Working Vessels

Appela Boatyard circa 1900
    Leonarda is a Dutch sailing barge of a type known as a "klipperark". Leonarda was built of riveted steel in 1906 in Appela Northern Holland as a general cargo vessel. She is 21 metres long and capable of carrying about 40 tonnes. She would have operated in the canals, inland seas and coastal areas of Holland. Originally there was no engine installed - Leonarda's sole means of manoeuvring would have been by sail.



Leonarda converted to a motor barge circa 1960     Later as small diesel engines became available the rig was removed. Leonarda continued working under power until 1968 when she was converted to a pleasure vessel and re-rigged in her current configuration.
Leonarda under sail in the Thames estuary 1997





    Leonarda is now primarily used as a houseboat in West London. However the engine is still functioning and she regularly goes on outings on the Thames. In 1997 after much time, effort and money was spent on the rig she was taken sailing for the first time in many years on the Thames Estuary.




Sailing Barges



Leonarda under sail in the Thames estuary 1997