Six Generations of Thames Heritage. One Intimate Experience.
Marlow Boat Company was born from a family with river water in its veins. For six generations, we have lived and worked on the Thames — learning its rhythms, its seasons, and the art of looking after people on the water.
That heritage doesn't sit on the wall. It shapes every private charter we offer. The seamanship, the warm hosting, the genuine understanding of what makes a day on the river truly memorable. This is private boat hire on the Thames done with real depth of knowledge behind it.

Classic Lines, Modern Comfort. For Up to 12 Guests
Queen of the Slipstream is a classically styled traditional launch with the kind of character that turns a river trip into a genuine occasion. She seats up to 12 guests in comfort, combining vintage river aesthetics with the modern amenities you'd expect from a premium private charter.
Graceful, unhurried, and entirely yours. She's equally at home drifting past the willow-lined banks of Marlow or gliding the Thames towards Henley on a regatta morning.
She's Built For...
- Intimate celebrations with the people who matter most
- Corporate entertaining with a view worth talking about
- Romantic days on one of England's finest stretches of river
- Leisurely summer cruises through Berkshire and Oxfordshire countryside
Queen of the Slipstream
A traditional Thames launch offering private river hire for up to 12 guests. Departing Harleyford Marina, Marlow — all summer season.
Private Thames Charters Tailored to Every Occasion
Whatever brings your group to the water, Queen of the Slipstream is ready. Every charter is fully private, fully crewed, and entirely arranged around you.
Private Celebrations
Birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and more. Mark the moments that matter on the most beautiful stretch of the Thames, with the river entirely to yourselves.
Corporate Entertainment
Impress clients or reward your team with a charter that no boardroom can match. Private river hire on the Thames makes for an agenda nobody forgets.
Romantic Occasions
From anniversary cruises to proposal settings, few things are more effortlessly romantic than a private afternoon drifting the Thames near Marlow.
Hen Party Hire
Swap the high street for the river. A private charter for your nearest and dearest. Sophisticated, personal, and far more memorable than the alternative.
Henley Regatta Days
Experience the world's most prestigious rowing regatta from the water itself. Private charter transfers and regatta-day hire — as it should be seen.
Leisure Cruises
No agenda, no crowds, no rush. A leisurely private cruise through the Berkshire and Oxfordshire countryside; one of the finest things to do around Marlow.
For generations, our family has helped shape the story of passenger boating on the River Thames, living through the golden age of steam launches, the traditions of regattas, and the timeless rhythms of river hospitality.
We carry that history forward on every charter. Traditional craftsmanship, refined presentation, and a connection to Marlow that runs as deep as the river itself — operating from Harleyford Marina, one of the Thames' most beautiful and storied settings.

Experience Henley Royal Regatta from the River, Not the Bank
The Henley Royal Regatta is best seen from exactly where it takes place. Aboard Queen of the Slipstream, your group of up to 12 has the course, the occasion, and the river entirely to yourselves.
Our family has been part of Thames regatta tradition for generations — we understand the etiquette, the prestige, and where to be. From private transfers to full regatta-day hire, we offer a personal, unhurried alternative to the enclosures and the crowds.
Book Your Regatta Charter

Frequently Asked Questions
The number of guests each boat can accommodate depends on the specific vessel, but most of our boats typically host up to 12 guests comfortably. If you have a specific group size in mind, please contact us, and we'll recommend the best option.
Yes, all of our charters come with an experienced skipper to ensure your safety and take care of everything on board, so you can relax and enjoy your time on the water.
We offer a drinks service onboard, so there's no need to bring your own. Food and snacks are also available, just let us know your preferences in advance and we'll take care of everything.
Yes, we operate from Henley as well as other locations along the river. Please get in touch to confirm the most convenient pick-up point for your charter.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends and during the summer season, as dates can fill up quickly. However, we'll always do our best to accommodate last-minute requests if we have availability.

