01 NIGELLA

In 1959 Leopold De Rothschild commissioned Peter Thornycroft to build a fast, working launch to take him from Exbury on the Beaulieu River over to the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes in under 30 minutes, and in all weather. 

And so Nigella was born. She was effectively the first prototype of the famous Nelson motorboats, and delivered style, comfort and exceptional performance.

After 44 years of service, Rothschild donated Nigella to the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall which is where we found her in a rather terrible state and brought her back to the Elephant.

It was almost a total rebuild which included replacing thousands of copper fastenings in her clinker built hull. With her elegant lines and classic Nelson hull, she is a delightful ‘Gentleman’s Launch’, perfect for cruising around the Solent.