Your crew will provide everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. There are two crew members on board each cruise; Skipper Ted and Chef Thomas. Supporting them shore side is Ted’s sister Claire.
Skipper Ted
Skipper Ted
Skipper and owner Ted was brought up in Surrey, England, but spent all of his holidays in Scotland, whether in the family home in Tighnabruaich, or exploring the highlands and islands. He always felt happiest at sea – out fishing in a Drascombe or teaching sailing.
For the last decade or so he’s been working as a tour guide and skipper here on the West Coast and further afield in locations such as Svalbard, the Caribbean and the Antarctic.
Ted has a degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography and enjoys nothing more than our local wildlife. He’s delivered lectures and guided tours on everything from penguins and whales in the Antarctic, to coral reefs in the Caribbean, through to our local puffins, seals, porpoises and oyster catchers – all of which can be seen from Splendour.
Nothing is more important to Ted than spreading knowledge and enthusiasm for this beautiful area and we at Argyll Cruising pride ourselves on giving our guests the best possible cruising experience. Ted, and the whole team, are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you aboard Splendour.
Chef Thomas
Chef Thomas
With great delight we can announce that we have a new chef on board Splendour, Chef Thomas. Thomas’s cooking career started when he left school and completed a Nick Nairn apprenticeship. Since then he has travelled all over Scotland and has worked in places including Perth, Cove, Loch Lomond, Loch Tay, Killearn, Helensburgh, Tayvallich and Glasgow’s West End. He has a passion for Scottish cooking and our local food and has spent most of his career in country hotels and restaurants. Nothing makes him happier than creating dishes using Scottish produce, in particular seafood, and he is a true believer that the more local the produce the better. He can’t wait to join us and create dishes for our guests to enjoy the taste of Scotland as much as he does.
If you have any dietary requirements please let us know and Chef Thomas will prepare something just for you. Nothing is too much trouble and we want everyone to feel special while on holiday with us.
And while we pride ourselves on turning every mealtime into a special occasion, there are also plenty of treats in between, including boat-made cookies, cakes and tablet (our favourite). Be warned, these can become addictive!
“Everything was as splendid as the ship’s name.” Geoff and Sue Crowley
Kyles and the Isles | 2022
“A wonderfully relaxing trip, great company, Iggy’s wonderful food and calm and sunny weather. Thank you!” Helen
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | April 2022
“A wonderful week cruising around the Clyde, Arran and Ailsa Craig. Superb company and excellent food. Thank you Ted and Iggy.” John
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | May 2022
“We will always hold our cruise on the Splendour dear in our hearts.”
Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Explorer | May 2023
“Words fail. Our hearts are full and our souls are refreshed. The trip was amazing.” Bud and Gayle Harris
Private charter | May 2023