Michael Ward (Owner & Skipper)
Skipper Michael took over the running of trips for the 2024
season, replacing Steve, his father, in the day-to-day running of
the boat. He quickly proved himself to be a dab hand at catching
octopi; proving that they indeed ‘have a bite’; these days he’s
very careful when handling even the smallest octopus. Originally
from Warwickshire, he moved up to Scotland at the beginning of the
2024 season, expecting to be taken on as ‘relief skipper’. Highly
qualified, he suddenly got thrown into the deep end when Steve
couldn’t run the tours. For 2025, he has taken over the reins of
the family business, securing the future of The Glass Bottomed
Boat in Gairloch. If you have any questions, Michael’s your man.
And if he doesn’t know the answer, he’ll find it out for you on
your safe return to shore.
Julie Ward (Administrator)
Julie has run the office and bookings side for four years. 2025
will be her fifth year at the helm. And I do mean at the helm!
Without her friendly face greeting and preparing the customers for
what is to come, the whole caboodle would revert to chaos. She’s
mainly to be found in ‘The Little Grey Hut’ (our booking office),
but gets out on trips as often as possible, just to keep Michael
on his toes. Maybe taking the helm while Michael, her son, answers
questions or explains what you’re looking at. Originally from
Warwickshire she moved to Suffolk and became a ‘round-Britain’
sailor. You will be safe in her capable hands.
Steve Ward (Relief-Skipper)
Skipper Steve, Julie’s husband and Michael’s dad, has taken a
little bit of a back seat and assumed the role of relief skipper
and relief administrator. But he will be seen at times, either
running a trip or assisting either Michael or Julie. Everyone
tells us he’s great with kids; that’s probably because he still is
one. Again, from Warwickshire, he moved to Suffolk handling boats
of all types before relocating to Scotland and taking over the
business from its prior owner in 2022 (after a year working for
him in 2021). His ‘unique’ sense of humour will certainly be known
if he happens to be skippering the trip you’re on. You have been
warned!
