Category Archives: sb Thalatta
New video of Thalatta, courtesy of Shipping TV
This very pleasing and peaceful video of sb Thalatta working her way out of Harwich
on 7th July 2015 was highlighted on the Felixstowe News website. By Shipping TV, it is a joy to watch. Here is the link to the film.
The photo illustrating this post is by SSBR Committee Member Dave Brooks, and shows Thalatta at anchor in Queenborough Creek.
Joe Brannigan – another sad loss
These weeks either side of Christmas have been bad and sad ones for the sailing 
barge community.
And now we hear of another loss. Joe Brannigan, the Chairman of the East Coast Sail Trust, died on Thursday night, 31 January 2013. Peter Phillips says he will be sorely missed by the ECST.
Hugh Perks tells us that Joe had developed cancer, and was not looking well when he saw him just before Christmas.
As Hugh says, Joe will be remembered for the superb effort of getting sb Thalatta rebuilt. In recognition of that, SSBR awarded him our Colindell Trophy in May 2012.
Here’s Joe receiving the Trophy at the 2012 Annual General Meeting.
We send our deepest sympathy to Joe’s family.
UPDATE
We have now been advised of the details of Joe’s funeral. It will be on Friday 15 February, at 11.00am, at English Martyrs’ Catholic Church, 65 Maldon Road, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4QL.
No flowers, but donations, if wished, to East Coast Sail Trust Ltd.
End of Summer round-up on some of the barges
A round-up from some of the barges as the season draws nearer to its close.
Peter Phillips records that Thalatta’s last day sail of the season was on 3rd September. She then went to St Osyth, and then on to Heybridge. He says: “thanks for everything Cyril and Roger, and let’s look forward to next season.” Meanwhile he tells us: “Thalatta has a new book, Thalatta, Spirit of the Sea; I suppose you could call it her biography.”
Thistle had a Public Open Day in Ipswich Dock last Sunday. As well as free entry, she was offering a competition for two free places on a barge cruise.
Edith May was wondering how it could be that the last week of her summer season was approaching. She reports that the Tea Room will be re-opening on Thursday 25th October, 1030 to 1600.
Cambria finished her extended charter to the Sea 
Change Sailing Trust, and is now doing several short charters for young carers, who are sponsored by the Rotary Club, which pays for replacement carers while the young people are away. The professional crew members at the moment are Ian Ruffles (Skipper) and Denis Johnson and Ryan Dale (Mates). On Sunday Ryan posted this photograph, which shows Cambria’s GPS recording a speed of 14.2 knots. He goes on to say they “Maxed out at 15.9 knots not long after. I know the tide accounted for a lot of it, but still find this incredible!!”
Kitty has been working really hard. Annie Meadows tells us: “Lovely two hour sail on the Blackwater this evening; back as the sun was about to set – pair of egrets by our mooring and four cormorants diving for their dinner.” The next day she says: “Third day out in a row; we had Topsail, Mainsail, Staysail and Mizzen set and engine off for over an hour. The barge was full to capacity with lots of smiling faces.” And there was more the next day: “Out on the Blackwater with a full barge again today. Sunshine for most of the day, with Lyndon March doing a great job as Acting Skipper.” And Annie’s latest report is: “Another lovely but slightly chilly sail on sb Kitty, this time with JP Lodge as Acting Skipper, and Kevin Burtonshaw and Lyndon March wandering about, dazed and unsure what to do once control had been handed over to someone else. It was funny to watch.” Not to be outdone, JP Lodge joins in: “I had a good day yesterday on sb Kitty. It was my turn as Acting Skipper! Learnt a lot, didn’t break anything. I still reckon my approach alongside Hydrogen was smooth. Thanks to Kevin, Lyndon and Annie. Refreshments afterwards in the Queens, then later that evening to Curry Nights for a really good meal.”
And finally to Greta, where Steve Norris has posted two pictures of Greta’s van in its splendid new livery. He’s very proud of the signs. 
Ipswich and Halstow – the barges are there and open this weekend
It’s Ipswich Maritime Festival this weekend, so on Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 August, there will be a huge programme of activities at Ipswich Waterfront, from 10.00am to 6.00pm each day.
Here’s the link to the programme for the day.
There’s lots for children to do, and to interest adults. The programme lists some of the vessels which will be present, and mentions Lady of Avenel, MT Kent, Thalatta, Centaur, and “Thames Barges”. Er, what are Thalatta and Centaur then?
There will be Cream Tea Cruises on Victor at 2.00pm on Saturday and Sunday. We also happen to know that Kitty will be there, at Custom House Quay, and will be offering three hour barge trips.
Meanwhile, further south, Edith May is having Open Days this weekend, and will be open in Halstow Dock on Saturday and Sunday, from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Cream teas and cake are promised in the Edith May Tearoom.
Sunshine and high temperatures are forecast so it should be a good weekend on the water.
Thalatta in the evening sun
Excellent photo of Thalatta at anchor in Queenborough Creek.
Picture – Dave Brooks
Barging about the Rivers – in the Sun!
Much better weather around the Thames area makes it a grand weekend for the barges. Here’s what some of them have to say over the last couple of days:- 
Peter Phillips says, “Thalatta doing what she does best! Cyril, Roger, Rita and a barge load of children cruising the Blackwater.” (photo – Peter Phillips)
Thames Barge Orinoco says, “Fantastic charter yesterday! And again today; all 
sitting in the sunshine on the deck watching the world go by.” (photo – sb Orinoco)
Annie Meadows says, “We have 45 artists on board today; hoping I will be allowed to photograph some of their work.”
Cambria is at Pin Mill, where Richard Titchener, Hilary Halajko and the Sea Change youngsters on board have been busy. Dave Brooks went to visit them and took some pictures. 
Dave says, “Cambria is on the blocks at Pin Mill, and Skipper Richard Titchener is showing the way as Sea Change do a fantastic job of painting her up in readiness for the Thames match next weekend.” (photo – Dave Brooks)
Dave goes on to say “The locals didn’t recognize her with the black leeboards, so when in Pin Mill do as Bob Roberts would have done and paint them.” Cambria now has tri-colour leeboards. (photo – Dave Brooks)
Dave had something else to tell us too. “For the first time in over 40 years Cambria returns to Pin Mill. It stirred a few memories of some of the people living there who remember her from the Bob Roberts days.” (Photo – Dave Brooks)
Meanwhile two special events are going on today:- the Harwich Sea Festival and Lifeboat Day and the Nautical Festival at Faversham. Lovely weather for both of them, with lots of good things to see and do, and a great atmosphere.
And now Ed Gransden joins in to tell us, “Sailing past Horrid hill, riverside. Cracking day today – I knew this summer would be a good one….”
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