About Sheigra Bay

Sheigra Bay is an extremely high specification replica Dutch 20 metre barge built in 2012, a unique collaboration between Andrew Wolstenholme, designer, and Will Trickett Boats, with input from ourselves, the commissioners. The beautiful lines of the boat are remarked upon wherever we sail, with one port captain saying “She took my breath away when you arrived in port”. That was before he was able to view the interior, where Will Trickett boats have displayed their incredible skill with outfitting, employing old recycled Teak along with three kinds of Ash wood and Elm trim throughout. She is a Category B barge, designed to be coastal as well as for inland waterways, providing potential for many exciting adventures.

Dual steering positions allow for serene sailing through the countryside, sitting on the very spacious aft deck in good weather. The generous accommodation makes her a true and comfortable live-aboard. In late 2023, she was in dry dock and the hull repainted, but anti-fouling is not needed, because she is fitted with an environmentally friendly ultra-sound system, that rejects weed. She has recently (2024) had full maintenance of the main engine, generator and other electrical equipment; repainting of the superstructure is currently being completed. We have enjoyed long summers all over the 8000 km+ of navigable inland waterways that France boasts, but our age is now catching up on us, meaning that Sheigra Bay is now available and fully equipped for new owners to enjoy the life we have loved for the last almost 13 years.

She was launched on the Thames at Kennet and Avon Marina in July 2012. Initial sea trials were carried out on the Thames and after a successful conclusion, Sheigra Bay began her voyage of exploration from Ramsgate to Boulogne and beyond! We are now official passionnés (aficionados) of La France profonde and the many vineyards that seem to proliferate alongside rivers and canals!

Sheigra Bay has an annual mooring on the Saône River. 

Layout of the internal accommodation:

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The accommodation is entered via doors on either side of the spacious wheelhouse, which has an internal steering position; desk; table and day bed and provides access to the aft deck, the main cabin, with king-size bed and en suite shower, and to the very large saloon and full sized galley kitchen. To the fore is a further guest cabin with king-size bed and en suite shower. The saloon has a double sofa bed and the door to the fore cabin can be moved to allow sharing of the shower and wash room, with good privacy for all concerned. 7 adults (or 6 + 2 children) can be accommodated, with the addition of the wheelhouse day bed.

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Specifications:

Vessel Type: Replica Dutch Barge

Designer: Andrew Wolstenholme

Builder:  Will Trickett Boats

Constructed: 2012

Registration: RYA

Overall length: 19.97m

Beam: 4.35m

Hull material: Steel

Hull type: Double chined with keel

Dry Weight: 36 tonnes

Max draft including keel: 1.06m

Bridge Clearance: 2.95m (she has cleared all the very low bridges in France)

Sheigra Bay has a single main engine driving a single 26" propellor, providing a top speed of approximately 10 knots. She is fitted with a balanced rudder and Vetus tunnel bow thruster. (see Technical Specification for details.)