The ‘Lady Sophina’ is an immaculate varnished mahogany and teak boat with its original brass fittings. One of the finest of the 1920s Thames River Launches, she won the best-restored boat award at Henley.
A beautifully crafted Thames River Launch built by a Messrs H Gibbs of Hampton Wick for a Mr F Kirby in 1923. The boat measures 35 ft (10.6 m) overall with a beam of 7 ft (2.13 m) and a modest *draught of 2ft (0.6 m). The boat was designed to carry passengers on cruises lasting several days and relied on a 12-16 Kermath petrol engine to deliver a maximum speed of nearly nine knots.
Lady Sophina arrived at the Stanley and Thomas boatyard, Windsor in 1991 for restoration, having been purchased by Mark Stanley for its new owner.
Lady Sophina’s beauty in part comes from the tasteful and plentiful use of the right wood. The hull is of mahogany but she has a heart of English oak from the **rubbing strake to her timbers. The deck is made of alternate planks of mahogany and teak, the roof planking is made of British Colombian pine and edged with a mahogany bead.
Following purchase from the previous owner, Lady Sophina arrived in Bath on Friday 30 May 1997, having taken 5 days to sail from Windsor. Our sister property, The Royal Crescent Hotel are now the proud owners of this stunningly beautiful craft and we are delighted to offer champagne cruises and private charter.
Lady Sophina cruises along the Kennet and Avon waterway from April - October with a capacity of 8 guests and her captain is Commander Blair Murray.
A cruise along the Kennet and Avon waterway is the perfect way to enjoy Bath and the surrounding countryside. Lady Sophina is available for Private Charter for:
A Special Occasion
Small Business Meetings
Afternoon Tea
Cruise and Lunch
Champagne cruise £60.00 per person. Private charter available - for further information please contact Reservations - 01749 689059
The Lady Sophina is moored at Dundas Canal, approximately 30 minutes drive from Ston Easton Park. We would be delighted to arrange transfer to the boat at an additional cost.
* draught - distance between the water line and the lowest point of the vessel ** rubbing strake - piece of timber capped by brass and runs around the outside of the vessel on the beam to protect the widest part of the boat.
Lady Sophina Thames River Launch
