A tail of Slipper Launches
Far from the madding crowd
The Slipper Launch Collection
Thames Traditional Boat Rally 2001Where in the world could you find over 200 traditional and in the main wooden launches. There maybe only one place, once a year and that is the Thames Traditional Boat Rally at Henley-on-Thames. I have not added up the total number of years of boat life that was in attendance but it must be over 12,000 years of boating history in one place. Now that is a scary thought, especially for the insurance company. So much effort is made by everyone to show their launch at its best. New cushions and upholstery are made and some even have a special set for the rally. All varnished wood is cleaned and chrome polished ready for the onlookers and judges.
Public attendance at this years Thames Traditional Boat Rally was good, particularly as there had been a heavy down pour on Friday night and the weather remained threatening over most of the weekend. Never-the-less there were some bright spots not least of all some recently restored slipper launches. The rally was held at Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames on the 21st and 22nd July 2001.
The Slipper Launches in attendance were:
| Ayesha | Peace and Quiet | Chatterbox III | Red Wing |
| Swanella | Flying Fox | Slipstream | Larchwood |
| Wenonah | Forever J | Natsumi | Picardie |
| Portofino | Symbol |
and the passers by included:
| John Andrews | Sancerre | Henley Duchess | Silver Cloud |
| Summer Madness | Golden reed II |
Thames Traditional Boat Rally 2001 pictures.....
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A tail of Slipper Launches |
Far from the madding crowd |
Recently restored Wenonah and Slipstream in the same livery.
Forever J
Slipstream
Peter Freebody admires the varnish work on Forever J
The Andrews Trophy
For Andrews slipper stern launches, awarded for restoration and maintenance.
Awarded to Wenonah - Owner: D. Williams
The Cuthebert Trophy
For slipper stern launches (except Andrews), awarded for presentation and closeness to original.
Awarded to Forever J - Ower: M. Bignall