Introduction
Brigantine & Beyond offers hands-on Widebeam Barge experience days on the Rivers Severn & Avon and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. These experiences are designed for anyone considering Widebeam Barge ownership, looking to build confidence on inland waterways, wanting a practical introduction to life aboard or simply a fun and relaxing day out.
We also offer static Technical Days where you can learn or refresh essential onboard systems knowledge, maintenance skills, and practical fault-finding in a calm, hands-on dockside environment.
All sessions are led by a professional Captain / Engineer, with a strong emphasis on safe, confident boat handling and practical, honest guidance drawn from over 40 years of experience.
Widebeam Barge Experience Days
Option 1
Duration: Full day (7–8 hours)
Price: £90 per person (min 2)
Group Size: Up to 4 participants
Full Day Barge Experience
Welcome & Safety Briefing: A full introduction to boat safety, onboard systems, and safe working practices.
Widebeam Barge Handling: Hands-on experience at the helm, covering speed control, stopping distances, use of rudder, and the effect of propwalk.
River & Canal Navigation: Practical navigation on the Rivers Severn & Avon and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
Mooring, Locks & Close-Quarters Work: Coming alongside, rope handling, and manoeuvring in confined spaces.
Lunch Break: Bring your own lunch or stop at a riverside pub. Tea, coffee, and water provided.
Advanced Boat Handling: Reversing, turning in restricted areas, handling wind and flow, and anchoring.
Widebeam Barge Ownership: Maintenance, costs, regulations, and ownership realities.
Wrap-Up & Questions: Review and personalised advice.
Led by a Captain / Engineer with over 40 years’ hands-on experience at sea, inland and tidal waterways.
Book Option 1Option 2 (Short Taster)
Duration: Half day (3–4 hours)
Price: £70 per person (min 2)
Group Size: Up to 4 participants
Half Day Barge Experience
Safety Briefing: Essential safety and onboard awareness.
Introduction to Widebeam Barge Handling: Steering, throttle control, and low-speed manoeuvring.
Local River Navigation: Reading the water and understanding basic river conditions.
Mooring Practice: Basic rope handling and coming alongside.
Ownership Overview: Life aboard and what ownership involves.
Wrap-Up & Questions: Guidance on next steps.
Led by a Captain / Engineer with over 40 years’ hands-on experience at sea, inland and tidal waterways.
Book Option 2Option 3 – Technical Day
Duration: Full day (6–7 hours) – Static at Dock
Price: £90 per person (one to one or group)
Group Size: Up to 4 participants
A practical, hands-on technical day focused on onboard systems.
Propulsion & Steering: Engine, gearbox, rudder & shaft: routine maintenance, fault finding and repairs.
12 Volt Electrical Systems: Batteries, alternators, chargers, and fault finding.
230 Volt House Systems: Inverters, shore power, galvanic protection, and safety.
Lunch Break: Bring your own lunch or eat at a local riverside pub or Cafe. Tea, coffee, and water provided.
Fresh Water Systems: Pumps, filters, maintenance, and shock chlorination.
Pumps, Toilets & Waste Systems: Operation, maintenance, and common failures.
Heating Systems: Diesel-fired central heating systems.
Gas Safety: Installation principles, checks, and best practice.
Wrap-Up & Questions: Review and personalised advice.
Led by a Captain / Engineer with over 40 years’ hands-on experience at sea, inland and tidal waterways.
Book Option 3About the Skipper
Experience Days are led by a professional Captain / Engineer with over 40 years of hands-on experience, global sailing on motor and sailing yachts, refits and shipyard work around the world.
His qualifications include MCA / RYA Commercial Master, MCA Chief Engineer, French Offshore certification, and CEVNI (European Code for Inland Waterways) endorsement for barges over 20 metres.
The focus throughout every experience day is on safety, confidence, and providing clear, practical advice to help you understand what Widebeam Barge ownership and operation genuinely involve.