Introducing ‘Bertie’.

Renowned for their elegance and exquisite craftsmanship, the Andrews Slipper Launch was very much the riparian Rolls Royce of its day. The elegant slipper profile with its characteristic sloping stern and flat underwater run, was introduced by Andrews of Bourne End in the 1930s and quickly achieved wide popularity, particularly with boaters on the Thames. The quintessential lines, Lloyd Loom chairs, lustrous chrome fittings and decorative deck planking lavished in layers of varnish, secured its role as the conveyance of choice for any gentleman wishing to be noticed on the river.
John Andrews was the largest and most respected producer of slipper launches on the Thames and his boats remain highly cherished by their current custodians to this day.

Built in 1949, and now fresh from a 2 year restoration undertaken by Guy Wootten of Wootten’s Boatyard in Bourne End, ‘Bertie Wooster’ is no exception.

I first saw a Slipper Launch when I was a little lad visiting Henley in the 1970s and instantly fell in love with their beautiful lines and elegance. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would own one.

Neil Tomlin - Owner and Skipper

Painstaking restored for Neil by Guy and his team, every detail is period perfect and was carried-out using techniques that haven’t changed since the 1930s, from the twelve coats of hand applied varnish, to the brass and chrome fittings cast from Andrews original moulds.

Only the name was changed:

I wanted the name to reflect the atmosphere and spirit of boating in the 30s and what could be more appropriate than the happy-go-lucky P.G.Wodehouse character?

Neil Tomlin - Owner and Skipper

Those efforts were rewarded at the 2021 Thames Traditional Boat Festival in Henley-on-Thames where ‘Bertie’ won the Andrews Trophy for Best Slipper Launch.

Winning the Andrews Trophy was a wonderful honour, but that's not what 'Bertie' is about. She's back where she belongs, on the most beautiful stretch of the Upper Thames, surrounded by stunning scenery, unspoilt wildlife and people having fun. If there's a better way to enjoy a glass of fine wine or Champagne, I've yet to find it.

Neil Tomlin - A very happy Skipper

‘Bertie’ returns to the river at Easter and will be available for private chartered cruises throughout late Spring and Summer. Weekend cruises start and finish from Marlow, Bourne End or Cookham, although other locations are available upon request.

Early booking is recommended, particularly for Henley events when demand is high.

Evening cruises in the Summer months are also available upon request.