Raybel Charters, based in Sittingbourne, Kent, have launched a crowdfunding campaign for the final phase of work on the Raybel restoration.
The target is £15,000 target towards the costs of:
- putting the masts, rudder and leeboards back onto Raybel
- re-rigging and fitting the sails
- internal fit out: electrics, plumbing and galley
- buying essential navigation and H&S equipment
There’s been huge progress with the restoration of Raybel since 2020 - with all the major work to frames, hull and decking fully complete. We’ve raised nearly £600,000 for the work, and are immensely grateful for the support of the Heritage Fund, Swale and Kent Councils, the Swires’ Trust and Queenborough Fishery Trust. Now there’s just this final phase to do.
Since forming Raybel Charters in 2018, we’ve also ….
- established a pioneering sail cargo import and distribution business in Kent and London
- run a huge array of community and creative events for people of all ages
- provided training and volunteering
- created a new community space at our base on Lloyd’s Wharf, Sittingbourne
- begun a project to clean up the water quality of Milton Creek.
Our clear and exciting plan for the future –
- put the finishing touches to Raybel, and bring her into the sail cargo network in 2025
- run Raybel as a venue for arts and cultural events in Sittingbourne and on the Thames estuary – including a first commission as part of the Estuary ’25 festival
- continue providing training, volunteering and creative activities around our themes of heritage, environment, trade and transport
If you love what Raybel Charters is doing, and *IF* you can afford it, we very much hope you will support this campaign.
Zone South East