The Enduring Voyage: Over 55 Years with Stuart Line Cruises

From humble beginnings to a multi-award-winning attraction, Stuart Line Cruises has been an integral part of Exmouth’s charm for over 55 years. As a family-run passenger boat company, we’ve sailed through decades of change, adapting our fleet and our approach to become a premier Devon attraction. Let me dive into the fascinating history of our beloved local institution.

Setting Sail: Our Early Years (1968-1990s)

Our story began in 1968 with my parents, Tony and Zena Stuart. My father, Tony, the visionary founder, started with a single, modest 52-seater wooden boat called ‘Seacrest.’ His marketing strategy was as direct as the sea breeze: “half-hour trip around the bay, you pay on the boat!” This simple, on-the-spot sales pitch became legendary, relying on immediate presence and local word-of-mouth.

The second generation soon joined the adventure. I, Ian Stuart, was helping out from a young age, earning my Skipper’s ticket at just 18. This allowed me to run fishing trips while my father handled the sightseeing tours. A significant early step for us was in 1985 when my partner, Philippa, acquired our first boat, ‘Mini,’ for £2,500. I skippered, and Philippa managed ticket sales from the shore, marking the first formal steps in our growth.

Expanding Horizons: Growth and a Modern Fleet (1990s-2000s)

Philippa and I officially took the helm in 1992. A pivotal moment arrived in 1994 with the acquisition of the ‘Tudor Rose.’ This vessel, featuring a covered and heated saloon, was a game-changer for us. It allowed Stuart Line Cruises to break free from seasonal operations and offer year-round services. This led to the introduction of popular winter cruises like the enchanting “Sail with Santa” and informative “Guided Bird Watching Cruises,” which are still hugely successful today. The ‘Tudor Rose’ even hosted our company’s first wedding in 1995, showcasing our growing versatility.

Our ambition didn’t stop there. In 2003, we invested a substantial £350,000 to custom-build our flagship vessel, the ‘Pride of Exmouth.’ Designed to carry up to 250 passengers and built to high European standards, this state-of-the-art boat could operate anywhere in the country, marking another major milestone for us.

Continuous investment in our fleet has always been a priority. In 2015, the ‘Tudor Rose’ underwent an extensive overhaul, blending its traditional charm with modern functionality. Just two years later, in 2017, the ‘Pride of Exmouth’ underwent a “highly complex and ground-breaking project” where it was literally cut in half to add four meters to its length, primarily to enhance passenger comfort. This commitment to improving the customer experience and expanding capacity has been a driving force for us.

The Third Generation and Beyond (2010s-Present)

Today, Stuart Line Cruises is proudly owned and operated by the third generation: my son, Jake Stuart, alongside his mother Philippa and his partner Lauren. Jake, following in my footsteps, obtained his skipper’s license at just 18 in 2013, becoming the youngest Passenger Boat Skipper in the UK at that time. Lauren and Philippa expertly manage the booking office, while Jake oversees operations and skippers voyages.

Both the ‘Tudor Rose’ and the ‘Pride of Exmouth’ continue to be daily fixtures on the River Exe and Devon’s coastlines, instantly recognizable by their famously bright colours. Our marketing has evolved from Tony’s direct pitches to promoting “unforgettable experiences,” “memorable, family days out,” and “lively party nights,” reflecting a sophisticated understanding of modern leisure tourism. Our investments in comfort, such as heated lower decks and panoramic windows, directly support these promises of a high-quality experience.

Stuart Line Cruises’ journey from a single wooden boat to a modern fleet offering diverse, year-round experiences is a testament to our enduring family spirit, dedication to customer satisfaction, and remarkable adaptability.