One of 37 barges built by J & H Cann at Gas House Creek, Harwich, Kitty was built in 1895. Cann’s where renowned for both high quality workmanship and a reputation for building fast vessels. This reputation for speed is evidenced by the number of East Coast Barge races she has won over the years.
Kitty is 25 metres in length, with a 6.5 metre beam; she is massively built on oak frames and floors and clad in 3 and 4 inch pitch pine. She still has her original pine keelson 0.4 metres square and 23 metres long. Her spritsail rig has a sail area of almost 3000 square feet and her gross tonnage is 79 tons and is capable of carrying a cargo of 150 tons.
Sailing Barge Kitty is berthed in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton.
A Typical Day’s Sail on Sailing Barge Kitty
09:30 – 17:30
The hostess and crew welcome you and your guests on board when tea/coffee and biscuits will be served. Once all guests have arrived the Skipper will introduce the crew and give a short safety briefing. We will then depart Ocean Village.
Kitty will sail down Southampton water and head towards the Solent.
Having left Ocean VIllage it is our intention to set all the sails for an unforgettable experience and enjoy the beautiful scenery on passage to Cowes. As an added experience guests will be able to ride high speed RIB capable of 45 knots. Remember to bring your camera so you can get some photographs of Kitty from the RIB sailing majestically up the Solent driven by 3000 sq ft of sails.
The crew will also be keen for you to take the wheel and navigate the Solent.
The bar will be open during the voyage and guests will be able to enjoy fine wines, beer, spirits or soft drinks at all times. Tea/coffee will also be available.
You and your guests will also be served with a superb buffet of your choice, prepared and served by our excellent caterers. The meal can be enjoyed on deck or down below as Kitty sails into Cowes or nearby Osborne Bay.
At 1730 (or thereabouts) Kitty will return to her berth at Ocean Village. For those who wish to linger the bar will remain open for the convenience of the guests.
