1895 Thames Sailing Barge

• Wood construction
• Surveyed annually

• Perkins 540 V8 180hp diesel (2000)
• PRM 2:1 gearbox
• 24in RH prop
• Fuel consumption approximately 3 gallons/hour at cruising speed of 6 knots

• Currently Gaff rigged with bowsprit but has alternatively been sailed well as a staysail barge for those who want to take a simpler approach
• Steel mast and spirit
• Galvanised standing rigging
• Sails generally new within the last 5 years

12 berths, plus galley and heads.

The main saloon is a stunning area with acres of varnished wood. It can be used to relax on the sofas or as a business workshop area. It is suitable for all modern office equipment including laptop presentations projected onto screen. The dining table can be extended and up to 20 people seated for dinner. A bar is sited by the main companionway into the saloon. The galley has been installed with capacity to deliver restaurant quality food. It contains a gas cooker with eye level grill, and two fridges that are dual 240v and gas. A food preparation sink and hand wash sink are set into the countertops, with a range of cupboards provided. A separate dish wash area with two sinks and crockery cupboards is opposite to keep the galley clear. Hot and cold water is supplied from a gas heated State boiler holding 30 gallons. Fresh water capacity is 450 gallons. There are two WC heads with hot and cold water which is also supplied to all forward cabins with wash basins. A shower is fitted aft. A range of cabins provide comfortable accommodation for 12 passengers. Electrics are from 240v shore power or a silent running generator. 24v lighting from 4 x 100amp batteries is supplied throughout. Diesel fired central heating is installed.

Inventory available upon request.

‘Victor’ is registered in Part 1 of the MCA Register of British Ships, and is in private ownership and free from mortgage. She is 68 gross tons, and has a registered weight of 45 tons. She has a load line exemption certificate to carry up to 12 passengers plus 8 crew to sea and class V and VI passenger certificates to carry up to 40 passengers and up to 10 crew in defined cruising areas such as the Thames and Solent waters. ‘Victor’ is one of only a handful of vessels that is capable of having this level of certification. ‘Victor’ has had out of water surveys by the MCA annually to maintain these certificates. They have been a formality with no works being required since they were granted in the 90’s. She is used by her current owner as a London office, a unique client workshop venue, a dockside location for private and business functions, and a 40 passenger sailing charter vessel, but she would also be suitable as a private home or family vessel.

‘Victor’ was built by Shrubsall’s of Ipswich, was initially used to trade linseed oil between London and Colchester until the Second World War when she loaded munitions out of Chatham. Decommissioned in 1947, she was converted to a motor barge carrying cargo on the Medway and Thames. In the early 60’s she was sold for use as a house boat, until purchased in 1974 by a navy trained shipwright who fully restored her to A1 condition. He used her as his own barge until 1995 when she was sold to her present owner, but he has continued to maintain her as required.

It is understood that the engine was installed in 2000. In 2003 routine pre engine start checks revealed that cooling water had leaked into in the sump. The engine was stripped and found to have only 5% wear. A pin prick hole was identified in one of the liners but it could not be said that this was the cause of the leak. The engine was reassembled and Brad Weld was put into the cooling system. The engine has since been run including 3 pressure tests and has not leaked again.

There are very few sailing barges left, particularly to the standard that ‘Victor’ enjoys. This is a rare opportunity to own part of British heritage. It is understood that her moorings at Tower Bridge and Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu may be available subject to agreement, as may the current owners charter website http://www.victor.org.uk. ‘Victor’ currently regularly cruises between London, the West Country, France and the Channel Islands. She will be sold with all certificates renewed.

Information regarding approximate running costs, as supplied by the owner, available upon request.

Offers are invited in excess of the asking price.