Pelorus is driven by a passion to transform people’s perspectives on the world, planning trips and yacht expeditions for clients to experience the most remote, beautiful, and culturally diverse places on Earth. With their military background and worldwide network of contacts and industry leaders, Pelorus can take clients from heli-skiing in Antarctica to trekking the remote jungles of Gabon, through the waterways of the Amazon or secure private access to ancient archaeological sites – nothing is off limits.
Learn a little more about our latest addition to the Walpole family in our interview with Pelorus' Co-founders, Geordie Mackay-Lewis and Jimmy Carroll...
Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand?
Jimmy Carroll: Geordie and I had crossed paths a few times prior to setting up Pelorus. Firstly, through our service as Captains in the British Army, and then again when I was working in the superyacht design space, and he, running an high end adventure travel business in London. It wasn’t until we bumped into each other at a speaking event in Amsterdam in 2017 that that the idea for Pelorus was born.
Geordie Mackay-Lewis: Jimmy was sat on a panel expressing his frustration at the lack of innovation and imagination in the luxury travel and yachting space. We quickly got to discussing ideas around how the land and sea experiences we’ve had brought a new perspective to the way we think about the world. From that moment we knew there was space for a luxury experience brand that did the same for others.
JC: After a few drinks and many evenings discussing how this should be done, the brand Pelorus was born. Named after a perspective-finding navigational instrument that is used as an alternative to a compass, we set out to galvanise two historically disjointed sectors to create defining moments for people looking to travel all over the world.
What is your brand best known for?
JC: We are perhaps best known for bringing unique ideas to life and taking on projects that are beyond the capabilities of more traditional tour operators due to complexity, limited networks, or lack of expertise. This comes from our approach to the client, acting consultatively in response to whatever it is they are looking for and, in some cases, challenging them to seek more from their time away from home.
GML: With ultra-personalised experiences, each project is a one of a kind. It’s therefore difficult to pick out one trip or another that we are best known for. A common theme with every experience is the impression they leave behind and the perspective shift they take with them.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
GML: In December 2021 we helped a family with an experience that had never been done before. The clients were avid skiers and passionate about wildlife, but had travelled almost everywhere. With creativity, and through careful planning from our team, we were able to commission the use of two yachts, specialist helicopter pilots and ski guides to take the family to several of Antarctica’s unnamed mountain peaks. This allowed for them to be the first people to complete ski descents in this normally unreachable and inhospitable region whilst enjoying the luxury and comforts from their yacht.
When not skiing, the family was accompanied by a group of researchers and environmental scientists onboard a supporting yacht who provided education and insight into the local wildlife. Pulling something off at this scale was a seriously proud moment for me and the entire team.
Why do you love the brand?
JC: The people we work with and level of passion that flies around the office is infectious. To see the team, combine strengths and ideas to create moments that a client never thought they would be able to experience is incredibly rewarding. There is such a deeply human and personal element to all that we do, so to hear how a trip has impacted a client’s life for the better is something I’ll never not love.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
GML: For us, British luxury sits at the intersection of tradition and innovation whilst maintaining an obsession with every single client. Our approach to planning is a good example of this in action.
JC: Taking inspiration from our military days, we always start with the intent of the traveller and work backwards from there. Using everything at our disposal to build an individual program that is made to measure. I think for this reason some clients have referred to us as the Saville Row tailors of travel and yachting.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
JC: First and foremost, I’ve always admired Walpole for its dedication to supporting British luxury and have been following the great work of many of its member brands for some time now. With everything going on around the world (cultures shifting, ideas morphing, and new challenges over the horizon), I believe it is increasingly important to think laterally, creatively, and collaboratively with brands across a variety of sectors that share similar values and ethos to ours.
GML: Joining Walpole allows us to learn and develop as a company whilst also sharing the nuanced insights that come from operating in the field we do. Hopefully, helping the British luxury industry to prosper long into the future along the way.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?
JC: Looking at the membership list it’s safe to safe I’m spoilt for choice. I often think of travel and travel experiences as an incredible way to amplify one’s passions or hobbies, so on a personal level, I would love to collaborate with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It would be fascinating to explore how we could put the Cullinan through its paces in regions of the planet where automobiles aren’t usually found and bring these experiences to market. Taking things a step further, to collaborate in the design and development of a limited edition ‘Expedition Grade Rolls Royce’ that can tackle any terrain would be a dream come true.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
GML: We like to keep many our new launches and products under wraps until the point of launch, however, we recently released a teaser that relates to completely new way of travelling and will allow limited number of people to visit regions of the world normally reserved for only the hardiest explorers. All I will say is watch this space for an experience that will leave guests feeling ‘on top of the world’.