79' Thames Sailing Barge (1892) - GRETA

Greta is a Thames Sailing Barge built in 1892 at Brightlingsea. She used to be a working barge transporting cargo on the River Thames and the Thames Estuary. She carried ammunition, beer, grain, malt and building products.

In 1918 Greta was sold to The London Rochester Barge Company. Early in WW2 she was chartered by the Ministry of Supply. Her cargo was ammunition from the Army depot at Upnor near Rochester to Naval vessels anchored at the Nore in the Thames Estuary. Also during WW2 Greta took part in the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940, she is the oldest Dunkirk Little Ship that is still working today she is a member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.

Although Greta no longer carries cargo she still works providing Thames Sailing Barge day trips for individuals and offers private charters from Whitstable Harbour Kent, The sailing season is usually from Spring (April/May) till late Summer (Sep/mid Oct).

Greta is listed (no. 206) on the UK National Historic Ships Fleet Register.