Category: Barges and wherries

Barges and wherries and other working boats originally for carrying cargoes

Red Sails – a history of Thames sailing barges

SB Raybel to return to Milton Creek for restoration

Sailing barge Raybel is overwintering at Heybridge Basin for what is expected to be the last time before her restoration begins at the rebuilt Dolphin Barge Museum at Milton Creek.

She was built and launched at Milton Creek in 1920.

Raybel has won funding support from Swale Borough Council and a Heritage Lottery Fund application goes in this month.

She is said to be in remarkably good condition and is still largely original. The main work she needs is on her hull, covering boards, rails and deck planking, and she need a need a new rudder and winches.