We appreciate all the support we have been receiving throughout the pandemic, it has helped to keep us afloat. 

Please will you generously make a donation to us? Do it here, reclaiming Gift Aid too if you can. 

What we do is important for our young groups, their communities and the future of barges. THANK YOU 

#ShipshapeNetwork

Skipper Richard Titchener

Writing a year ago we were looking forward to the first full year of operation for Blue Mermaid and it promised to be busy and exciting, including a second dive to the wreck of the original barge.

Then Covid struck and the rest is history. If you have been following you will know we did not rig out in the spring and the barge was put on her mooring in April once as much maintenance as possible had been done. Later in the year as the first relaxation of restrictions and flexible furlough arrived, day sailing became possible, so we rigged and spent August to October doing some worthwhile training for our selves and other barge crews as well as saying thank you to some supporters. There was some limited work with young people, but it was not possible to have people stay overnight. At the time of writing, this continues to be the case, with the latest guidance saying this will be reviewed in February. (more…)

Ready for anything

Half term at the end of October has typically been the end of our sailing season. With the restrictions on residentials we offered day trips from Brightlingsea to Inclusion Ventures, a fantastic charity working with families in Jaywick and West Clacton. Two days were planned, one for female and one for male teenagers. The first coincided with a gale but was postponed as an accompanying staff member was isolating because of covid symptoms in her family and the test results were slow and then inconclusive. So it was with vim and vigour that we met the male group on the Hard with waterproofs and lifejackets, having prepared them for a wet and windy day. The previous evening leader Tai had spoken with the group and explained the torrential rain in the forecast. To their credit, all wished to come. (more…)

Nick and Christobel Ardley have the ship

Our connection with the Blue Mermaid and the Sea-Change Sailing Trust began many years ago now.

I had just had my book ‘May Flower A Barging Childhood‘ published and in chapter one, I wrote about my thoughts about barge reconstructions and building a ‘replica’ in steel. Uncannily, during 2008/9 I learnt of the Blue Mermaid appeal…

Read Nick’s piece here

Outgoing Commodore of Maldon Little Ship Club Iain Stubbs presents Hilary of Sea-Change with a cheque for £1200 as the proceeds from collections as his Commodore’s Charity with additional family contributions.

In response Hilary thanked members and hoped they would continue sail with us us beneath the club logo. More

We treated supporters to a day out on Blue Mermaid at the weekend. Good fun despite the rain.

Don Wright prepares to follow the handle round as Sue Pennison tends the bobstay. More

We recently undertook a training weekend aboard Blue Mermaid together with members of Thames Sailing Barge Trust.

Here the jib is being stowed prior to steeving up the bowsprit at West Mersea on day two. More

Souvenirs of our last few sailing days, which included crew training and supporters’ days.

Last week the weather was better and we had three crew training days. Here Oli checks the bob. More

Hilary on the wheel leaving the Colne on
Friday 3oth October, possibly for the last time this year.