Meet the Club | Nelson Boat Owners C

Welcome!

The Nelson Boat Owners Club was founded by Commander Peter Thornycroft and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu in 1984. Its purpose was to bring together owners of Nelson work and pleasure craft designed by Peter and his team of Naval Architects at TT Boat Designs in Bembridge.

Today the Club has over 150 members from across the world who share a passion for these unique semi-displacement craft. We hold various events throughout the year including a Summer Rally (usually in the Solent area) and a Winter Lunch as well as informal meets with and without boats.

We aim to ensure the continuance of the Nelson marque by providing a forum for owners to meet both in person and online and share their knowledge and ownership experience with others.

Click below if you would like to become a Club member

JOIN THE CLUB

Meet our Flag Officers

Our NBOC flag officers are a friendly team who keep the club thriving and welcoming. From the Commodore to our membership coordinator, each brings experience, enthusiasm, and a love for Nelson boats and the Club.

They’re approachable, happy to answer questions, and always ready to help so please feel free to get in touch with

them if you want to know more about the Club, or even better, wish to join us.

COMMODORE

Paul Gamsa

A retired engineer and keen motorcyclist, Paul has a passion for Nelson boats and has been an owner for over forty years. He has cruised from the Channel Islands to the Frisian Islands in his restored Nelson 40 pilot boat and has crewed around the Hebrides and the Baltic.

VICE COMMODORE

David Cross

A senior Director in a National real estate company, David brings a wealth of management experience to the Club. He regularly voyages between Poole and Cornwall where his Nelson 45 is moored during the summer.

VICE COMMODORE & SECRETARY

Steve Brenner

Steve is a long-time Nelson owner—often with more than one boat in his care at a time.

With an encyclopaedic knowledge of these remarkable vessels, he is a go-to source for the history of almost every Nelson ever built.

Steve is a dedicated advocate for preserving the legacy of the Club’s museum and archive.

FLAG OFFICER

James Gilbert

James is an electrical and software engineer specialising in technology for Television channel delivery. He helped escort a flotilla of Dunkirk Little Ships across the channel and is an experienced skipper. His Nelson 44 is based at Suffolk Yacht Harbour on the East coast.

FLAG OFFICER

Jonathan Napier

A former Concorde pilot, Jonathan is only happy when his Nelson is travelling at over thirty knots! He has built several boats and competed in the Round Britain Powerboat Race. If you have a need for speed then Jonathan is your man.

FLAG OFFICER

Trevor Clarke

Trevor Clarke has been around boats his entire life, with a lifelong passion for motor boats in particular. He has dedicated himself to a meticulous restoration of his Nelson 40.

A mechanical engineer for over forty years, Trevor has turned his hand to almost every aspect of boat maintenance and restoration.