Sun on the sails

Well we have done it!
A wish full filled.
A sail on a Thames Barge, thanks to Topsail Charters based in Maldon.
(This photo is of our sister barge as we sailed past)

It was just as wonderful as we hoped.
The weather, perfect, with a nice breeze and sun which made the water glisten.

Our boat "Thistle" was built on the Clyde in 1895, for a coal merchant from Battersea.
It was used to carry coal from the River Humber down to the Thames.
It was working until 1970's Then became a house boat, and then in the 1980's it's sail were restored, and now it is run by Topsail.

It was only a three hour sail, with a lunch included. ( ham and cheese with salad and pickles, followed by blackberry and apple crumble and cream)
We managed to put some of the sails up. With no engine it was so peaceful as we sailed along in the breeze.

A day to remember!

Some more photos on my blipfolio.see here