About barge matches
Organised Barge Sailing Matches have existed since at least 1863. Mr. Henry Dodd, a London contractor who made his fortune out of the collection and disposal of rubbish and was known as the “Golden Dustman”, conceived the idea of a sailing match for Thames Barges. He hoped that this would induce owners to improve the design of their barges and act as a morale booster to the participating crews. Matches continue to this day, albeit not with working vessels, although many of the competing vessels are around 100 years old.
The matches are organised by local committees under the coordination of the Sailing Barge Association and points are awarded for each race to determine the champion Barge for the year.
The results of the 2026 Sailing Barge Championships were as follows.
1st Niagara – 46 points and first in the fast staysail
2nd Edme – 36 points and first in the bowsprits
3rd Pudge – 30 points and first in the coasting and slow staysails
4th Marjorie – 17 points
5th Blue Mermaid – 13 points
6th Thalatta – 13 points
7th Lady Daphne – 11 points
8th Edith May – 10 points
9th Centaur – 8 points
10th Adieu – 8 points
