A bit of history about SB Lady Daphne

Nick and Pippa went down to London to day to meet the owner of Lady Daphne today to discuss the coming barge trip..

Thames sailing barges ("barge" meaning without a deep keel) were amongst the fastest and most versatile trading ships ever built. Famous for their ochre sails, able to point well into the wind, suitable for waters as shallow as five feet, capable of lowering both masts to pass under bridges and fit with two large cargo holds, these remarkable craft dominated coastal shipping through a combination of economic efficiency and sailing prowess. Even more remarkably, they were sailed by a crew of "a man, a boy and a dog", which contrasts with the large crews needed on some of today's modern yachts. Thames sailing barges were also fleet, and their racing history extends over 100 years. The trading waters for Thames sailing barges included England, Ireland and the Continent, with rumours of longer trips for a rare few to the Americas. Thames sailing barges also served honourably in war, evacuating many of the men from Dunkirk and sweeping mines....... Why not visit the Lady Daphne website to find out more.

http://www.lady-daphne.co.uk/history.html