Black and white image of Sailing Barge Raybel launching into Thames 1920

Welcome to Raybel Charters, a maritime heritage community company that mixes business, activism and creativity.

Spanning themes of water, trade, transport, and nature, we collaborate with communities and partners to create innovative and inclusive projects, based on the maritime heritage of the Thames estuary.

Our anchor project is the restoration of the Thames sailing barge Raybel, taking place at Milton Creek, Sittingbourne, Kent - just yards from where she was first built and launched in 1920.

Our Story

Become a Raybel supporter

Our new supporter scheme is now up and running. As we move into a new phase for Raybel a core membership base will be vital to cover some of the costs of maintaining Raybel and keeping Raybel Charters producing new projects and involving more people.

Membership starts at just £5 / month with member benefits including free sails and invites to member get togethers on Raybel.

Join here

Latest

Read our Restoration Blog

Read our Journal

Events

See all Events

The journey so far…


From humble beginnings as a cargo vessel to a beacon of sustainable trade and conservation - learn about Raybel’s past, look back on the restoration story, and follow the sail cargo voyages she will join.

See the community projects we run

Projects
Black and white image of Sailing Barge Raybel launching into Thames 1920

Discover Raybel’s 100 year archive

Archive
De Tukker at Museumhaven, Nederland

Check out the latest sail cargo voyage

Sail Cargo Schedule

Raybel carved sign

Follow Raybel’s restoration journey

Restoration

Get Involved

We're always seeking passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to our various projects, from the Raybel restoration, to sail cargo, to running open days and events

Volunteer

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