1. 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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. The Cruise Experience
Spacious ensuite cabins

8. The Cruise Experience
Relaxed dining with panoramic views

9. The Cruise Experience
Three outside decks for enjoying the scenery

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Glen Tarsan Launch – May 2007

17. 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

18. 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

19. Questions?