On 11th September 2009, VIC 96 raised steam and set off for The Thames Festival for a weekend of excitement with other vintage vessels. 

 More pictures from the event can be seen in our Gallery.

As we made our way up the Thames, we encountered other boats heading up to St. Katherine's Dock - some sailing craft and also the steam tug Portwey.  We arrived mid afternoon but were only called into the lock at dusk, so we had plenty of time to familiarise ourselves with the river and the regular traffic.  Lots of river buses and barges!

The lock was a tight fit, and the basin was full to bursting so the skipper warped round into the barge pool.  On Saturday we steamed on the river with the other ships, tying up alongside some houseboats between events.  Fortunately we were able to tie up at St. Katherine's Pier that evening, which made life considerably easier all round.  It was a superb spot, just under Tower Bridge, with spectacular views.

Sunday was spent receiving visitors, and showing them over the ship.  We were overwhelmed by the interest and support, with many visitors giving donations to the Trust - THANK YOU ALL, we are very grateful for your generousity.  In the evening we attended the prize giving and were delighted (if not surprised) to receive the award for the biggest ship - aptly, a DVD of  the film 'Titanic'!

We set off for home on Monday morning, with the friendly company of many of the other ships along the river and arrived back at Chatham safely late that afternoon.