Weekends Away on s.b. REMINDER (1929)

"Reminder" offers you the chance to cruise back in time to an unhurried world governed by wind and tides. Leave the pressures of modern life ashore as you relax and explore the "secret waters" of the East Coast. Visit quiet anchorages and historic riverside villages, enjoy the abundant wildlife and stunning sunsets.

Topsail Charters - Thames Sailing Barges on the East Coast

Imagine summer evenings up on deck watching the sunset with a cold drink in hand; chill out and chat in the saloon; play board games and cards or make music - why not bring an instrument? Children love crabbing, beach combing or playing cricket behind the sea wall. You'll see that there is something special for everyone. Our friendly crew are committed to making your voyage an unforgettable experience.

Self-cater or take a break from the stove and let our cook prepare delicious fresh food onboard for you and your guests.

Only 1 ½ hours from London and ¾ hours away from the Dartford Crossing * your weekends relaxation can start the minute you step out of your car and put your bags onboard.

Maldon Quay

Weekends From Maldon in Essex

Maldon is rich in maritime history and home to the largest fleet of working barges in the country.

Join us on Friday evening at the Quay. You can choose to eat ashore (we supply a local munch guide) or have dinner on board. The Queens Head, drinking place for bargemen since the 19th century, is a stone’s throw from the barge.

Depending on the tides, we may leave the Quay late on Friday night and drop down river to Osea Island, starting again on Saturday after breakfast, or depart from Maldon on Saturday morning.

Once past Osea, a privately owned island only accessible by causeway at low tide, the River Blackwater widens out and we sail past West Mersea, a fishing village famous for its native oysters. On the South shore you’ll see the isolated 7th century chapel of St Peters on the Wall at Bradwell. Once past Mersea island, you arrive in the River Colne and depending on tides the barge may anchor off Brightlingsea for the night and a possible shore visit, or sail up the Colne to Wivenhoe, a very attractive riverside village.

On Sunday you head back to Maldon. Return time is dictated by tides, so please ring the office for further advice on timing.
For longer weekends, we can head North to Harwich, through the bustling harbour and to one of the old barge anchorages at Pin Mill (featured in many marine paintings) or to the quay at Mistley. Quiet anchorages can be found on the Walton Backwaters - Arthur Ransome’s “Secret Waters”.