After the weather we endured in 2024, we were all quietly begging the powers that be for the 2025 season to show us a bit of kindness. And thankfully – miraculously – it did. Not perfectly, mind you, but enough to remind us why we do what we do.

Now, let’s not pretend it was wall‑to‑wall sunshine from day one. It definitely wasn’t. The start of the season threw a few wobblers our way. We had rain slap bang in the middle of the breeding season, which meant the Trust had to close the islands for a time, and some of the early sunset cruises in June were absolutely Baltic. And I mean properly cold.

I vividly remember standing on deck in June – June! – wearing gloves and a woolly hat, thinking, “It’s bloody June and I’m dressed like a penguin in the Arctic.” A bit dramatic, perhaps, but you get the picture. I was waddling back and forth, clapping my hands, dancing around like a scene straight out of Happy Feet. I must’ve looked like a complete plonker. And yes, many of you were kind enough to confirm that I did indeed look like a plonker.

Still, if you’d been a betting person back then, you’d never have put money on the summer turning out the way it did. But once the kids broke up for the holidays – usually the kiss of death for good weather – something magical happened. The sunshine arrived… and just kept going. Honestly, it was the best summer I’ve seen in years, and it stayed with us right through to the end of the season. Absolute joy.

I often tell my son stories about my own childhood summers. How I’d leave the house after breakfast and only come back when it was dark or I was starving – whichever came first. Building dens out of farmers’ hay bales, biking everywhere with no real plan, and jumping off the pier. Looneys Leap! Ah, those were the days.

For those who don’t know, Looneys Leap was at the end of the pier by the white lighthouse, where we’d jump off the back wall straight into the mouth of the harbour. What fun we had. And if you got grounded back then, it was the end of the world. Ground kids today and they’d probably thank you – gives them more time on the Xbox.

But while we’ve got our stories, I can honestly say my son has made plenty of his own this year. With the weather being so good, my wife and I practically pushed him out the door. Whether he was on his bike all day, playing football, or just roaming about being a kid, he absolutely loved his summer – and that’s down to the weather.

There’s something special about coming back from a day at sea and feeling the buzz around the harbour. Kids crabbing, comparing buckets, arguing over whose crab is the biggest or who’s caught the most – those are memories they’ll keep forever. I’ve said this to many people: if you could guarantee this kind of weather every year, why would you want to go abroad? We’ve got just as much to offer – if not more – and we live in a truly beautiful country.

The weather plays a massive role in the village economy, but it’s just as important for our wildlife too – especially our seabirds. So much so that it’s kept all the Trust staff on their toes. They’ve worked incredibly hard this season, maintaining the islands, keeping them looking good, and looking after our guests. When the seas are calm and the sun is shining, everyone wants to go out – and they’ve handled it brilliantly. They’ve been a fantastic team to work alongside, and they make my job even easier than it already is.

Even better news is that seabird numbers have increased, which is hugely encouraging after what they went through with bird flu. Long may that continue. I’d like to say a massive thank you to Sophia and her team – keep up the great work, and see you all next season.

And I can’t write this blog without mentioning the Orcas. All I’ll say is this: it was absolutely unbelievable. A moment that will stay with me – and all our staff – for the rest of our lives.

Which brings me nicely to our staff. What an absolute pleasure it’s been working with them again this year. We’ve welcomed new faces who’ve slotted straight in like they’ve been with us for years. Whether you’ve worked with us for one season or many, we truly appreciate the hard work you put in. Watching everyone grow and become a close‑knit family is what I love most about Serenity. Yes, we have our moments – but the banter is top‑notch, and we all get on really well.

On behalf of myself and Toby, I’d like to say a huge thank you to every single one of you.

I don’t usually single people out, but I have to give a special mention to Sue for all her hard work organising our charity cruises to Holy Island. She puts together three or four trips a year, with all the money going to local causes we believe deserve the support. Thank you, Sue – you’re a star.

Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you all for your continued support.

And just to be clear – this doesn’t mean we’re finished for the year. We’re still sailing over the festive period (apart from Christmas Day), so if you fancy blowing the cobwebs away, come and join us. Winter seabirds, fresh sea air, and those ridiculously cute seal pups… what better way to end the year?

See you on the water.