Thames Sailing Barge Match Official Site

Originating in 1863 through the initiative of Henry Dodd (1801-1881) Victorian London's "Golden Dustman", it is now the longest running, regularly organised, national racing event for traditional sail in the world. Based on Gravesend, Kent, it takes place annually on the lower River Thames, in association with the Port of London Authority.

CONTENTS:

MISSION STATEMENT The Match Committee is committed to organising this event so as to provide the opportunity for the surviving barges to showcase themselves to the public, as a reminder that they are available for charter, through which the majority now rely for the funding needed for their upkeep, and thus continuing survival.

OUTLINE RESULTS FOR THE 2008 MATCH on Sat. 12 July

Coasting Class: 1st. Thistle (1895), 2nd. Ethel Ada (1903), 3rd. Lady Daphne (1923), 4th. Ardwina (1909), 5th. Centaur, Retired Gladys (1901)

Staysail Cass: 1st. Repertor (1924), 2nd. Wyvenhoe (1898), 3rd. Greta (1892)

Bowsprit Class: 1st. Marjorie (1902) 2nd. May (1891), 3rd. Adieu (1929)

Full details of the prizes that were awarded will be provided in the Match Report [incorporating the Patrons' Newsletter]. This will be published shortly and posted to Patrons of the 2008 Match. The 2009 Patrons' scheme is explained below.

Chartering: In keeping with the spirit of the Mission Statement those barges that the public or organisations can take trips in, or hire, have hyperlinks incorporated into the barge names. They will take you to the particular barges' own websites where further information can be found. Please consider booking a trip in one of the barges local to yourself - and so doing your bit to keep this unique aspect of Britain's maritime heritage alive for future generations to enjoy.

HOW TO WATCH THIS UNIQUE HISTORIC EVENT - NEXT TIME ROUND - Sat. June 13 2009

You can take a trip on the river with Capt. John Potter in the Gravesend based MV Princess Pocahontas. Tony Farnham, the well known lecturer on barging history and Chairman of the Society for Sailing Barge Research will be providing passengers with an on-going commentary. Souvenir Programmes will be available on board explaining the event. Cash refreshments and food are available on-board. Passengers embark at the West Street Pier, Gravesend, and also Tilbury Pier on the morning of the Match. The website is here.

It is a full day trip providing excellent photo opportunities, with the Princess Pocahontas usually following the leading barge back to Gravesend to provide a close up of it crossing the finish line. After disembarking, the nearby Three Daws riverside Inn, where the prize-giving occurs later in the evening, is a very good location to watch the other barges finish 1600-1700ish, depending on the wind.

Arrange your trip early – it is a very popular event on the lower River Thames. Booking is via: 01732 353448 and the website is here. Free car parking - at Tilbury Landing Stage, otherwise there is a Pay & Display car park immediately opposite the entrance to West Street Pier, Gravesend, where the Pocahontas embarks passengers.

Topsail Charters of Maldon, Essex, typically have their barges either following or competing in the match. The latter is a totally different experience to seeing the match from the excursion vessels. Why not try it? Embarkation is usually Tilbury Ferry Pier, Essex, with the Gravesend - Tilbury ferry being available to take Kent arrivals across.

Please contact Topsail Charters on 01621 857567 to book. The website is here.

PS Kingswear Castle (1924), Capt. John Megoran, runs a Saturday "Southend on Sea Cruise" schedule during the summer months, one of which usually coincides with the day of the Thames Match. Part of it may be seen if timing is appropriate. This coal fired paddle steamer is based at Thunderbolt Pier, Chatham Historic Dockyard on the River Medway, Kent.

Check the website here. Bookings can be made on the site or 01634 827648

MV X-Pilot (1967), the Medway based former pilot vessel converted for chartering is available to take up to 12 passengers, and usually follows the event.

Booking is via Alan Littlewort at X-Pilot Enterprises on 07952 784311 or 01634 304308. The website is here.

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR NAME IN PRINT - FAME AT LAST - THRO' OUR PATRONS' SCHEME?

Each year this maritime heritage event on the lower River Thames has to find the financial support to enable it to take place, and the next match will be no exception. Funding is achieved through the MATCH PATRON scheme. A minimum donation of £35 [67p. per week averaged over the year] secures your opportunity for fame at last! Or you could make a donation on behalf of someone else - and so create an unusual present for them! Why not have a look here?

STOP PRESS

Update No. 54 - July 28, 2008

Outline results of the 78th. Match of July 12 2008 are provided together with new photographs. The date of the 2009 Match is also provided.

M. W.