Private Hire - FAQs
Please email us at sailingbargevictor@gmail.com. We will check availability and will get back to you.
Once all the details have been agreed, you will be required to pay a non-refundable 25%, with the balance due six weeks before the event.
We depart from and return to Ipswich Waterfront.
Well, it all depends on the time of year, the weather, and the tides. We do our best to give you the best experience out on the River Orwell, and we use the onboard motor to help us against the wind - and of course, the sails will be up when the wind is in our favour.
The hire of the barge is for up to six hours. We can tailor the trip to meet your needs, so if you require a longer trip we can help with this for an additional charge.
We ask that you and your guests arrive 15 minutes before departure time as sailing times are constrained by tides and cannot be delayed under any circumstances.
Yes, of course. We all enjoy music. Let us know at the time of your enquiry.
The cost of hiring the barge is independent of catering.
You have a number of choices -
- You could choose to bring your own food with guests bringing their own picnic, or
- You could organise an outside caterer to prepare food in advance of your event, or
- You could decide not to have any catering for your event, and simply enjoy the trip out on the barge
We have a fully licensed bar on board, which serves beers, wines and spirits.
However, we know that some people will want to bring something sparkly, champagne maybe... We are happy for this so long as we know in advance. Please contact us for our current corakage charges.
Please talk to us about your requirements when booking and we will try to ensure we have the range of stock for your event.
As a historic working barge we have retained a simple galley kitchen, which you are welcome to use on your event. This includes the use of crockery and cutlery. All we ask is that you wash and return these after use.
The maximum number of guests on a private charter is 40.
We have lots of seating for groups on on private charters. We can also set up a large central table, with a cloth so that you can lay out any food that you bring on board with you for your event.
If you have any special requests for layout, or wish to put up balloons or decorations that's fine. Just let us know in advance.
Yes, families with children are always welcome. Please note that children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Only service dogs are permitted on board.
As Sailing Barge Victor is a historic working barge, we do advise passengers that there are uneven surfaces, narrow walkways and steep steps down to the lower deck facilities which passengers attending must be aware of. In order to board the barge, passengers must also be able to use a gangway - please view this video below on how to access the barge. We offer the opportunity for you to come down to the barge and check out the access before making a booking.
We have a flushing toilet system in operation, which is situated below deck.
Yes, we have a fully licensed bar on board. We also sell soft drinks, and tea, coffee and some snacks too.
If you have booked tickets and then the weather forecast would make it unsafe to sail we will cancel the event. We will contact you so you can rearrange your trip out with us on an alternative date.