About The Thames Estuary

The Thames Estuary is Trinovante’s ‘home’ territory, where she was built, and a fascinating area for a weekend break.

Steeped in sailing history and tradition it’s one of the last places in the UK where you will see traditionally rigged boats as a matter of course. Fishing smacks and sailing barges race here throughout the season.

In the quiet river anchorages you will hear the distinctive call of oyster catchers and other wading birds feeding on the mud flats as the tide ebbs and flows.

Just a day sail up the coast,  you’ll be part of the  busy commercial activity on the River Orwell at Feliwstowe, the largest container port in the country.

Where Does Trinovante go in a weekend?

This is only a rough guide, we will be working with the wind, the weather and most importantly the tides.

Day One

After you arrive on the first afternoon, Trinovante will  leave Ipswich to head straight down the River Orwell. The scenery will change from rural river to Felixstowe Port where huge ships manoeuver and back to rural river again.

On the first evening you will learn enough to feel comfortable onboard as we go through some basic safety training. Heading into the river Stour we will drop anchor, have dinner and maybe a few beers.

Day Two

The following day Trinovante will weigh anchor sail past Harwich and head out to sea. Sailing down the coast Trinovante will be leaving Walton-On-The Naze and Clacton Pier on the starboard side.The aim is to reach the River Blackwater or the River Colne to drop anchor again for the night. By the end of day two you will have learnt how two put up the sails and have had a go at steering. You may even start to feel like an old sea dog.

Day Three

Sail up the ‘Wallet’ to Harwich. Will we be tacking or have the wind on the beam? Trinovante often moors alongside Halfpenny Pier for the night. The crew sometimes go ashore after dinner to one of the local pubs in Harwich Old Town.