SEA TOUR
26.04.2024 - 20.07.2024
Following the film's premiere at the National Maritime Museum, iconic Thames sailing barge Blue Mermaid set sail from Greenwich on a unique tour, visiting ten ports on the Southeast coast between April and July 2024. At each destination, the hold was transformed into a floating cinema for intimate screenings of Wind, Tide & Oar.
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Skippers of the Future project saw young people crew the barge along the way, earning the National Historic Ships 'Introductory Certificate in Traditional Seafaring' alongside crucial life skills. Operated by Sea-Change Sailing Trust, the project inspired youngsters to consider a career in the maritime industry and increase awareness of the Thames barge heritage.
Thousands of people came aboard to experience Thames barge heritage, enjoy the film in a unique setting, and ask questions at a Q&A after each showing.
As Blue Mermaid is not fully accessible to people with restricted mobility, two fully accessible screenings were organised as part of the Sea Tour.