
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.
Has the barge museum reopened?
I think the suggestion is that it will be doing so – but I haven’t been able to find a website with a clear indication.
Gavin