How many guests can the charter hold?

The vessel accommodates up to 12 guests per charter.

Food and drink are not included unless arranged in advance through the operator’s catering options.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund is available with seven days’ notice or in the case of extreme weather.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The saloon is not wheelchair accessible internally, but ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome; contact the operator to discuss needs.

Are children allowed?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Will there be a skipper onboard?

Yes, a professional skipper is provided with every private charter.

Silence and Sophistication: Gatsby’s Electric Saloon Launch on Windsor’s Thames

Step aboard GATSBY – Gentleman’s Saloon Launch Experience and trade the rattle of city life for the polished quiet of a classic saloon launch that glides on Windsor’s River Thames. Located at Maidenhead Rd, Windsor SL4 5TZ, UK, this private‑charter vessel was built by Peter Freebody and combines period styling with modern electric propulsion. Whether you’re staging an intimate celebration, a corporate outing, or simply an afternoon of slow sightseeing, Gatsby’s spacious cockpit, refined interior and whisper‑quiet motor create an immediate sense of occasion.

The trip centers on the boat itself: a low‑slung saloon launch with an expansive cockpit for mingling, a sheltered interior for cooler weather and an electric drive that makes river travel notably smooth and silent. That quietness turns the river into a theater of small moments — ripples against the hull, the curve of willows and poplars along the bank, and distant calls of river birds. Optional stewards, a stocked bar and canapé service lift a private cruise into a packaged event without sacrificing intimacy.

Practical details are straightforward. Charters run roughly 2–8 hours; groups can include up to 12 guests. A professional skipper is provided and basic onboard amenities come standard. Guests are asked to meet a LUXE staff member at the listed meeting point and to arrive 15 minutes early for check‑in. The vessel is not wheelchair accessible internally, though ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome; the operator is Blind/Deaf‑friendly and allows service animals. Food, transfers and skipper gratuities are extra unless prearranged.

Why this experience stands out in Windsor is its combination of craft and context. Peter Freebody’s build quality and the electric propulsion make Gatsby unusually refined on this stretch of river, where heritage boats and modern leisure craft often share the channel. That refinement makes the launch ideal for events where atmosphere matters: engagement parties, milestone birthdays or small corporate receptions where arriving by water feels intentional.

For visitors, Gatsby is as much about the slow choreography of being on the Thames as it is about the onboard comforts. Bring weather‑appropriate layers, sunglasses and a camera; plan timings around light for the best photos; and consider adding steward service if you want a hands‑off, celebratory experience. With respectful operation and a focus on low‑impact electric power, the launch provides a quiet, elegant way to experience Windsor’s riverside without the noise that can disturb wildlife or other river users.

Book with confidence: Gatsby offers a full refund with seven days’ notice or in extreme weather, and you’ll receive a QR code with your confirmation email that the crew will scan at check‑in, so bring your phone. Arrive 15 minutes early to meet the LUXE staff member and prepare to step aboard and relax.

About Luxe Boating

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.