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Step aboard MITI, a restored 1949 Chris Craft once owned by Sophia Loren, for a private Thames cruise out of Windsor. Experience mahogany decks, cinematic provenance, and intimate charters ideal for proposals, photo shoots, and small celebrations.
Step aboard MITI, a restored 1949 Chris Craft once owned by Sophia Loren, for a private Thames cruise out of Windsor. Experience mahogany decks, cinematic provenance, and intimate charters ideal for proposals, photo shoots, and small celebrations.
Book with Luxe Boating
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Operated by Luxe Boating · Windsor, England
MITI arrives like a prop from a classic film: a 1949 Chris Craft runabout restored to glossy perfection and berthed in Windsor, England. Operating from Maidenhead Rd, Windsor SL4 5TZ, this 18‑foot Riviera‑style launch was owned by Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti after an early American life, and today LUXE offers private charters that feel less like a boat tour and more like a short escape into midcentury glamour. Aboard you'll notice the rich mahogany decks, swept chrome fittings, and clean, low lines that made Chris Craft the marque of summer afternoons. The vessel carries up to 12 guests and runs private trips from two to eight hours with a professional skipper, fuel and insurance included; bottled water is provided and food or drinks may be arranged ahead of time. MITI’s provenance—linked on occasion with names such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Katharine Hepburn—gives ordinary moments a cinematic lift: a proposal at sunset, a riverside wedding photoshoot, or a slow cruise past the lawns of Windsor Great Park. The ride itself highlights the River Thames’ quieter, leafy reaches near Windsor. Expect reflections of plane trees on still water, historic bridges in the distance, and the possibility of gliding past stretches of riverside meadow where kingfishers and herons hunt. The combination of classic boatbuilding and an English riverscape makes MITI singular here: you get a piece of maritime history moving against a landscape layered with royal and natural history. Practicalities are straightforward: meet LUXE staff fifteen minutes before departure at the Maidenhead Rd meeting point; ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome but the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Children must be accompanied by adults. Weather can alter plans—full refunds are offered with seven days’ notice or in extreme conditions—and gratuities are not included. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light wrap for evening trips, and keep cameras close; the mahogany tones and low silhouette make for timeless portraits. For couples or small groups wanting something beyond a commonplace river cruise, MITI offers an intimate, design-forward experience that connects Windsor’s storied shoreline to a golden-age of film and craftsmanship. It’s the kind of outing that turns a short charter into a memorable chapter of a larger trip to Windsor. Book a private charter for anniversaries, proposals, or afternoon tea cruises; the vessel suits intimate weddings and photography sessions where the boat itself becomes the backdrop. The inclusion of a professional skipper means guests can relax while learning notes about the craft’s restoration and its Italian chapter with Sophia Loren. Timings between two and eight hours let you tailor a short sunset run or a day trip; confirm catering ahead of time and expect to arrive at the meeting point early for prompt departure.
easy.
2–8 hours.
Minimal fitness required—mostly sitting and short steps to board; suitable for most adults.
Meet LUXE staff at the Maidenhead Rd meeting point in Windsor (Maidenhead Rd, Windsor SL4 5TZ). Arrive 15 minutes early.
MITI has a maximum group size of 12 people for private charters.
The vessel is not wheelchair accessible; ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome—contact LUXE to discuss accommodations.
No—bottled water is provided. Food and drink can be arranged in advance but are not included by default.
Full refund is available with seven days’ notice or in cases of extreme weather or unsafe river conditions.
Yes—photography is encouraged. The mahogany finish and low silhouette make great backdrops for portraits and event photos.
MITI is a 1949 Chris Craft 18ft Riviera‑style runabout that spent part of its life in Italy as a vessel owned by Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, linking American boatbuilding with midcentury Hollywood cachet.
Operate gently: keep noise low, pack out any waste, and avoid disturbing riverbank wildlife—small private charters help minimize impact on sensitive stretches of the Thames.
Luxe Boating operates from Henley-on-Thames, England, offering a curated fleet of restored classic launches and electric self-drive boats for river cruises and private events. Guests can choose from hands-on electric self-drive launches or book restored vintage vessels such as Venetian water taxis, 1930s American launches, Edwardian-style launches and celebrated yachts with cinematic provenance. Trips range from short scenic cruises to private celebrations, romantic evenings, and special-event charters along calm British waterways. Luxe Boating maintains a focus on authenticity, restoration quality and quiet electric propulsion. Each vessel is presented fully restored or undergoing meticulous restoration where noted, with attention to mahogany finishes, period detailing and comfortable layouts for small groups. Safety standards and local licencing are observed for public and private operations on the River Thames and nearby waters. Bookings accommodate private hire, special occasions and experiential outings, with optional on-board services such as Champagne, canapés and professional stewarding on select vessels. The fleet includes named boats like Sophia, Gatsby, La Serenissima, Patricia, Christina, Miti and the legendary Atlantis, alongside electric self-drive options for independent exploration. Luxe Boating features on The Adventure Collective, providing added visibility and third-party recognition. Photographic views, seasonal cruising and tailored itineraries help guests create memorable river experiences. Reservations are managed through the operator’s booking channels with clear trip summaries, ensuring customers select the right vessel and duration for their needs. Customer enquiries commonly request flexible start times, tailored routes and photography-focused cruises, enabling personalised itineraries that suit celebrations, proposals and relaxed weekend escapes along the Thames.
Book with Luxe Boating