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.
Each barge in the Topsail fleet has been beautifully converted to provide a high quality and spacious venue for entertaining without losing its essential maritime character.
They will take you along the rivers Orwell and Stour which are two of the most beautiful rivers on the east coast with their sloping banks graced with large country houses and giving plenty of interest on any cruise whether short or long.
Starting from Ipswich Dock, once home to a very large fleet of working barges and now undergoing regeneration, head out through the lock into the river Orwell. Passing under the eye catching Orwell bridge, sail past Woolverstone and Pin Mill (one of the most painted places on the East Coast) and into bustling Harwich Harbour. On a four hour cruise you will turn around in the harbour, but on day sails we head into the River Stour, past Wrabness and towards Mistley before returning.
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