A whole plate negative. A general view of four of the competitors in the 1890 Thames Barge Match under sail in Gravesend Reach, River Thames, passing Tilbury bound down. They are seen from off the starboard broadside. Three of the general cargo spritsail rigged barges are of the topsail type with bowsprits and the leading vessel is a stumpie rigged barge with no topmast or topsail. the barge furthest from the camera has astaysail set and at least three of the four have their mizzen mast on the rudder head. This is the last year in wich stumpie rigged barges could participate. The Coast Guard Watch Vessel WV.28 (1847) is in shore in the background.