In an exciting surprise celebrating Williams Jet Tenders’ 20th anniversary, the company’s very first hand-built wooden boat, Jade, made its return to the factory in Oxfordshire, England, where it was reunited with founders Mathew and John Hornsby, who built the boat 25 years ago.
“We were both very shocked and absolutely delighted, particularly with how amazing she looked,” said Mathew Hornsby. “The standards are exactly the same as when we last saw her and I remember every single piece of wood, even from 25 years ago.”
The 20-foot mahogany-hulled boat began her life in the family’s garden workshop. “Jade is very different from what Williams Jet Tenders makes today,” added Mathew. “She was a classic mid-engine straight shaft with a single prop – very different from the water propulsion products we produce today. We took inspiration from Riva back then, and now we proudly supply our tenders to Riva.”
The brothers were also surprised by the arrival of Mike, who was their very first customer and Jade’s original owner. “The quality is still right up there, and that has been the foundation of our business,” commented John Hornsby. “When we built Jade, we were used to that quality, and that’s burnt into the creation of our jet tenders today.”
Williams Jet Tenders now produces over 1,200 tenders per year, continuing its legacy of innovative, high-quality craftsmanship that is still evident in Jade still today.
Learn more about Williams Jet Tenders at williamsjettenders.com.
