Category: Barges and wherries

Barges and wherries and other working boats originally for carrying cargoes

An interview with Bob Roberts’ Cambria mate Phil Latham

Phil Latham on sailing the Cambria from Richard Fleury on Vimeo.

Richard is the chap who runs the The Quay website, which campaigns for the maritime future of Faversham Creek.

On the day of the Cambria’s relaunch earlier this week he was lucky enough to be able to meet Phil Latham, who was Bob’s mate aboard the sailing barge from 1964-68, and and to film an interview. I think it’s of great interest to anyone fascinated by sailing barges and Bob Roberts,  but also to sailors who know or plan to visit the East Coast.

Cambria is relaunched!

Relaunch of sailing barge Cambria at Standard Quay

The relaunch of Bob Roberts’ old sailing barge Cambria at Standard Quay, Faversham just after noon on the 21st March 2011. Hoorah!

Roberts was the last working barge skipper, and Cambria the last working barge. She’s now being refurbished, and this short film shows the first short trip she has made on her own bottom for some time.

I should add that old Bob was also a noted singer and melodeon player – although the sound track I’ve used on this clip is not by him, but an old recording of mine. Read all about the Cambria here .

Very sadly, this launch may be one of the last from Standard Quay, as there are plans to develop the area. To support the campaign to save Standard Quay and Faversham Creek’s traditional maritime industries, see http://standardquay.com/

PS – Graham Phillips spotted this clip of Cambria arriving at Standard Quay. Thanks Graham!

 

It’ll be the death of me – a little song warning about the dangers of mixing water and alcohol

It'll be the death of me - drink and boating dangers song

A little song about the skipper of a Humber sloop made by Pete Thompson – I don’t know whether it’ll catch on, but having rowed back from the pub once or twice, I do know that this is an important topic!