Colne Barge Sailing Race Weekend
- Vessel: Reminder
- Where: Essex
- Duration: 3 days
- Embark: Brightlingsea - 11 September 2020, 19:00
- Disembark: Brightlingsea - 13 September 2020, 11:00
Sail with Reminder for a hands-on barge racing weekend as she takes part in the annual Colne Barge & Smack Race and explores the rivers and creeks of Essex.
Join Reminder in the pretty waterside town of Brightlingsea. This part of England is full intricate waterways, tranquil creeks and pretty estuaries, perfect to explore under sail.
This voyage sees Reminder sailing with guests to take part in the annual Colne Barge & Smack Race. This is one of the highlights of the sailing season for Barge owners and provides the sight of up to a dozen barges sailing together in a friendly but serious competition. The start is always very exciting with these large vessels being manoeuvred in close quarters trying to gain the best position.
Join Reminder on Friday evening where a tender will pick guests up in Brightlingsea to take them over to Reminder on anchor in the pretty Pyefleet Creek. Saturday is race day with Smacks and Barges all squeezing out of the river for a great spectator day with fabulous photo opportunities. Reminder will have extra experienced crew aboard for the race on Saturday before enjoying an optional evening ashore with guests.
On Sunday, after breakfast, Reminder will up anchor for a leisurely day where guests can get involved with hoisting the sails and taking the helm while exploring either the picturesque River Colne or Blackwater before arriving back in Brightlingsea after tea.
Schedule
| Voyage | Set Sail | Days | Cost p/p | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colne Barge Sailing Race Weekend | 11 September 2020 | 3 | £280 | Enquire now |
Reminder
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Thames Barge
Reminder is one of the last surviving Thames Sailing Barges to sail the East Coast of the UK. At the turn of the 20th century over 2000 barges plied their trade on the rivers of the East Coast, able to lower their masts and travel up small creeks to farmers wharves, yet still be able sail out to sea and onto larger ports.
Today only a handful remain in service with some owned by charities and others like Reminder being privately owned. The delightful market town of Maldon is Reminder’s home base, located in Essex at the top of the Blackwater River. Famous for its sea salt production and its mudflat racing, Maldon is also a great starting point for Reminder to take guests to explore the five river estuaries of Essex and Suffolk, with many areas designated nature reserves.
Reminder offers her guests home from home comfort with her flat bottom giving below decks very comfortable and spacious communal areas and private cabins. A log burner in the saloon and full-size sofas means plenty of space for guests to relax after a good day sailing in the fresh air.
Although she has twin engines, they are rarely used and her rig and deck look no different to when she was built 90 years ago! Our crew take great pride in sailing her the same way as she would have been sailed some 90 years ago.
More about ReminderFAQ
- Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.
- Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know when making your booking.
- What language is spoken onboard?
English
- What are the sleeping arrangements?
Double and Twin cabins with shared bathrooms.
- Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding is provided but please bring your own towels.
- How many toilet/showers does she have?
Two toilets and one shower.
- Is there WIFI?
No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.
- Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes.
- Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
- Are Waterproofs provided?
No.
- Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.
- Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Gallery
Locations
From: Brightlingsea
To: Brightlingsea
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