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Topsail Charters

Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Topsail Charters specialises in barge cruises, private barge hire and sailing experiences in several locations. This guide covers access from Maldon only, and other embarkation points may differ in terms of accessibility.
    • Services available in the venue include: cruises, celebrations, barge hire and bespoke events.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is stepped access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is the requirement to be able to use narrow gangplanks to access the vessels, and steep steps to enter the barges.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the barges, lower saloon areas and toilets.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
    • The saloons and toilets can be accessed via stairs.
    • The following facilities are available: a seat/chair.
    • The venue can provide large print documents.
    • Staff receive the following training: Safe Disembarkation and Embarkation Training.
  • Toilet and Changing Facilities View
    • There is not a toilet with adaptations available.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located in the lower, saloon level of the barge.

Access Point (Thistle and Hydrogen)

  • This access point is located on Hythe Quay, Maldon.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope.
  • There is an open gap.
  • The width of the opening is 60cm.
  • There is step-free access via a portable ramp as you enter.
  • The ramp is under 75cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The access point to the barges is a gangplank (ramp). Depending on the mooring position of the barges, there might be the requirement to use a second gangplank.

Seating Area (Thistle Deck)

  • The seating area is located on the deck.
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • The most accessible route to the seating area has steps, uneven surfaces, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • There are nautical and other trip hazards to access the deck.

Entrance (Thistle Saloon)

  • This entrance is located in the centre of the barge.
  • There is stepped access at the entrance.
  • There are 11 steps which are marked, with handrails on both sides.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 70cm.
  • There is a second single manual door.
  • The second door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Eating and Drinking (Thistle Saloon)

  • Location and Service View
    • The saloon is the lower, indoor seating area for celebrations, events and cruises.
    • The most accessible route has steps, manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered and colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the rear of the seating area.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have stepped access: there is a 30cm high structural step running along the length of the barge.
    • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • The layout of this area may change depending on the event.

Standard Toilet Facilities (Thistle)

  • The male and female standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
  • The toilets are located in the lower, saloon level of the barge.
  • The most accessible route has steps, manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • There is step-free level access into the toilets.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the door opening is 70cm.
  • There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
  • There is a wash basin, a soap dispenser and a hand towel available.
  • The wash basin has a push tap.