Sagitta & Carina

Sagitta  and Carina were built in 1935 for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company as part of a large replacement of their fleet.

They are both  "Small" Northwich Boats, 71feet long and 7ft 1inch in beam. Both boats are of  steel construction. Like many other contemporary Grand Union boats they have  been named after astronomical objects. They were employed on general carrying duties with the Grand Union and the Nationalised fleet until the conclusion of commercial trade. Following restoration both boats were  converted to act as a floating class rooms and exhibition boats.  Sagitta has been fitted with a full length permanent cover and also disabled access and wheelchair lift, her boatman's cabin has been turned round to enable access from the hold, and situated in the space originally occupied by the engine. This enables safe access for the public and the less able. She is currently powered by a two cylinder air cooled Lister diesel engine, situated in the space originally occupied by the cabin.

Carina has been fitted out with a permanent cover, and access to the boatman's cabin from the hold,

Sagitta was employed following her restoration for three years as a schools boat, for visiting parties of junior school children. The topics of discussion were water safety, why and how canals were built,  canal wild life, and the way of life of the canal boatman and his family.

Both boats give the Project much needed weather proof public space at canal events and they will be able to continue their efforts as Education Boats to inform the younger generation about the Canals and Inland Waterways.