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These fine old ships, with their distinctive red ochre sails, evoke an era long since past. Once the East Coasts traditional cargo vessel – at the turn of the century the Thames Sailing Barge fleet numbered over 2,000 – today only a handful of traditional Barges survive.

Topsail Charters is a family run business operating three surviving Thames Sailing Barges- Hydrogen, Thistle and Reminder. No longer carrying cargos, these old girls of the sea now carry passengers instedup and down the East Coast. With the youngest celebrating her 90th Birthday this year you really are sailing on a piece of History when you step onboard.

Cooks Barge Yard is the last surviving Thames Barge repair yard in the country and is still an active repair and home base for the Topsail Charters Fleet. It too is steeped in history having been a key part of the fabric of Maldon’s waterfront since 1894.

This blog is a behind the scene look at the daily comings and goings on the Topsail Charters ltd operation and the quaint Cooks Barge Yard.