The Glories of Gelyce

A day trip up the Thames with a picnic lunch for six

Take to the Thames in consummate style, and enjoy a day in Gelyce, one of the most elegant launches ever to grace the river. Built by Camper & Nicholson in 1930, this stunning 50ft vessel was the luxury tender for Sir Thomas Lipton’s legendary J Class yacht Shamrock V that challenged for the Americas Cup before the War.

Cruise in Gelyce with five of your lucky guests – family, friends, colleagues, clients – from Windsor to Maidenhead via historic Boulters Lock and on to the wide elegant reaches of Cliveden Deep for a picnic lunch (generously offered by the Grove Park Deli), and – if so inclined – a refreshing swim, before heading back to Windsor.

Constructed from solid teak with mahogany interiors at the Camper and Nicholson yard in Gosport, Hampshire, Gelyce takes its name from the first and last letters of the wives of the three Nicholson brothers who owned the shipyard, the evocative Gertie, Lucy and Constance.

Found rotting away by Wint Taylor the present owner and donor of this lot, in 2015 the boat was the subject of a complete restoration. The hull was fully overhauled, and it was fitted with a re-conditioned 1950s Rolls Royce 175 horsepower aluminium diesel engine capable of 28 knots. The superstructure and interior have been returned to their former glory.

Wint says: Gelyce is particularly historic, and it's particularly beautiful. Truly the last word in boat building of a bygone age, and an icon of 30s design. It's had some fantastic bums on the seats as, being a yacht tender for Shamrock V, it was used for spectator duties at some of the most celebrated pre-War regattas. Undoubtedly, in its day, she hosted a succession of celebrities on-board - royals, famous actors, all sorts. I am delighted to be able to offer a day in this beautifully designed piece of floating history, all to support another glory berthed in west London – Chiswick House.

The award-winning Grove Park Deli is a small but perfectly formed local Deli in the heart of Grove Park, Chiswick. Established over 20 years ago, it has built up a very local and appreciative clientele who come from far and wide to sample its delicacies. It specialises in fresh, home-cooked food and offers bespoke catering for both private and business customers . The deli's picnic is accompanied by wine and champagne donated by Jane Clark Dodgson.

Gelyce donated by Wint and Jacky Taylor.
Picnic donated by Grove Park Deli.
Wines donated by Jane Clark Dodgson.

Terms & Conditions:
To be taken by the highest bidder before 1^st October 2021
For up to 6 passengers (life jackets available for children)
Date subject to availability
No pets
Not transferable