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A 5 minute Read by Suzy Hobbs
A sunshine-filled season, incredible guests, proud achievements… and a very exciting year ahead.
What a year it’s been! As we look back on 2025, we can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for our wonderful customers, our hardworking team, and the beautiful River Thames that continues to be at the heart of everything we do. With long stretches of glorious summer weather and some of the busiest decks we’ve seen in recent years, this season truly stood out.
Before we sail into 2026, here’s a look at what made 2025 so special…
A Season to Remember
Thanks to exceptional summer weather (a rarity we all celebrated!), 2025 became one of our most successful seasons in recent memory. Our public events were buzzing with packed boats, lively atmospheres, and plenty of familiar faces returning time and again.
Corporate and business events were also a real highlight this year, with companies choosing the river as a refreshing, memorable setting for team gatherings, client entertainment, strategy days, and celebrations. We loved seeing so many organisations stepping onboard to host something a little different, and our fleet was busier than ever.
It’s been amazing to see so many repeat customers and companies returning year after year. Your loyalty and trust mean the world to us. Thank you for making Hobbs part of your celebrations, milestones, and special events.
This year, we were thrilled to welcome Yaaki to the Hobbs fleet. A beautifully built 2023 GS 30 Motor Cruiser with the classic lines of a Dutch sloep, Yaaki quickly became a favourite for guests looking for a stylish and comfortable way to experience Henley Royal Regatta, Henley Festival, and all their summer celebrations. Skippered private hire allowed up to 8 guests to enjoy an intimate and memorable experience, whether for private entertaining, corporate events, or special occasions.
We were also overwhelmed by the lovely feedback too. From romantic evening cruises to team-building away days, your testimonials kept our spirits high and confirmed what we always hope: that Hobbs experiences create memories that truly last.
What Our Guests Said….
“I just wanted to say how much we all enjoyed our trip today. It was my wife’s 80th birthday and it was enjoyed by all. Your boat team were excellent friendly and very efficient. A five star rating. The catering you recommended and supplied was superb. Everybody commented it was the best buffet lunch they’ve ever had. Please pass it on. Many thanks again as it was a great day had by all well done Hobbs.” Alan See
“We had the best day on Lillibet for my husband’s birthday. Family and close friends joined for a picnic in the sunshine on the back of this gorgeous boat skippered by Dizzy who was brilliant, navigating locks and letting us know some local info on the river. I loved every minute. The service was excellent from booking through to the very end. I will definitely go again.” Helen Willerton
“Just wanted to say thank you to you and your team for another very successful evening. Everyone really enjoyed it and could you please ensure that you pass on our thanks to the crew. They were all exceptionally professional, helpful and polite. We look forward to our next trip!” Kate Goodwin
Our Website Has Come Into Its Own
Now in its second year, the Hobbs website really found its stride. With mature data and meaningful insights, it’s become a powerful tool to help us:
- Better understand what you love most
- Shape our events and services
- Improve the booking experience – for public days out and for corporate clients
- Fine-tune our marketing and communications
It’s been invaluable for planning the next chapter of Hobbs, and yes, there’s lots more to come.
A Team That Makes It All Possible
Behind the scenes, 2025 was also a year of operational improvements and team growth. Our crew, engineers, skippers, event hosts, hospitality team – every single person played a role in creating a smooth, successful season.
With an increase in private hire and professional bookings, our team worked closely with businesses to tailor events, create seamless hosting experiences, and ensure every guest (from staff teams to senior stakeholders), felt welcomed and looked after. We’re especially proud of how engaged and committed the team has been. Their passion for the river, for our customers, and for the Hobbs heritage shines brighter each year.
Representing Hobbs on the River and Beyond
This year, the Hobbs name stayed front and centre across the Thames community. From environmental events to historic traditions, we’re proud of how our work contributes to the river we all treasure.
Here are some highlights:
Flooding & Pollution Awareness Event
Jonathan Hobbs, our MD, took part in Greener Henley’s Big Green Conversation series, speaking at “Protecting What We Love: Tackling Flooding and Pollution in Henley.” His message? Businesses like ours must continue adapting to climate challenges while protecting the heritage and health of our river.
Houses of Parliament Visit
Our team joined MPs including Henley’s own Freddie van Mierlo and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, plus representatives from the Environment Agency and British Marine, to discuss improving navigation on the Upper Thames. A proud moment for our crew and an important step for boaters across the region.
Annual River Inspection
A tradition revived by Jonathan Hobbs, we once again hosted the annual Reading-to-Hurley river inspection aboard Hibernia. With the Environment Agency and British Marine on board, it was a vital opportunity to review navigation, safety and future improvements for all river users.
Festivals & River Traditions
This year’s calendar was bursting with community favourites. We loved being part of Rewind Festival, the Royal Henley Regatta, and The Thames Traditional Boat Festival – moments where the spirit of boating truly comes alive.
Honouring Our Watermen & Lightermen
A special celebration this year: skippers Peter West and Julien Kennard were officially sworn in as Freemen of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames. They join Jason Lamden and Jonathan Hobbs in preserving the river’s rich traditions. A proud achievement for them and for all of us.
Supporting Riverside Counselling Service
We were delighted to continue supporting our charity partner, Riverside Counselling Service, and to have cheered on their fantastic Henley Half Marathon fundraising team — Josh and Ollie Crossley, Jonny Wooldridge, and Angharad Massie. A brilliant effort for an important local cause.
Looking Ahead: A Bigger, Brighter 2026
While 2025 was a standout year, we’re already hard at work shaping an even more exciting 2026.
You can look forward to:
- Returning favourite events (because you asked!)
- Brand-new experiences being added to the calendar
- More flexibility between public and exclusive private versions of our most-loved cruises
- A continued focus on business and corporate event offerings
- Fresh collaborations and community activity
- More ways to enjoy the river – your way
Stay tuned… we’ll be revealing more very soon.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
As we wrap up 2025, we want to send a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us this year. Whether you cruised with us, danced under the stars, hosted your team onboard, celebrated a milestone, or simply waved from the riverbank.
Here’s to calm waters, big plans, and another unforgettable year on the Thames.
See you aboard in 2026!
