Dr Kenneth Grant Partner Started the company July 2005 Limited partnership Ken Grant & Andy Thoms Operations based in Dunoon First boat to sail from Holy Loch Management based in Edinburgh Origin of name Dr Kenneth Grant Partner

The Vision Saving trawlers from the chainsaw Purchase of the Glen Massan etc Saving trawlers from the chainsaw

The Vision Converting the vessel at Holy Loch Marina The conversion, local labour, cost etc Converting the vessel at Holy Loch Marina

The Vision Sheltered water cruising in the Clyde estuary A love of the Clyde estuary Both partners sailors Both partners live in Dunoon Sheltered water cruising in the Clyde estuary

The Vision Promoting the beautiful scenery of the Clyde Stunning scenery Plenty to see and do Unique perspective from the sea Promoting the beautiful scenery of the Clyde

The Cruise Experience Stunning scenery Excellent hospitality provided by four crew Superior accommodation Fabulous food freshly prepared from local ingredients Interesting stopovers and anchorages

The Cruise Experience Spacious ensuite cabins

The Cruise Experience Relaxed dining with panoramic views

The Cruise Experience Three outside decks for enjoying the scenery

The Market Leisure: Whole Boat Charter for special occasions Over 50’s, high disposable income Mainly UK based Corporate: Whole boat charter for team building and client entertaining Incentive reward

Marketing Challenges Industrial image of the Clyde People don’t equate the Clyde estuary with spectacular scenery and high-quality hospitality tourism Industrial image of the Clyde

Marketing Challenges Possibility of poor weather Once we get people on board they are less concerned about the weather They are happy to watch the spectacular, dramatic weather from the warm, cosy saloon Possibility of poor weather

The Market Challenges ‘Doon the watter’ image Traditionally low-spend tourism market ‘Doon the watter’ image

The Market Challenges Holy Loch US naval base recent history People still remember the Holy Loch as the base for nuclear naval activity, not tourism Holy Loch US naval base recent history

First full season 2006 Occupancy The Majestic Line brand awareness Second boat acquired in line with growth strategy 35% occupancy on Glen Massan Well below break-even The Majestic Line as a new niche product struggling to get its brand into the marketplace Decision made to base second boat in Oban as concerns that the Clyde ‘brand’ connotations were too negative and restricting the business

Glen Tarsan Launch – May 2007

Second full season 2007 Occupancy The Majestic Line brand awareness Bookings 2008 35% occupancy on two boats Turnover 50% Holy Loch, 50% Oban – however, the Clyde required a variety of cruise itineraries to reach this (dinner cruises etc) Double turnover Still not breaking even Improvement in the brand awareness apparent in Autumn 2007 35% occupancy already secured for 2008 Expect to double turnover again from 2007 minimum

The Future in the Clyde Repeat business, excellent customer feedback Capitalise on the wildlife Relationship with SAGA Profitable 2008 Introducing the Clyde to a whole new audience, especially from England Focussing on 6 nights and whole boat charter, gradually dropping 3 nights Our first wedding booking We feel confident enough now in our product that we can start talking about the Clyde rather than just South Argyll

Questions?