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Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Mort's Riverwatch

An occasional look at the ebb and flow of the Thames

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Tag: historic boats

Thames21 volunteers
History Recent developments

Little ship left a big impression

13/11/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

I’ve often mentioned the activities of the waterways charity Thames21 in this column but I thought it might be helpful to take a closer look at the organisation’s background.

The steam launch Alaska has been beautifully restored and is still offering trips on the Thames during the summer. She is now owned by Thames Steamers Ltd.
History

Travel in style on a steamer

06/11/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

If you don’t own a boat, then for many people their only experience of getting out on the Thames is by taking a trip on a passenger launch.

Recent developments

Who will toil for Belle?

27/03/201421/12/2025Mort SmithComment(0)

Firstly, thanks for all the kind messages regarding my impending move to the East Coast. It’s much appreciated and I’m delighted that so many people enjoy Riverwatch – I hope I’ll be able to keep it going.

History

For whom the Belle tolls

13/03/201429/05/2015Mort SmithComment(0)

I’ve always had a real soft spot for historic ships and boats. Vessels that hark back to an era when Britain really did rule the waves and when craftsmanship was something to be proud of rather than regarded as old-fashioned.

Massey Shaw
History

Restoration of historic fireboat

28/10/201226/02/2013Mort SmithComment(0)

As most readers will know, I’m a big fan of historic boats of all kinds – everything from Thames sailing barges, through classic ‘gentleman’s yachts’ of the 1920s and 30s right through to Royal Navy warships.

Dunkirk Little Ships
History

Dunkirk spirit of heroic Little Ships

09/09/201214/01/2013Mort SmithComment(0)

Tribute to boats that rescued trapped soldiers from under Hitler’s nose

Archives

Get in touch

To contact Mort, email him at mortsmith32@gmail.com or call him on 01787 226974. He’s always pleased to hear from old friends who provided such a wealth of information and great stories for Riverwatch.

These columns appeared in the Surrey Herald.

Tags

Association of Dunkirk Little Ships Beaulieu boat jumble birds boats book review Canal and River Trust crab Desborough Island Desborough Sailing Club Doug Myers Dunkirk D’Oyly Carte Island Environment Agency fish fishing Floods historic boats Jenny Beagle lock keepers London International Boat Show paintings Project Kraken Queen Mary Sailing Club Richmond Venturer River Thames Boat Project river users groups rowing Royal Yachting Association safety sailing Second World War Shepperton Shepperton Marina Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society Surrey Police swimming Terra Nova Thames21 Thames islands Walton Bridge Walton Yacht Company Weather Weybridge Ladies Rowing Club Weybridge Sailing Club wildlife
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