A BELOVED one-woman seafaring business has announced its decision to sell - the starting bid is at £65,000.

Stacey Belbin, the owner of Lady Grace Boat Trips, is planning to sell her business due to her growing family. The skipper is expecting her second child in March 2024.

Stacey has built the 12-year-old business into a popular attraction where customers can take an arrangement of exciting boating trips within Mersea’s natural splendour. Such as harbour tours, sightseeing trips, wildlife and more along Essex’s coastline.

Since founding the business in 2011, Stacey and her 21ft matlow boat, the Lady Grace, which is believed to have been built in the 1960s, has received numerous positive reviews and has appeared on television.

Echo: Lady Grace - The boat is a 21ft matlowLady Grace - The boat is a 21ft matlow (Image: Lady Grace Boat Trips)

Echo: Out on the sea - The business offers a wide range of tripsOut on the sea - The business offers a wide range of trips (Image: Lady Grace Boat Trips)

Speaking about her decision to sell the business, Stacey explained it be extremely sad for her as she loves it dearly.

Stacey said: “Honestly, it is like grieving for the loss of someone. 

“It is sad, she has been my first baby for 12 years.  I started her on my own. I was working with a lot of schools up until covid. [After covid] I had my first son.

“I [currently] take my little one on the boat with me every day and [he loves it].

“Realistically, having a toddler and a baby on the boat is going to be very challenging.

“As long as [the business] goes to someone that loves her as much, I’m not fussed.

“I am trying to be detached to it [but] it [has] been such a big part of my life for such a long time.

She continued: “12 years is a long time to have it in your life.”

Echo: Skipper - Stacey Belbin founded the business back in 2011Skipper - Stacey Belbin founded the business back in 2011 (Image: Lady Grace Boat Trips)

For the business or individual that purchases Lady Grace Boat Trips, they will receive all existing bookings, the boat, all relevant safety equipment, the business phone number, social media accounts and the website. 

The asking price is £65,000, however, Stacey is open to offers. If you are interested, you can contact Stacey on 07791859624 or ladygraceboat.trips@gmail.com.

It will be business as usual until the Lady Grace Boat Trips is sold.

You can learn more about Lady Grace Boat Trips at essexboattrips.co.uk.