🚢 50 Years on the Water: The Incredible Life of The Sabrina Boat

In 2025, The Sabrina Boat celebrates an incredible milestone—50 years since she was first built. Half a century of cruising British rivers, weathering storms (quite literally), and bringing joy to passengers across the country. But while most know her today as a cherished part of Shrewsbury’s riverside experience, her story is one of reinvention, resilience, and remarkable journeys.

Let’s set sail through her fascinating past…

⚓ Where It All Began: Bristol Docks, 1975

It all started in 1975, when the vessel was manufactured at Bristol Docks, one of the UK’s most historic maritime hubs. Purpose-built as a passenger boat, her early days were spent exploring local waters and offering cruises in the vibrant Bristol area. It was a promising start—but no one could have predicted the extraordinary path she was about to follow.

🌊 The Avon Queen & The Sinking

After leaving Bristol, the boat was moved to the River Avon—a picturesque setting where she began life under a new name: The Avon Queen. She continued her role as a river cruiser, giving locals and tourists alike a peaceful way to enjoy the scenic routes along the Avon.

But fate had a different plan. During her time on the river, she tragically sank—submerged beneath the water and seemingly lost to history.

🛠️ Rescued from the Riverbed & Reborn on the Thames

Luckily, this wasn’t the end of her story. A passionate new owner saw potential beneath the surface and salvaged the sunken Avon Queen, hauling her from the riverbed and restoring her with care and vision.

Repaired and refitted, she took to the water once more—this time on the iconic River Thames. From the Avon to the heart of London’s waterway, she began a new chapter, welcoming passengers along the UK’s most famous river.

🏰 The River Dee Chapter: Chester’s Cruise Boat

After a successful spell on the Thames, the boat moved north to Chester, where she sailed along the River Dee for three years. A perfect match for Chester’s charming mix of Roman history and riverside beauty, she continued to be a popular choice for leisurely cruises and sightseeing tours.

By this point, the boat had become something of a wandering star of British rivers—each stretch of water adding more character and more stories to her growing legacy.

🛥️ A New Name, A New Home: The Sabrina Boat Arrives in Shrewsbury

Then, 15 years ago, she made her final journey—to a bend in the River Severn that wraps around the historic market town of Shrewsbury. It was here she found her true home, and where she was finally given the name she carries to this day: The Sabrina Boat, named after Sabrina, the mythological goddess of the River Severn.

Now lovingly maintained and beautifully restored, Sabrina is a familiar sight on the river—gracefully passing beneath bridges, through the Quarry Park, and alongside the historic architecture that defines Shrewsbury.

🎉 50 Years of Memories, Moments & Magic

Today, The Sabrina Boat is more than just a cruise—it’s an experience. A place where families celebrate birthdays, couples toast engagements, and friends enjoy summer evenings on the water. Her seasonal cruises, themed events, and private hire options have made her one of Shrewsbury’s most beloved attractions.

And in 2025, we’re honouring her 50-year journey—a celebration of craftsmanship, character, and community. From her Bristol beginnings to her Avon adventures, Thames travels and Dee detours, to her final, fitting home on the Severn—The Sabrina Boat has truly lived a life well sailed.