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BES Ltd - Narrowboat 'Hawkesbury'
BES Ltd - Narrowboat 'Hawkesbury' and the Historic fleet - Skippered charter experiences and holidays
Historic narrowboat for charter complete with Skipper to make life easier!
Narrowboat 'Hawkesbury', the last 'Big Woolwich' built in 1937 is a former Working boat from the Grand Union Canal and the River Thames. Built by Harland and Wolff of 'Titanic' fame to carry cargos such as coal and aggregates.
Our routes are generally around the Stafford Ring, which can include cities including Birmingham and Wolverhampton and some spectacular passages through outstanding countryside.
2010 proved a great year for holidays aboard 'Hawkesbury' and BES Ltd are now taking bookings for the 2011 season. 'Hawkesbury' is set up with guest accommodation in the former cargo hold and the resident Skipper who manages the boat for the clients’ lives in the tiny yet original back cabin, completely separate from the guests.
The Skipper makes an enormous difference to people on holiday. At 32 tonnes, 'Hawkesbury' is a very big vessel. The Skipper will either do all or most of the work for the client, leaving them free to assist with the steerage, locking, etc. The bonus for clients is that they are not tied to the boat, they can do as much or as little as they like. They are free to relax and enjoy the ride or look after youngsters or even disappear for the day if they wish.
In addition to holidays, clients can also enjoy the following activities aboard 'Hawkesbury' and the other vessels we have available, including:
- Taster days at the helm – gain experience aboard 'Hawkesbury'
- Liveaboard experience – thinking of living afloat? Try 'Hawkesbury' for a sample of what to expect
- Corporate events and team building exercises – we can take groups of up to ten people for business or pleasure and they can work 'Hawkesbury' with the Skipper.
- 'Anson' another vessel, can take up to 42 passengers and has a dance floor and a licensed bar
- Family and group day charters – 'Hawkesbury' is fantastic venue for a celebration for up to ten people.
- Youth projects – we can tailor make programmes for groups of Scouts, school groups etc.
- Skipper training – your Skipper is an RYA and NCBA Instructor. We are registered as an Accredited Training Centre for the NCBA and we are also registered as an Alternative Education Supplier and ASDAN regulator for youngsters, working particularly with teenagers with Autism. From October 2010 we hope to be registered as an RYA training centre and intend to offer a range of courses for the inland boater
- Towage – broken down and need a tow in?
- Campers – camping afloat aboard historic Motors and a Butty, for groups of up to thirty six in multiples of 12. Adults who don’t mind 'steerage class' are welcome, youth groups are the norm, full Child Protection Policies are in place.
Services offered:
- Hotel boats
- Canal boat holidays
- Boat trips
- Boat hire
- Family friendly
