Having somewhere to moor one historic ship is difficult enough, let along when you have three already and more to come.
Shipshape Network South East project Tiller and Wheel CIC are therefore delighted to share the news that they have bought Shoregate Wharf, Upchurch. Shoregate Wharf was originally a farmer's barge dock, before becoming home to a small boat club for 80 years and then privately owned. Lower Halstow remains their main sailing base, but Shoregate will become a home to at least one sailing barge in the near future.
The opportunity came out the blue at the end of the sailing season and whilst it initially seemed unachievable, thanks to their sponsors Rolfe Judd, plus patrons, family and friends, they were able to get it over the line.
Strategically, the wharf provides long-term security and a dedicated space on the shores of the Medway for historic ship maintenance - an invaluable resource when so many other areas have been lost. It's a major milestone on delivering Tiller & Wheel's key aim - a sustainable future for East Coast historic ships.
Tiller & Wheel are a small family business dedicated to promoting the historic East Coast fleet of smacks and barges and providing high quality experiences aboard their historic vessels Edith May, a Thames Sailing Barge, and Thistle, a Whitstable oyster smack. In March 2024, the wooden sailing barge Ardwina joined their fleet.
Patron support is key to T&W's achievements over the past 4 years. If you want to see more historic ships being restored and more opportunities to sail them, take a look at the T&W Patreon page and help make it all happen!
Source: Press release
Zone South East