A relaxed and welcoming sail designed for families of all ages.

Join us aboard the historic Thames Sailing Barge Raybel for a series of community sails departing from Queenborough Harbour. Exploring the Swale, these relaxed and welcoming voyages offer a chance to experience traditional sailing, local landscapes, and life on the water from a unique perspective. Each has a thene with an expert guide onboard for you to get the most out of the experience.

All sails are open to beginners and curious adventurers alike, with a sliding scale ticket system to help keep trips accessible to all.

Help raise the sails, take a turn at the helm, enjoy the fresh sea air, or simply settle in and watch the coastline drift by. These trips focus on shared experience, curiosity, and fun aboard a traditional Thames sailing barge, with plenty of opportunities for children and adults alike to get involved.

Guide

Barge rigger and mate Tom Lagan

Access

Find Raybel at the Queenborough All Tide Landing, pontoon access from the sea wall.

There is access from the pontoon at Queenborough Harbour with steps on and off the barge.

Sailing Route

The route for each day will be along the Swale but may vary depending on tides and weather conditions .

What to wear

Bring layers as temperatures can be cooler than on land, wear clothes you can move around in easily, and that you don’t mind if they get a bit marked with tar or grease. Wear shoes that are flat soled and easy to climb stairs in. Bring a sun hat.

Catering

We will not be providing catering on these trips, so suggest you bring a packed lunch if you need. There will be plenty of water on board, as well as cups of tea and some snacks.

Bad weather

The decision to sail is entirely at the discretion of the skipper, and the trip may be postponed up to 24hrs before the departure time. If this happens we will let you know by phone / text or e-mail.

Safety aboard the barge

Raybel is fully compliant with all safety regulations and carries a life raft, life jackets, flares and other associated equipment. Choosing to wear a life jacket is at the discretion of passengers. The barge will be sailed as much as possible. This means there will be numerous trip hazards and working machinery around and above the decks, which can be dangerous. A full safety briefing will be provided at the start of the trip.

Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Description supplied by the event organiser.