Information
The Blue Barnacle is a pirate ship ride located in the Shipwreck Coast area at Chessington World of Adventures. It has become a popular attraction since its opening in 2021. Following the demise of the Black Buccaneer, a new ship has made port, and it’s ready to welcome passengers. Despite the stormy seas that delayed its arrival. The ship now swings back and forth with a lighter crew of sailors.
At first glance, the ride may look like a classic childhood ride on a swing set at a local park. However, a ride on this ship is far from that. The high-flying ride provides plenty of weightless moments creating a thrilling experience that appeals to all ages.
As it swings back and forth, guests feel the rush of air and the weightlessness of the ride. The ride’s speed and height create a sense of excitement and adventure. Transporting guests to a world of pirate tales and swashbuckling adventures.
The theming of the Blue Barnacle adds to the immersive experience, with its shipwrecked aesthetic and pirate-inspired decor. Its location in Shipwreck Coast enhances the overall atmosphere, making guests feel as though they are part of the crew.
The Blue Barnacle is a fantastic addition to Chessington World of Adventures’ roster of rides. The exhilarating experience, theming, and location in the area make it a must-ride attraction for all visitors to the park. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a fun time, the Blue Barnacle is a ride that won’t disappoint.
Manufacturer:
Metallbau Emmeln
Ride Model:
Santa Maria
Height:
36ft / 11m
Passengers:
42
Theoretical Capacity:
650 Guests Per Hour
Cost:
£800,000
Minimum Height:
1.10m. Guests Under 1.30m must be accompanied by an adult aged 16+
Chest Restriction:
51 Inches Max.
Attraction Type:
Wild Rides
Disabled Access:
Available
Reserve & Ride:
Available
Ride Photos:
Not Available
News
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Project Anchor speeds ahead following planning approval earlier this week. Chessington has wasted no time getting to work on…
Shipwreck Coast Is Full Steam Ahead
Shipwreck Coast Is Full Steam Ahead
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That’s right, Shipwreck Coast is full steam ahead after confirmation of planning permission today. With final permission now granted…
New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast
New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast
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New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast! Chessington is planning a new land for 2022! The pirates have abandoned this old…
Two New Rides For 2022
Two New Rides For 2022
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That’s right. Chessington is planning to add two new rides for the 2022 season. Today, a planning application has…Media
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Planning
Construction
December 5th 2020
We finally get to see what the Blue Barnacle will look like now that the ship has arrived at the park, and Chessington has reopened for its annual Winters Tail event. The ship, which we can now confirm as being manufactured by German company Metallbau Emmeln, is fully on site, with the rides structure tucked away by Griffin’s Galleon.
The drive motor for the ride is in place, and work has started on replacing the ride control system in the operator cabin. The ship itself is in place and the park are starting to pump out water from within the rides pit following the recent heavy rain.
The ship is bright and colourful and has 10 rows, seating a total of 42 passengers per ride. Barriers on one side of the boat make it clear that guests will exit the ride on the same side they embark.
November 14th 2020
It’s official, Blue Barnacle has arrived. In this photo posted by Chessington on their social media Channels, it’s been confirmed that the ride has arrived. With a single image showing the ride being craned into its final location.
October 17th 2020
Although there are once again no major updates to the site, park management were spotted on the Blue Barnacle site. We believe they were discussing the arrival of the ship and we’re therefore hopeful it will be arriving soon.
October 1st 2020
As per our previous few updates, no visible work has taken place on site.
July 27th 2020
No work appears to have taken place over the last month, with it likely that Chessington have postponed the ride until next season due to the ongoing global pandemic. Ground works appear mostly completed however, so it could be an easy thing to pick back up again once things have gone quiet once more? Time will tell!
June 20th 2020
In our first update post lockdown, we can see how much work has been done on site once more. Large amounts have been completed, with water proofing in place around the lagoon area. All the foundations are in, the queue-line fences are in and the tarmac has been laid.
Planting has been done on the mound of fresh earth which was set up behind the rocks. It looks very nearly ready for the new ride to be installed. Only changes to be completed are the installation of the exit path behind the ride. We cannot be sure if the ride will feature an unload on the opposite side as before, but it looks likely.
March 19th 2020
Just 4 days after our last update, work is still moving ahead, with the queue-line fence being replace. Sections that were removed are being put back in, with gravel in place ahead of sections being tarmacked.
March 15th 2020
Huge changes have happened in the past month! It appears that all of the new rides foundations are in place, including those for the rides drive system. Large amount of soil has been moved alongside the site, with new rocks in place also. It certainly looks as though the rides pond will be returning!
February 20th 2020
Large progress has been made over the last few days. Two of the concrete foundation tubes are now in place. The rebar cages which will form the rides footers have been made and will be concreted inside the tubes to support the ride.
Large volumes of ground have been moved around on site. Could this hopefully mean that the Black Buccaneer’s lagoon setting will be returning?
February 15th 2020
Now we’re talking! A lot has changed on site, with new foundations being poured through concrete tubing. A lot of ground has been moved to make way for the new footers and a trench has been dug out beneath the ride. We believe this is for the rides new drive motors. Progress is being made rapidly!
February 1st 2020
With it now officially confirmed that Chessington is set to replace the Black Buccaneer for the 2020 season, we will be keeping an eye on site. Work has not yet moved on since December, with work on clearing out the operator cabin suspended.
December 7th 2019
According to our sources, Chessington will be replacing the tired Black Buccaneer ride with a new ship for the 2020 season. It appears that some work has taken place here, with a clear out of the rides operating cabin. This is of course unconfirmed and subject to change.
December 5th 2020
We finally get to see what the Blue Barnacle will look like now that the ship has arrived at the park, and Chessington has reopened for its annual Winters Tail event. The ship, which we can now confirm as being manufactured by German company Metallbau Emmeln, is fully on site, with the rides structure tucked away by Griffin’s Galleon.
The drive motor for the ride is in place, and work has started on replacing the ride control system in the operator cabin. The ship itself is in place and the park are starting to pump out water from within the rides pit following the recent heavy rain.
The ship is bright and colourful and has 10 rows, seating a total of 42 passengers per ride. Barriers on one side of the boat make it clear that guests will exit the ride on the same side they embark.
November 14th 2020
It’s official, Blue Barnacle has arrived. In this photo posted by Chessington on their social media Channels, it’s been confirmed that the ride has arrived. With a single image showing the ride being craned into its final location.
October 17th 2020
Although there are once again no major updates to the site, park management were spotted on the Blue Barnacle site. We believe they were discussing the arrival of the ship and we’re therefore hopeful it will be arriving soon.
October 1st 2020
As per our previous few updates, no visible work has taken place on site.
July 27th 2020
No work appears to have taken place over the last month, with it likely that Chessington have postponed the ride until next season due to the ongoing global pandemic. Ground works appear mostly completed however, so it could be an easy thing to pick back up again once things have gone quiet once more? Time will tell!
June 20th 2020
In our first update post lockdown, we can see how much work has been done on site once more. Large amounts have been completed, with water proofing in place around the lagoon area. All the foundations are in, the queue-line fences are in and the tarmac has been laid.
Planting has been done on the mound of fresh earth which was set up behind the rocks. It looks very nearly ready for the new ride to be installed. Only changes to be completed are the installation of the exit path behind the ride. We cannot be sure if the ride will feature an unload on the opposite side as before, but it looks likely.
March 19th 2020
Just 4 days after our last update, work is still moving ahead, with the queue-line fence being replace. Sections that were removed are being put back in, with gravel in place ahead of sections being tarmacked.
March 15th 2020
Huge changes have happened in the past month! It appears that all of the new rides foundations are in place, including those for the rides drive system. Large amount of soil has been moved alongside the site, with new rocks in place also. It certainly looks as though the rides pond will be returning!
February 20th 2020
Large progress has been made over the last few days. Two of the concrete foundation tubes are now in place. The rebar cages which will form the rides footers have been made and will be concreted inside the tubes to support the ride.
Large volumes of ground have been moved around on site. Could this hopefully mean that the Black Buccaneer’s lagoon setting will be returning?
February 15th 2020
Now we’re talking! A lot has changed on site, with new foundations being poured through concrete tubing. A lot of ground has been moved to make way for the new footers and a trench has been dug out beneath the ride. We believe this is for the rides new drive motors. Progress is being made rapidly!
February 1st 2020
With it now officially confirmed that Chessington is set to replace the Black Buccaneer for the 2020 season, we will be keeping an eye on site. Work has not yet moved on since December, with work on clearing out the operator cabin suspended.
December 7th 2019
According to our sources, Chessington will be replacing the tired Black Buccaneer ride with a new ship for the 2020 season. It appears that some work has taken place here, with a clear out of the rides operating cabin. This is of course unconfirmed and subject to change.
