Eagle-eyed visitors at this year's Clacton Air Show may have spotted a familiar sight in the sea, the Maldon-based Thames sailing barge, Centaur.

The 127-year-old vessel carried guests on a three-day excursion, organised by the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, which set sail from Hythe Quay, Maldon.

Last Wednesday (August 24) Centaur headed down to anchor off Brightlingsea, ready for the morning.

The crew were taken ashore on Mersea Island, for a walk up to the Dog and Pheasant pub, while the skipper stayed aboard and cooked a full roast chicken dinner.

Purely under sail, they headed off to Clacton, where Centaur anchored at 'waypoint one' for the Air Show.

Topsail Charters' own 127-year-old Thames Sailing Barge, Thistle, was also spotted off the coast of Clacton-on-Sea yesterday. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Mick Nolan, one of Centaur's crew members, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic experience.

"You simply can't get closer to the flying without having a plane!

"It was certainly a day that all on board will fondly remember for a long time."

The Red Arrows provided an aerobatic display above Clacton-on-Sea yesterday. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Guests enjoyed a cottage pie, made by the skipper, while waiting for the firework flying displays, which were 'sensational'.

Mick said: "It's not every day you get to see planes and a helicopter throwing fireworks across the sky at sunset!"

After the show, the barge sailed up the River Blackwater to Tollesbury Pier overnight, to avoid an early morning start. There was no moon, which made the stars 'all the brighter'.

On the final day of the trip, a 'gentle breeze' blew the barge back to Maldon under sail.

The skipper entertained guests with a squeezebox on the way back to Maldon. (Photo: Richard Dawson)

The wind fell light as Centaur passed Osea Island, so the skipper entertained guests with his melodeon as they slowly drifted along on the millpond.

The three-day trip was discounted to just £190 per person, including all meals, but still failed to sell out.

A spokesperson for the Thames Sailing Barge Trust said: "We will be repeating the experience next year, so come and support us, and help keep the barges sailing, and don't miss out on the magic."

For information about the Thames Sailing Barge Trust's upcoming trips, visit the website.