40ft Classic Umpire Launch Majestic

Majestic, formerly Magnolia, was built in 1902 by Samuel Saunders of Saunders Roe for Jesse Boot the chemist. Built using the Consuta construction technique; a revolutionary form of construction of watertight hulls for boats comprising four veneers of mahogany planking interleaved with waterproofed calico and stitched together with copper wire. The technique was patented by Samuel Saunders of Goring-on-Thames and was first used on the 1898 umpire's steam launch Consuta, sister to our very own launch, Majestic. The technique remained in use until waterproof glues became available in the 1950s. Originally built and designed to take an electric engine with the accumulators mounted under the long bench seats down aft, Majestic has since been fitted with a 4 Litre, 6 cylinder, Mercruiser 165hp inboard petrol engine with a hydraulic Borg Warner gearbox.

The propeller is cleverly located in a tunnel, enabling quick access to clear the propeller via a watertight weed hatch under the aft deck. With mahogany and spruce decks, replaced in recent years, Majestic has maintained her original features and looks. Starting out in 1902 with family outings and day trips along the River Thames for Jesse Boot and his family followed by umpiring at Henley Royal Regatta and the Annual Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race, Majestic has not strayed far from her roots, in fact, each year Majestic is still in use at Henley Royal Regatta transporting guests to and from Temple Island to watch the racing and whilst no longer umpiring at the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race, Majestic can still be seen roaring along behind the crews, except now carrying the press!! Unfortunately, although she has served us well, due to a change in the commercial regulations, it is now time for Majestic to retire, back into the hands of a family that will treasure her and enjoy the countless hours of cruising that the upper reaches of the River Thames have to offer. We are welcoming sensible offers only.

Please contact James Thompson (email or phone) for more information.