|
At 06.48 on May 24 1999, I captained the Storm Clipper on her first journey from Greenland to Savoy Pier with a grand total of two passengers onboard. I remember as I drove the vessel down the river that morning wondering if there would be any more on the next run. There were. In fact, by close of business on the first day we had welcomed a further seventy nine customers, and by the end of that week over a hundred commuters had committed to travelling regularly with Thames Clippers. It was a good start, but if someone had told me then that ten years later we would own thirteen boats, be carrying nearly three million commuters and tourists a year and were considered an integral part of the London transport system alongside the tubes and buses, I think I would have been a little taken back.
Taken back but not actually that surprised, because from the beginning I have been surrounded by fantastic people who have all shared mine and Alan's original vision to reinvigorate the Thames and use our service to showcase the most impressive city in the world. This support network has included London officials,
business associates, investors, press, international craftsmen, engineers, office staff, and of course, Crew. Some had huge experience of the river when I approached them to work with me, but others - like the sixty Apprentices that have been employed through my training scheme - were fresh to life on the Thames. But everyone had three things in common; they were enthusiastic, hard-working and willing to contribute to the absolute best of their abilities even when the going got tough.
So, as we celebrate a spectacular decade I'd like to thank every single person who has been involved with Thames Clippers and has made it the unique, stylish and efficient service it is today. The success of this company has truly been a team effort and will continue to be so. 
Sean Collins
May 2009
|
