The partnership with Forman and Field brings the finest British foods together with Topsail’s exceptional waterborne hospitality in a celebration of the best of British, - something that Topsail are proud to be promoting throughout the 2012 Olympics.

Last night we welcomed a number of valued clients, agents and suppliers onboard the Thames Sailing Barge Will for a wonderful networking evening on the Thames. Our guests included contacts from Concerto Group, London and Partners, Port of London Authority and the Thames Festival amongst others and conversations quickly turned to the exciting opportunities of 2012.

As guests enjoyed a selection of canapés by our excellent event caterers Topsail MD Mark Tower was eager to point out the number of Olympic venues that are accessible by the river and the great opportunities for waterbourne hospitality at the Olympics 2012. Thanks to everyone who made it down and we look forward to continuing to work closely with you in the future.

Missed out on an invitation? Email Jessica@topsailevents.co.uk to register an interest for our next event. For more ideas on how Topsail can be a part of your 2012 hospitality strategy download our Introduction to the London Olympics 2012 presentation.

Picture credit: Ginny Jory

Iain Percy British sailor and double Olympic champion was onboard Sailing Barge Will last week for a photo shoot ahead of the London Games next year. The Thames Sailing Barge seemed only too right a location for Olympic sailor Iain who won Gold medals in Sydney 2000 and at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The portrait will be part of an exhibition called the finishing line by photographers Ginny Jory and Laura Woolnough who have spent the last few years photographing athletes preparing to compete in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The main exhibition will take place next year at St Mary Eton Church near the Olympic Village.

Topsail are looking forward to the Summer Games next year and the amazing hospitality opportunities that present themselves with so many Olympic sites close to the Thames such as ExCeL and Greenwich. For more information contact Sarah

Tourists couldn’t believe their eyes as party guests in dinner jackets and ball gowns arrived in stretched Limos at the Tower of London and climbed aboard a private sailing ship! Onboard guests enjoyed a champagne reception on deck accompanied by the amazing Jazz singer Kai Hoffman before heading below deck for a gourmet 3 course dinner provided by our excellent event caterer’s Riverside Food and Drink.

Photographer Barry Paffey got some lovely photographs of the event including the illuminated Tower Bridge as we sailed through. Check out more of his photos from the event here

In fact we thought these were so nice that we put a few on our Facebook page as well! Why not upload photos from your event with Topsail too and share your experience with friends

Last weekend Topsail’s own Sarah tied the knot with Jim in a wonderful wedding celebration in Staffordshire.

Sarah’s excellent event organising skills led to a flawless day and everything was perfect down to the smallest detail. But with so many years experience event managing weddings on the Thames  it was clearly hard for her to let go;  at one point she was even spotted washing up glasses behind the bar and had to be swiftly repositioned onto the dance floor!

The happy couple are now off on a 2 week safari in Kenya hoping to catch a glimpse of the ‘Big 5’ whilst the Topsail team are left looking forward to next year’s equally  big events: the Olympics, and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee!

We all wish Sarah and Jim the very best for the future.

This week Topsail are at ExCeL London for the London International Wine Fair. For a number of years we have provided an iconic vessel for one of the UK’s top wine importers, Buckingham Schenk. With the exhibition hall located right on the Royal Victoria Dock our eye catching quayside vessels have always provided spectacular surroundings to entertain customers and commentators.

Following last year’s success we have again sourced the beautiful Tall Ship ‘Atlantis’ to function as their exclusive wine tasting venue, hospitality suite and staff hotel in one. The impressive square-rigger at the quayside at ExCeL means that Buckingham Schenk truly do stand out from the crowds!

Last night we delivered a Champagne party on deck for 150 special guests followed by an exclusive formal dinner below deck. There has been a great reaction both to Buckinham Schenk’s new range of wines and the spectacular hospitality provided by Topsail.

A full case study of how we continue to provide excellent hospitality for our valued repeat client Buckingham Schenk is available online here. For more information on entertaining at Excel Download our PDF or contact Jess

Greenwich is really hotting up as one of the main Olympic Sites for the London Olympics 2012 and will be a key sailing stop for our unique Thames Cruises during the Olympics. With piers located throughout Central London and a spectacular waterside berth at the heart of historic Greenwich this has to be the best way to get about during the Olympics. Click here for more information on our Olympics Cruises

On Sunday 3 June 2012, The Queen will lead a flotilla of up to one thousand boats assembled from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world along the River Thames. It will be a huge spectacle culminating in a gun salute as the flotilla passes through a spectacular avenue of sail made by traditional Thames sailing boats, oyster smacks, Tall Ships, naval vessels and other impressive ships.

Topsail’s own Mark Tower was recently invited to attend a press conference given by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and the Thames Diamond Jubilee Foundation. Mark  announced today that Topsail is sure to be involved in a major way in this spectacular event and will be offering some fantastic river cruise opportunities for corporate and group travel, so watch this space…!

Things are hotting up in the Topsail Office as well; Thames Sailing Barge Will is out again tomorrow for a Murder Mystery Cruise with 3 Course Dinner by excellent caterers Riverside Food and Drink.

Click here for more great event ideas on the Thames and contact us for a bespoke quotation