30/08/2026
Well… an unexpected afternoon off! 🤷♂️
As today hasn't quite gone to plan, we thought we'd use the unexpected downtime to look back over what has been a pretty incredible 18 months and reflect on the journey behind Coastal Vibes.
It’s easy to see Coastal Vibes sitting proudly in Weymouth Harbour today and forget just how much work, investment and support from local and Dorset-based people and businesses has gone into getting her here.
From taking the slightly crazy decision to purchase a large passenger vessel, through to appointing Dorset-based KTM Design to completely rethink and design the interior, followed by months of planning, stripping out, refitting and bringing that vision to life.
From the outset, wherever possible, we've tried to keep things local.
Local trades and businesses have played their part. Local and regional suppliers provide much of what we serve onboard. Dorset entertainers, musicians and performers have helped create the atmosphere. And, most importantly, we've created new employment opportunities and built a fantastic team of people who have worked incredibly hard to make Coastal Vibes what she is today.
Behind the scenes there has been everything from sourcing furniture, equipment, crockery and glassware to setting up the bars and catering facilities, finding suppliers, developing menus, creating trips and events, booking systems, marketing, licensing, certification, recruitment and a seemingly endless list of other things!
But the original vision was always about much more than simply operating another boat trip.
We wanted to create something for Weymouth - something that would give locals and visitors a completely different experience, create employment, support local businesses and suppliers, showcase local talent and give people another reason to visit Weymouth, stay longer and spend locally.
From breakfasts and cream teas to fish & chips, wildlife trips, live music, private celebrations, corporate events and family experiences, we've tried to create something genuinely different.
There have certainly been a few bumps along the way - and apparently we're still finding a few of them! 😂 but seeing thousands of people come aboard and enjoy what we've created makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Coastal Vibes was created with Weymouth at its heart, and we're incredibly proud of what our team and all the businesses and people who've supported us have achieved. 💙⚓
The journey certainly isn't finished yet…