The Thames Sailing Barges with theri distinctive red ochre sails and tall, stately masts are a renowned part of London's Maritime Heritage. Ironsides is one of the remaining few, an outstanding example of these traditional coastal sailing ships.
Built in 1900 by Clarke and Stanfield of Grays, Essex, she initially carried cargoes of Portland Stone and cement for the APCM company. In 1928 she was sold to the London and Rochester Trading Company but continued to trade up and down the Challen as well as in the Thames Estuary.
After a distinguished war service, sustaining damage during London's Blitz, she recommenced trading as a motor barge carrying general cargoes. SInce 1968 Ironsides has undergone a careful process of restoration in a Kentish shipyard.
She is now one of the most authentic and comfortable spritsail barges afloat today. In 1984 the interior of Ironsides was refurbished to create an ideal venue fro company entertaining, which she has since done to great effect in St. Katharine's Yacht Haven.
Since she was bought by Mark and Caroline Tower in 1986 Ironsides has returned to sailing and undertakes an iterinary each season around the coast, both to Special Events and the summer series of barge matches of which she is a frequent winner.

The Venue.
The interior of Ironsides is both spacious and comfortable whilst retaining the essential character of the vessel. Her expansive aft saloon will seat up to twenty-two guests for lunch and dinner parties or accomodate up to fifty for the more informal buffet. The more initmate forward saloon offers a welcoming reception for drinks before a meal or provides a separate bar for large functions.
The comprehensive facilities provided aboard - superb cuisine, live music and audio-visual eqipment - allow for a wide variety of functions at a venue of considerable individuality.
Ironsides is available seven days a week throughout the year. Here are a few ways in which she can be utilised:
When entertaining in London and other ports you can:
Arrange press and product luanches ensuring high profile and attendance
Hold business meetings and small conferences undisturbed and in total privacy.
Serve champagne for breakfast or take evenig cocktails on deck
Have themed parties.
And on the River Thames:
We arrange an opening of Tower Bridge especially for you
Cruises that encompass the Docklands, Greenwich and the Thames Barrier.

Topsail Charters also provide a large range of special & participatory events for those involved in Company Entertaining
Special Events
Cowes Week
Tall Ships Race
Air Shows and Boat Shows
Festivals of Ships and the Sea 

Participatory Event
Corporate Race Days
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Team Building Treasure Hunts
Yacht Race Days

For the sailor we offer:
A day, weekend or week of sailing charter
Sailing on the East and South Coasts of England as well as on the Continent
Classic Boat Festivals and Sailiong Barge Racing.

For your celebrations we offer:
Wedding Receptions
Birthday and Christmas Parties
Stag Nights and Hen Nights