Sailing barges race in 2015 Thames Match

Rob Powell Sailing Barges

TRADITIONAL sailing barges took to the river on Saturday morning (22nd) for the Thames Sailing Barge Match 2015.

Ten barges took part in the event on a beautiful sunny day on the river, delighting onlookers on shore and on spectator boats.

The event traces its history back to 1863 and saw the iconic barges race from Mucking down to Southend and then back to Gravesend.

The Champion Bowsprit Class was one by Adieu while Niagara came first in the Champion Staysail Class. Lady of the Lea was first placed in the Coasting Class.

It was the first Thames Match since 2013's Mark Boyle Memorial Match.

Photos of the Thames Sailing Barge Match 2015

THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH 2015

THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH 2015

THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH 2015

THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH 2015THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH 2015

Video of some of the closing stages of the barge match

As with all the photos on this website, any of these pictures can ordered as prints.

Buy a copy of a photo from this post as a digital file or print