Name Daphne

DAPHNE is a Windermere slipper saloon launch of timber carvel construction. She was built in 1908 by Borwick and Sons of Bowness, one of four vessels built to the same hull design, although all had different cabin designs. Her hull, which is original, is of Honduras mahogany and larch underwater.  It is is based on Thornycroft’s 1903 30' racing launch SCOLOPENDRA, whose popularity and success caused a fashion craze through to the 1920s when labour costs rose. Her present engine is a Gardner 4BCR petrol.  The vessel was one of the early motor launches on Lake Windermere that replaced the bigger steamboats. 

Her hull's topside planking is original Honduras mahogany and she was re-ribbed and re-planked underwater in 2023-4. Some topside planks still run her full 34’6" length and must have been cut from boards at least 30” wide. Her hull and cabin, which is a scaled steam boat cabin of the era, came from a single tree.

It is believed she was built for the Storrs Hall Hotel on Lake Windermere, which at the time was a private hotel. A  black and white photo is believed to be her commissioning photo and shows a Chauffeur/ Boatman handling the boat, with guests lounging in the stern in Lloyd Loom style wicker chairs.  At that time she had another name (not known) and it is believed she was fitted with a Gardner 4ACR petrol engine.

After WWI, DAPHNE was refitted with bench seats fore and aft, so they fitted raised coamings to keep her dry.  She could probably then carry up to 20 passengers.  Some time in the 1920s she was sold to a Mr. Hindle who is believed to have been a cotton baron.  In the 1930’s her engine was replaced with a 24HP Morris Navigator with the luxury of an electric start.

In the 1950s, Mr. Hindle’s estate sold her back to her builders Borwick's, whose boathouse she had lived in for 30+ years.  She was used by Borwick's Chairman Mr Lowe for his family, and also as a works boat, which included being race boat for Windermere Royal Yacht Club and the film boat for the BBC’s 1950s film Swallows and Amazons.

DAPHNE has been in the same family ownership since 1979, and had been brought back to as close to original as possible, though the awning is modern to a steamboat design. To get her back to as original an experience as possible, a Gardner 4BCR engine was found and installed - one of only four in existence.  She has been cruised on Inland Waterways throughout the UK, been an award winner at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival and the Windermere Classic Boat Rally.  She was privileged to participate in her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.