I thought I, Dominic, would take the opportunity to properly introduce myself, and tell you a bit about my background, and how I came to own the Magna Carta and to cruise the river Thames.

Dominic’s story

Hi, I’m Captain Dominic Read of the Magna Carta. I have been around boats and rivers for a long time, here’s how it began….

When I was just 11 years old I met Nicholas, a New Yorker who taught me how to sail. Nicholas spent many years in England as a friend of my family and had himself spent his childhood sailing in America.

Knowing me from a young age he made several predictions which have all come true. He always thought that boats and people would be a major part of my life.

Another prediction which was not to be believed at the time, was that a great interest in history would develop over the years, this too has come true.

Nicholas also took me to London for the first time and showed me the sights and sounds, including as fate would have it St Katharine’s dock in London and many of the spectacular areas of countryside as the Royal river Thames winds her way past some of the most famous sights in England.

I first worked on the river Thames as captain of another hotel barge. The experience was to change my life.

For the first time I was able to combine my love of boats and people, to share my fascination with history and my surroundings and to learn about the international travel market in general.

Understanding the level of comfort available on the most up-to-date barges in Europe and yet believing that the river Thames, from the famous sights of London to the tranquil beauty beyond, had more to offer than the other waterways, I was determined to build a ship that would make up for the shortcomings of all the competition in Britain.

For several years I ran a private tour guiding business, taking small groups in a luxury vehicle around Britain but still having the option to involve a river cruise as part of the package.

The plan to build Magna Carta was born and since April 2002, finally this most worthy of rivers had a vessel to do her justice.

After many years as a partnership my business partner, Geoffrey Temple, has retired and I thank him for the support and trust he put in me to build this venture and carry it on.