Thames Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT)

03/10/2026

The Trust were pleased today to host a group of walkers taking part in the Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - maritime walk, with a talk and ploughman’s lunch.

Coast Walking Festival

19/09/2026

Thames Sailing Barge Trust – Skipper & Mate Training Scheme
Applications now open – closing 9 October!

Want to learn traditional seamanship, handle a 100‑year‑old sailing barge, and join a dedicated volunteer crew keeping East Coast heritage alive? The Thames Sailing Barge Trust Skipper & Mate Training Scheme is now accepting applications for the 2026 intake.

This is a rare chance to train aboard historic vessels, develop practical barge‑handling skills, and progress through a structured pathway from crew to mate and eventually skipper. No prior barge experience needed — just commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

Deadline for applications: 9 October
Apply here: https://forms.gle/Lyf34tWk7cVNWXFa6

14/09/2026

Folk Night, Rebecca Leek and Friends
Thu 17 Sep 2026 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Join acclaimed folk musician and poet Rebecca Leek and Michael Nolan, Chair of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, for a captivating journey through the songs and stories of England's landscapes and coastline.

Blending traditional folk melodies, sea shanties and maritime music with whistles, accordion, melodeon and rich storytelling, this unique performance celebrates the heritage of the Blackwater Estuary, the sailing barges and the timeless traditions that connect land, sea and sky along with the Madrigala choir mastered by Liz Le Fay. They sing spiritual and folk orientated traditional music. This is something which shouldn’t be missed

Madison Heights, 43 Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

12/09/2026

Really good day on the Quay for the Trust at the Maldon Regatta.

Thank you to all those who visited us and enjoyed the refreshments and spent some money on our stall. And also to the volunteers who gave up their time.

11/09/2026

Refreshments on the Barge - one day only

Tomorrow Saturday the Thames Sailing Barge Trust are opening Centaur at Maldon Quay to sell tea, coffee and homemade cakes to raise funds for the Trust which is a registered charity.

Come along and and enjoy a relaxing drink on Centaur which was built in 1895.

Open between 11:00 and 16:00.

We look forward to seeing you

Friends of the Maldon Promenade Park
Maldon Promenade Park
Blackwater Sailing Club
Maldon Town Regatta
Maldon Town
Visit Maldon District

06/09/2026

Sail With Us - Singing Sailors – 18th September

Join us for this popular sailing trip with fellow musicians whilst exploring the Essex coast. Bring your own musical instrument and join in with the others singing sea songs and shanties.

Join the barge at Maldon on Friday 18th September in the evening and sail early Saturday.

Price includes meals from Saturday morning.

Returning to Maldon on Monday around 19:00

Check full details, availability and booking online

05/09/2026

The Restoration of Thames sailing barge Centaur built in 1895

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust own and operate the historic Thames sailing barge Centaur which was built in 1895 by Cann's of Harwich. She has been owned and operated by the Trust, a registered charity since 1968. Centaur is on the National Historic Fleet and is a Dunkirk Little Ship.

Centaur is in need of major restoration and the Trust has received a grant of £28,090 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to complete the Development Phase of the Centaur Connections Project. The Trust are looking to raise £10,000 towards their costs for this Development Phase.

If our final application is successful, Centaur Connections will see the Trust restore Centaur and create a series of community activities to get hands-on: learning about our superb barges, their heritage, and the skills that are needed to sail them and keep these iconic red-sails in full working condition and part of Maldon's skyline!

Please support us with any donation you can afford. If you are a tax payer, then you can give with GIft Aid which will increase your donation by 25%.

To donate, please click the link below.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bargetrustorg

Thank you for your support.


National Historic Ships UK
Maldon Promenade Park
Maldon Town Regatta
Friends of the Maldon Promenade Park
Blackwater Sailing Barge Match Association
Blackwater Sailing Club
Ipswich Maritime Trust
Harwich Haven Authority
Classic Boat
Practical Boat Owner
WoodenBoat
The Center for Wooden Boats
The River Thames
Thames Sailing Barges

24/08/2026

The Restoration of Thames sailing barge Centaur built in 1895

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust own and operate the historic Thames sailing barge Centaur which was built in 1895 by Cann's of Harwich. She has been owned and operated by the Trust, a registered charity since 1968. Centaur is on the National Historic Fleet and is a Dunkirk Little Ship.

Centaur is in need of major restoration and the Trust has received a grant of £28,090 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to complete the Development Phase of the Centaur Connections Project. The Trust are looking to raise £10,000 towards their costs for this Development Phase.

If our fianl application is successful, Centaur Connections will see the Trust restore Centaur and create a series of community activities to get hands-on: learning about our superb barges, their heritage, and the skills that are needed to sail them and keep these iconic red-sails in full working condition and part of Maldon's skyline!

Please support us with any donation you can afford. If you are a tax payer, the you can give with GIft Aid which will increase your donation by 25%.

To donate, please click the link below.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bargetrustorg

Thank you for your support.


National Historic Ships UK
Maldon Promenade Park
Maldon Town Regatta
Friends of the Maldon Promenade Park
Blackwater Sailing Barge Match Association
Blackwater Sailing Club
Ipswich Maritime Trust
Harwich Haven Authority
Classic Boat
Practical Boat Owner
WoodenBoat
The Center for Wooden Boats
The River Thames
Thames Sailing Barges

14/08/2026