeping Maritime Heritage Alive in the Thames
During 1994 the call went out around the UK coasts to attend a parade on the Thames heralding the launch of a new association, Heritage Afloat, an umbrella body uniting all elements of our maritime… Read More
News from the Barge
13/04/2022
Discover Your Talents And The Value Of Teamwork
Participating in a residential voyage onboard Blue Mermaid enables our clients to try things they have never done before – to discover their talents and understand the value of teamwork. Someone has to go out… Read More
The Skippers Blog
10/04/2022
The Leech Stands Altogether Better
During the winter the Blue Mermaid’s sails went to Steve Westwood’s loft for some attention. They had two relatively full seasons’ and a short covid season’s wear. 2021 had been hard on them with plenty… Read More
News from the Barge
05/04/2022
Hoorah! We Are Under Sail Again After The Winter Refit!
We have our first trainees of the season. They are a little older than our usual customers! We are addressing the skills shortage in the historic Thames sailing barge fleet. This is a PLA funded… Read More
The Skippers Blog
15/03/2022
Local Knowledge Training Day for trainee Bargemasters
Waiting for Tower Bridge at the end of a training trip from St Katherine’s Dock to Woolwich Barrier, Greenwich and Tower Piers. As part of the work of Thames Sailing Barge Trust and Sea-Change Sailing… Read More
The Skippers Blog
13/10/2021
A Late Season Weekend
Last weekend we were joined by Emma and Amelia for the last training weekend of the year before the wind and promised icy blast arrives. Being at the quay alongside Centaur from the previous day’… Read More
The Skippers Blog
13/09/2021
Colne Match and Beyond
After a few days at home, mainly loading and unloading the washing machine or so it felt, it was time to leave the mooring at Heybridge again to get down to Brightlingsea for the Colne… Read More
The Skippers Blog
28/08/2021
And so to the Medway
You left us on the SBA buoy after a scrub and paint round on Pin Mill Hard. The next day saw us leaving early to make low water off the Naze with a fair wind… Read More