The owners of an historic vessel which joined the world record-breaking Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant said it was a humbling experience.

Thames sailing barge the Edith May, which is usually docked at Lower Halstow, was among more than 1,000 boats to gather to mark the Queen’s 60-year reign.

Jane Gransden, who was on board with husband Geoff and family, said: "It was fantastic, absolutely brilliant. We had the most wonderful time.

"It was the chance of a lifetime. The atmosphere was amazing and it was very humbling to be involved. It was something I wouldn’t have missed for the world."

But missing out had been a very real threat when a major glitch delayed the Edith May’s departure.

Mrs Gransden said: "We had a huge problem with the barge on Thursday with a prop shaft. We were working through to the 9pm tide when the last piece slipped into place and we managed to leave. We eventually arrived on Friday lunchtime."

The vessel was moored by London Bridge among some of the world’s most historic boats, all too big to pass under the capital’s bridges, for the Avenue of Sail.

Finishing touches, such as tying on pennants, were applied on Saturday before the pageant on Sunday.

Mrs Gransden said: "Seeing so many people on the river was something that will never happen again in our lifetimes.

"Everyone was so happy and so proud of the Queen and the Royal Family."

She said that the conditions did not spoil the day. "It was bitterly cold and it rained and rained and rained. We were soaked to the skin but with true British resolve we stood there to the end," she said.

"When the Queen got to the upper pool it rained even harder. It was ‘the moment’ of the day and we were like drowned rats."

Guinness World Records confirmed the pageant had set a new world record for the largest parade of boats. The previous record was 327 set in Germany last year.

The Gransdens were given a burgundy and gold Diamond Jubilee pennant to mark the Edith May’s involvement.

She was due to return to the Lower Halstow dock yesterday (Tuesday).