Friends Newsletters
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Latest News
Thalatta now operational
Thalatta Sea Trials and Fitting-out complete
Thalatta has now completed her Sea Trials successfully and is now fully fitted-out ready for a resumption of cruises in April.
Calm waters
All Systems Go
Light airs
At sea, at last
Trimming the main
So, sailing barge Thalatta is open for business and her first school trip starts on Monday 16 April, with Day Sails in May.
Bob Ball visits Thalatta
Bob Ball (pictured on the left, below) was welcomed aboard Thalatta on 16 December accompanied by Brian Mott. Bob's father was involved in building the accommodation for Thalatta in 1967 in the early days of cruises for youngsters, and he was most interested to see how the refurbishment has progressed.
HLF visits Thalatta to celebrate nearing the end of the project
Roy Swanston, Heritage Lottery Fund Committee Member visited Thalatta at the St Osyth Boatyard on 18 October to view the concluding stages of the restoration. After meeting many of the people involved in the project he announced himself pleased with the quality of workmanship and materials, and progress. As he subsequently wrote:
"......as I hope you saw, I enjoyed immensely my visit to the Thalatta and I was really impressed by both your collective enthusiasm and what the Trust had achieved. I have no doubt that you will accomplish your objectives and that the Thalatta will be sailing again by next spring and give immeasurable enjoyment to thousands more children over the years."
Roy Swanston, right, with Peter Norton, ECST
Thames sailing barge Thalatta
A piece of British Maritime history returned to the water on Monday 1 August 2011 when the Thames sailing barge Thalatta, owned by the East Coast Sail Trust Ltd was launched at the St Osyth Boatyard following a five year restoration.
Thalatta launch in sight
Thalatta is nearing completion with the deck and hatches finished and painted and work now focused on the accommodation and services like plumbing and electrics. The plan is to launch Thalatta by the Autumn and, following raising the masts and rigging, undergo ‘shakedown’ trials before year-end.
Looking ahead to 2012!
Thalatta is nearing the end of her refurbishment, which has lasted 5 years, and will be operational again in 2012 from the start of the season, when she can resume her work.
Thalatta will be cruising with young people from all backgrounds, providing Day Sails for groups and operating as a unique venue for events such as lectures, training courses, corporate hospitality, open days and entertainment. Whilst the sailing season will run from April to September as before, the other activities will continue into the winter months whilst alongside.
