Cera used to belong to Rodney Bewes, he of the Likely Lads, a popular series on the TV in the 1970s. He was a well known figure of the Thames Vintage Boat Club scene and a regular at Swan Upping with his mid cockpit cabin launch Cera. A previous owner of some renown was 'Bomber Harris' who purchased the boat in 1970.

Frank Bandey was a famous yacht designer and built this boat with the best of cruiser designs in mind. She is somewhere between a Broads mid cockpit cruiser and a Bates Starcraft. The boat has a lovely feel to her on board and makes a great family cruiser or a fab weekender. I particularly like the sociable feel of the cockpit which can be open to the heavens weather permitting but quickly covered when showers threaten. It is also useful that there is a hatch which slides back on the aft cabin opening up more seating to the sky.

The boat comes with a current BSS certificate and overwinters each year ashore in Windsor where she has been regularly maintained by Stanley and Thomas Boatbuilders.

The following information comes directly from the Thames Vintage Boat Club archives as the boat is a member with a plaque to prove it!

Name: CERA

TVBC Boat: Yes

Plaque No. 099

Type: Centre Cockpit Cruiser

Builder: Richmond Slipways, Twickenham

Designer: Frank Bandey

Year Built: 1961

Specifications

Construction: Carvel, curved transom, all teak on oak

Length: 28' Beam: 10' 6"' Draft: 3' 6"'

Superstructure: Mahogany

Description: 3 Berths, dinette and galley in fore cabin. 2 berths in aft cabin. Centre cockpit.



Engine Details

Engine Make: BMC Engine Type: Diesel

Engine Layout: Engine Model:

Year/Serial No. CCorHP: 70hp/2500cc



Boat History:

Originally fitted with a Thorneycroft diesel engine.
1968 Engine replaced with present BMC.
Her first owner sailed her off the Scottish coast.
1970 - Owned by 'Bomber' Harris, and used on the East coast of England, once taking part in the North Foreland Race.
1980's - Owned by the Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club, moored at Ramsgate and used extensively in France and Belgium.
1990 - Kept on the Thames at Richmond, owned by the landlord of the 3 Pigeons.
August 1996 - Acquired by Rodney Bewes of Putney.