A Thames sailing barge is a type of commercial sailing boat once common on the River Thames in London. The flat-bottomedbarges, with a shallow draught and leeboards, were perfectly adapted to the Thames Estuary, with its shallow waters and narrow tributary rivers. The larger barges were seaworthy vessels, and were the largest sailing vessel to be handled by just two men. The average size was about 120 tons and they carried 4,200 square feet (390 m²) of canvas sail in six working sails. The mainsail was loose-footed and set up with a sprit, and was brailed to the mast when not needed. It is sheeted to a horse, as is the foresail; they require no attention when tacking. The foresail is often held back by the mate to help the vessel come about more swiftly. read more…
The Düsseldorf International Boat Show (German: Internationale Bootsausstellung Düsseldorf), more commonly known as boot Düsseldorf or just boot is one of the world’s premier boat shows. With some 1,600 exhibitors from over 50 countries, boot Düsseldorf is considered a benchmark for the international boat and water sports industry. Unparalleled at other major boat shows, large vessels up to 180 grt can be looked on in their entirety, as the exhibition is a complete indoor event. Boot Düsseldorf is held annually at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, for the duration of a week in the end of January. read more…
