Paddle Steamer Waverley 2023 talk and cruises

SCARA member Peter Morley is not only a former colleague and SCARA member, he is also Company Secretary of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society which owns the PS Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. Peter has kindly been in touch as he thought other SCARA members (and indeed non-members) might be interested in some great events that have been organised for the Waverley for 2023.

The first event is a talk titled "Operating and Maintaining Waverley - the World's Last Seagoing Paddle Steamer" by Paul Semple which takes place at 18:00 in London on Thursday 15 June. The poster on the right has more details but anyone interested in joining the talk can either:

Attend in person at the RINA London Branch Meeting which is being held at ABL Group, 1st Floor, The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6EN (register via EventBrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rina-london-branch-meeting-tickets-639437323247), or
Participate online via Zoom (register https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdOugqDgoG92t60p7nRxuUfK52g6wfz_C#/registration)

PS Waverley - Brief History

Built 1946 for Clyde services. Launched by Lady Matthews, wife of LNER Chairman.
Maiden voyage 1947, cruising along Loch Long and Loch Goil.
1948 to 1951 operation by British Transport Commission/ Caledonian Steam Packet Co.
1952-1972 Waverley part of British Railways Caledonian Steam Packet Co Clyde coast fleet.
1974 Waverley was gifted for £1 and officially handed over to Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a company formed by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.
1975 first passengers carried following preservation.

As well as the talk, a number of day, afternoon and evening cruises are being operated with the Waverley this year including:

Bristol Channel Sailings - To June 18
Liverpool & Llandudno Sailings - June 20 & 21
Glasgow and Clyde Coast - June 23 to August 27
South Coast & Isle of Wight - September 1 to 20
London & Thames Estuary - September 22 to October 8 (timetable TBC)
Glasgow and Clyde Coast - October 14 & 15

Full details on these Waverley Cruises website can be found on waverleyexcursions.co.uk.

From waverleyexcursions.co.uk:

10 Reasons to step aboard Waverley

Waverley is a unique vessel – she is the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer
Waverley is powered by steam and a lot of passion!
You will have unrivalled access and views of our wonderful coastline
You will help ensure this magnificent steamship can sail on for many more years to come
You can view Waverley’s powerful triple expansion steam engine in operation
A Waverley cruise is an experience the whole family can enjoy
You can take home an exclusive souvenir or gift from the on-board shop and even send a postcard using the Victorian postbox
You can step back in time and enjoy the traditional dining saloon and period lounges
You can enjoy an informed commentary highlighting the passing points of interest
Waverley brings a positive economic benefit to the towns and villages she visits

The Waverley passing under Tower Bridge on the Thames at night

The Waverley in dry-dock in 2022

The Waverley off Tighnabruaich, a village on the Cowal peninsula, Kyles of Bute