b'The Flying Swan - an electric launchLOA 34ft 4ins. Beam 7ft 4ins. Draft 1ft 6ins.Built circa 1890 builder unknown. Carvel Teak planking on Oak ribs. Teak, Spruce and Mahogany fit-out. Rebuilt 1991.Any wooden boat that has survived 100 years or more has suffered from neglect at some point, and The Flying Swan was no exception: she came into the boatyard with her counter stern missing, broken hull framing and no deck or fit-out. Re-building the stern revealed an exquisite elliptical counter that transformed the hull and allowed a beautiful curvy deck with no evidence of the original layout. The aim was to achieve a genuine 1890s style whilst hiding a modern electric propulsion system. The river is a relaxing place to be in the summer and a days boating needs to be spent in comfort. An electric launch gives its passengers a silent electric system with no smells or vibrations, comfy and sociable seating, and somewhere to safely put down a glass! I particularly like the simple but bespoke detail such as the aft navigation light, the deck fittings, and the little step that makes boarding so much easier. As boatbuilders we often cannot complete a project without involving other specialist craftsmen, and The Flying Swan reminds me of the late Trevor Blake, a wonderful and modest craftsman who carried out all the gold leaf and signwriting work on her.36'