Steaming ahead with training for Windermere Lake Cruises’ “Fantastic Five”

Our “Fantastic Five” are gearing up for spring as they go full steam ahead with skipper training on England’s largest lake.

The five trainees have each completed at least one full season with Cumbria’s most popular visitor attraction, qualifying them to join the highly sought-after skipper training programme.

Katy Parsons (24) returned to Cumbria after falling in love with the area while studying at university. She joined Windermere Lake Cruises in 2024 as seasonal crew, a role that was quickly extended. A passionate photographer in her spare time, Katy was drawn to the skipper pathway to spend more time on the water and capture the lake through her lens. Her favourite vessel is Cumbria II, where she began her career.

At just 21, Cody Richardson is one of the youngest-ever skipper trainees at Windermere Lake Cruises. He joined the business at 17, working on the popular self-drive boats, but always had ambitions to progress. Through hard work and determination, Cody has turned that ambition into reality. He thrives on meeting new people and, like Katie, holds a special fondness for the Cumbria vessels where his journey began.

Ethan Close (25) has been part of the Windermere Lake Cruises family since 2018, starting on the self-drives and as general crew. A local lad, Ethan followed his passion for working on the water, while his twin works behind the scenes in the company’s main offices. Describing the opportunity to become a skipper as “a dream come true,” Ethan’s enthusiasm for passenger interaction has even led him to learn basic foreign languages to communicate with visitors from as far afield as China and Japan. He was so determined to qualify for the role that he lost 10 stone in just 12 months to meet the medical requirements. He says no two days are ever the same, with changing weather, people, and vessels keeping the role exciting. His favourite vessel is the historic MV Tern.

After completing three seasons with the company, Troy Rawsthorn (23) began his career on the Fell Foot Ferry before seeking further progression. A keen sailor, he particularly enjoys the route up to Ambleside and saw the skipper programme as a natural next step. His favourite vessel remains MV Swan, where he completed his first journey as crew and one he hopes to captain in the future.

The most experienced of the group, Tom Harris (37), relocated to Cumbria last year with his family after a long career working on the water in London, crewing high-speed commuter vessels on the Thames. Seeking a better work-life balance, Tom initially worked on the Windermere Car Ferry before joining Windermere Lake Cruises as seasonal crew. Now eligible for skipper training, he praises the company’s flexible working ethos and hopes one day to captain his favourite vessel, the mighty MV Swift.

John Woodburn, operations director, who has over 40 years services with Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “The passion for the role and love of being out on the water is clear from these latest candidates. Becoming a skipper is a dream for many of our seasonal employees, but everyone must complete at least one year as general crew before becoming eligible. Once appointed, these roles are often held for decades.”

He continued: “Skippering a boat on England’s largest lake is quite literally a dream job, especially on some of the historic vessels. With experience, skippers often get to choose their preferred boat. No two days are ever the same, and the scenery is incredible in all weather.”

Windermere Lake Cruises is starting its annual recruitment drive, offering a wide range of seasonal and permanent roles across the business. General information about working for the company can be found by visiting: https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/about-us/working-for-us