Taylor Bates Gentleman Launch for sale in Henley on Thames United Kingdom

Evensong - a Taylor Bates gentleman's launch

I have so often admired this 97 year old beauty as she purrs along the Henley reach. She was for many years a fixture at Henley Royal Regatta as her current owner chartered her to fellow Phyllis Court members. She is indeed perfect for entertaining up to 12 guests with tables in the forward cockpit and the saloon. To starboard aft there is a useful galley area with a Portapotti compartment opposite and adjacent to the essential cocktail cabinet. On occasion the comfortable saloon seating can serve as berths for longer trips up or down river.

When the present owner bought Evensong in 1985 he asked Woottens to spruce her up (major rebuild in fact) and has been keeping her there over winter ever since. The boat has a forward canopy with roll down transparent windows as well as a full length winter cover.

Watching the boat cruise without a ripple you realise how well designed the hull is thanks to its patented tunnel hulled design and its distinctive beaver stern. When the boat was built, nearly a hundred years ago, she would already have been powered by an internal combustion engine, probably a lot larger in size than the Ford Watermota Sea Tiger which purrs along under the engine box in the forward cockpit. I was impressed by the smooth running and lack of engine noise.

The aft cockpit seats two out in the sunshine and makes navigation easy with space to throw the rope during lock passages.

Evensong is the epitome of elegant boating and would suit a private or commercial owner desirous of owning a vintage gentleman's launch. In past years the boat won several trophies at the Thames Traditional boat Rally (now renamed "festival") including the prestigious Bates wheel.