Lady Daphne Cruise

On 30 September the Master led a motley crew of Furniture Makers and guests onto the Thames sailing barge “Lady Daphne” moored at Hay’s Wharf in the Pool of London. The barge, owned by Honorary Liveryman Michael Mainelli, was about to complete possibly its last charter for the owner pending its sale

Gathered below deck in the spacious hold with a welcome drink, Michael gave a safety briefing followed by a brief history of Thames sailing barges.

Then all went up on deck as Lady Daphne slipped her moorings and turned downstream towards Tower Bridge. We then had the privilege of seeing the mighty bascules of the bridge rising to allow our craft through.

We made fast progress on the ebbing tide passing and enjoying the ever changing scene and being impressed by the continuing development of the old waterfront to accommodate new businesses, homes and leisure facilities. As the light faded the night-time skyline looked even more impressive.

As we motored downstream  we were assisted by the setting of the topsail. A few volunteers, including the Mistress, were selected to learn a new language of clewlines, sheets and halyards and under instruction from the crew raised the topsail to the acclaim of the spectators.

As we approached the spectacular vista of Greeenwich it started to rain and all but the hardy crew dived below for the snack buffet organised by Sally assisted by volunteers from the Company

At the Woolwich Barrier we turned to head back upstream and by now the lights of London stood out in the darkness and a whole new view of the City was enjoyed. A laser beam marking the Greenwich Meridian brought home the fact that we had crossed the Meridian 6 times during the voyage.

As we approached Tower Bridge we now had the inspiring sight of the fully illuminated bridge again opening for us. Michael helmed us through the bridge in what was an emotional journey for him, made even more special as we were accompanied by the paddle steamer Waverley making her annual visit from the Clyde to the Thames.

Back at Hays Wharf the Master thanked Michael and the crew for their attention to us during the evening and we returned ashore after another successful event in the company of good friends.