Thames Estuary Barge Sailings & Pilot Vessel Cruises

N.B There are no longer RiB Boat Trips from Whitstable or Herne Bay

Barge Sailings

Made from the fishing port of Whitstable on the North Kent Coast aboard the historic Thames Sailing Barge the S.B Greta

Built in 1892 she's had a long distinguished life plying all manner of wares and was one of the Dunkirk Little Ships

Sailing Barge 'Greta' from the top of Red Sands Fort

Car Parking: Pay & Display at the Gorral Tank opposite Whitstable Harbour or as arranged with skipper Steve Norris

Pilot Vessel Cruises

X-Pilot approaching the Red Sands Radio Fort

The X-Pilot built in 1967 is a 62 foot long 72 ton former River Thames Pilot vessel.

Formerly based at Gravesend now in private hands, she's used as the supply vessel for the Red Sands Forts, often employed for film, TV and pleasure cruises on the Rivers Medway, Thames and the Estuary waters of Kent and Essex

The X-Pilot sails from the All Tide Landing at her home port of Queenborough on the River Medway (Sheerness the Isle-of-Sheppey)

Car Parking: Adjacent to the All Tide Landing, Car Park and on street in Queenborough, owner Martin and Skipper Alan will advise

Useful General Information

Cameras may be brought on all trips at your own risk, beware of sea spray, waves and vessel wakes

We recommend use of sun glasses, hats and UV sun protection for all trips

Safety first, vessels are skippered by competent crews with marine radio, life preservation and safety equipment aboard

Skippers maintain a radio watch with Medway VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) the Thames Coast Guard, PLA (Port of London Authority) and work closely with the local harbour authorities and the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)

Bookings may be made securly on-line

Please email operators for Corporate Sailings and Special Bookings

Other interesting information Olau Ferries once operated from Sheerness