What a year it’s been!
Twelve months ago, we set out on one of the biggest adventures of our careers — taking the helm of a business we’d all worked in and loved for years. It’s been a journey of sunny skies, rough seas, and everything in between.
When we look back now, it’s amazing how far we’ve come and how much we’ve learnt along the way.
Starting from Scratch (Well, Almost!)
Our first few months were a whirlwind — building a new website, creating an online ticket system, and setting up all the behind-the-scenes parts that customers never see but that keep everything running smoothly.
We wanted to make it easier for people to book, discover, and enjoy our cruises — and although it meant some long nights and head-scratching moments, seeing that first booking come through the new system was a real milestone.
Connecting with the Trade
Next came conversations with our trade partners — travel companies, group organisers, and agents who help bring visitors to our beautiful coastline. It took time, trust, and plenty of cups of tea, but we’re so proud to now have strong partnerships in place. Being contracted for the 2025 and 2026 seasons with so many key partners is something we’re really grateful for.
Creating New Products
We’ve never been short of ideas — from themed food cruises and live music nights to special events like our Murder Mystery Cruises and the ever-popular Jurassic Coast adventures.
This year we experimented, refined, and listened to our customers. Some ideas took off like a rocket, others… well, let’s just say they’ll stay in the planning drawer for now! But that’s the joy of it — being creative and giving people memorable experiences on the water.
Sunny Skies and Rough Seas
We’ve had glorious sunny days with dolphins dancing off the bow and sunsets that make you stop and just breathe it all in.
But we’ve also had rough seas — literally and figuratively. There were challenging engineering moments, weather delays, and more than one occasion when a refit or docking didn’t go quite to plan.
Yet, each of those moments taught us resilience. We learnt how to adapt, how to keep smiling when the plan changes, and how to find solutions when things don’t go according to schedule.
Cash Flow and Courage
Running a business in a seasonal industry is never simple. Cash flow management (after taking over at the start of a winter season) became one of our biggest headaches — balancing investments, maintenance, and marketing while keeping everything afloat (pun intended!).
There were times when it felt tight, but our team’s determination never wavered. Every challenge has made us stronger and more focused on building a sustainable future.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
If there’s one lesson that stands above all others, it’s the power of teamwork.
From the crew on deck and engineers in the engine room, to the office team answering calls and our partners onshore — every single person has played their part. We’ve laughed together, problem-solved together, and occasionally muttered a few choice words at the weather together too!
Looking Ahead
As we sail into our second year, we do so with a deeper appreciation of what it takes to run a business like ours — and a renewed passion for what we do best: giving people unforgettable moments on the water.
We’ve learnt that success isn’t about smooth sailing all the time — it’s about navigating the choppy bits with heart, humour, and a great crew beside you.
Here’s to the next chapter, more adventures, and (hopefully) a few more sunny skies & calm seas.
