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Champagne is extra on the £600 an hour 'James Bond' boat
Evening Standard17.09.08
A high-speed river boat version of the stretch limousine is launched today. The 12-seater Thames Flyer can be hired for a white-knuckle ride past some of London's most famous sites travelling at up to 40mph.
The service is the idea of former Morgan Stanley investment manager Charlie Matheson, 31.
Passengers are served champagne and canapés while enjoying the "James Bond experience" of carving a wake through the Thames. Mr Matheson said: "I thought we must be able to do better than blasting at people over a Tannoy in a large boat."
The standard one-hour trip from the London Eye to Canary Wharf and back takes in some of London's classic vistas including the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Naval College. An extra half-hour takes the boat through the Thames Barrier. The Flyer claims to be the only service of its kind on the river.
It costs £600 an hour with champagne an extra at £50 a bottle; there is a £100 an hour waiting fee.
Commentary is provided by standup comedians. It has already been hired by Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones to travel to the O2.
