As a long established boat brokerage and charter business, Henley Sales & Charter felt that the recent death of Peter Freebody should not pass without our own respectful comments.
Peter was a larger than life character and a great supporter of classic Thames design and modern electric propulsion. He is responsible for training some of our best boatbuilders, such as Colin Henwood of Henwood and Dean, from his picturesque boatyard based on the banks of the River Thames at Hurley.
There is no doubt that his legend will live on in all the classic, beautiful boats he has built and restored over the years. We have been lucky enough to sell some of these boats – elegant slipper launches and electric canoes such as Melodie, which is currently for sale with us. Arguably the most beautiful Gentleman’s launch to be built in modern times is Gatsby, originally named Ribblesdale, built by Peter in the 80s and recently refurbished for his neighbours.
While there existed some healthy competition between us on the brokerage side of the business, we always respected Peter’s formidable reputation and will miss his inimitable presence on the riverbank up and down the Thames.