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.
