Left: After rounding the Spaniard buoy, the barges
heads back into a South-Westerly breeze. 
This presumably explains the change of sail on the
Decima. The 'red white and blue' spinnaker has
been replaced by a white staysail - giving
the vessel a rather different look for the return
 journey to the Swale.

Left: Lady of the Lea on the homeward run. 
This is arguably my favourite photo shots from 
Peter's collection because  it contains
 some lovely detail.

For example, that buoy marks the Whitstable Street shingle bank
 and it looks like this in close up. So, if you aren't sure where you
are, you can get out and read the sign. I never realised navigation
was that easy!

I just love the fact that crews just love sailing.
 What a fantastic way to spend a day out.

Right: This is another of my favourite shots fom Peter's collection.
Repertor (foreground) and Decima pass Seasalter beach on
the way back into the Swale. It almost has a Caribbean
feel to it all with the Thames Barges assuming an unexpected
elegance. 

Finally, it's back to the calm waters of the Swale estuary

.... and the vessels can be moored against the backdrop of the new Isle of Sheppey bridge

The Simply Whitstable Web Site