Exciting News from Maldon in Essex - where several sailing Barges on the National Historic Ships UK Registers are based - a major dredging project has started off the Hythe Quay, where a big build-up of mud and silt was threatening the operation of the barges. In February 2026, Maldon District Council approved a budget of £135,000 for the work, which should be finished by the end of May.
The Thames Sailing Barge Trust operate Pudge and Centaur from Maldon, and Topsail Charters who own Thistle, Hydrogen, and Reminder are based there. George Smeed and Wyvenhoe are usually moored at the quay too, creating one of the best places on the East Coast to enjoy the beautiful site of many Thames Barges together and often sailing to and from the quay on the tide.
Paul Jefferies of Topsail Charters said: “It was becoming increasingly difficult to get in and out of our berths and if something wasn’t done, it wouldn’t have been long before we couldn’t operate at all, so I’m delighted that the dredging is finally happening. We thank the council for their continued support of the barges which are such an important asset to the town.”
Meanwhile, lots of work has been taking place on the barges with an interior makeover for Thistle to help emphasise her impressive wood-panelled saloon.
And in the dry dock at Downs Road Boatyard, Maldon shipwright Kevin Finch and Topsail's Sam Hicks and Alfie Mason have been shaping and fitting some big planks for Hydrogen's bottom. She should be back on the Quay around Easter weekend, ready to start her 120th year of sailing.
Source: Press release
Photo: Thistle's wooden saloon (c) Topsail Charters
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