THE CREW
Stephen
Stephen is a vibrant member of our team, known for his outgoing personality, infectious humour, and wealth of knowledge. Having spent most of his life on and around water, Stephen's passion for the sea shines through in his work as a tour guide. With extensive experience in retail and a desire for new adventures, he transitioned seamlessly into the travel industry, where he excelled as a cruise manager for Titan Travel on a large cruise ship. Stephen's enthusiasm for meeting new people and sharing his love for the estuary makes him a natural in his role.  Outside of work, Stephen enjoys sailing, gig-rowing, exploring new destinations, and making his grandchildren laugh endlessly.
Toby
Toby, one of our dynamic young skippers, embodies a delightful blend of vibrancy, quirkiness, and unwavering dedication. Beyond his role as a Skipper, he wears multiple hats within the Harbour Authority, and serves as a skilled boatman at Whitestrand boat hire. In addition to navigating the smaller vessels with finesse, Toby boasts an impressive resume, having also manned the decks of illustrious cruise ships such as P&O Ventura and Oceana, along with undertaking duties on fishery patrol vessels and dredgers. Off-duty, Toby finds solace in pedaling the winding paths, pushing the limits of his electric bike, and indulging his passion for baking, often treating the office to his latest culinary creations. As Toby sets his sights on higher education, he is gearing up for a return to university to pursue a degree in adult nursing at Solent University. With his infectious humor and innate ability to foster a sense of comfort, Toby effortlessly brightens the days of those around him.
Philip
Philip is a dynamic co-owner of Salcombe Cruises, where his passion for sharing the beauty of Salcombe with others shines through. With a diverse background spanning retail, including selling clothing and kitchenware, Philip's entrepreneurial spirit led him, until recently, to co-own Whitestrand Boat Hire with his wife, Tamsin. Their transition to Salcombe in 2015 marked the beginning of a vibrant chapter in their lives, as they established roots and created a happy home in this picturesque town. Alongside running Salcombe Cruises, Philip and Tamsin manage Bojangles gift shop and are devoted parents to three young children. His enthusiasm for meeting new faces and sharing the town's treasures ensures that every visitor experiences the magic of Salcombe to the fullest.
John
John made the move to Devon in 2021 after retiring from a career in the horticulture industry. Originally hailing from Brighton, where he spent his days living aboard his motorboat, John has always been drawn to coastal living. Despite his less-than-stellar surfing skills, he still finds joy in riding the waves, alongside his passions for golf and cheering on Liverpool FC. With a keen eye for modern architecture, John has successfully undertaken various development projects, including renovating his new home in Sherford, near Kingsbridge. Becoming a skipper on Kirby is a natural fit for John, allowing him to share his love for stunning homes overlooking the estuary with others.
Andrew
Andrew brings energy to our team as the resident daredevil! With a background producing news and then sports coverage for the major television broadcasters, Andrew has always been drawn to the adrenaline rush of high-speed activities. When he retired from the media world, he channelled his passion for speed into his love for motorcycling. As a keen motorcyclist, Andrew spends his free time track racing and touring on his collection of bikes, embodying the spirit of adventure both on and off the job. When he's not tearing up the track, Andrew loves being on the water, and enjoys cruising around the estuary, sharing his love for Salcombe, its history (and its gossip!) with others. His fearless attitude and zest for life inspire those around him, making him an invaluable member of our team.