Recent Trip on the Waverley

**Jimmy** · 20th June 12, 03:01 AM

The Waverley Paddle Steamer ( the last ocean going paddle steamer in the world) commenced it summer programme in Scotland recently, I was on the trip to the Inner Hebridean isle of Coll and then last Thursday on a champagne breakfast cruise to Loch Long and Loch Goil

I decided to be kilted on the latter trip and here is a pic of myself with a fellow passenger

**Chas** · 20th June 12, 03:13 AM

Thanks, Jimmy. It is always a pleasure to see old engineering with dozens and dozens of rivets. A skill and an art of a bygone age.

Regards

Chas

**Jock Scot** · 20th June 12, 03:15 AM

Well done Jimmy for supporting a very worthwhile "living museum". We tried to arrange things so we could sail on her when she berthed at Fort William, sadly it was not possible.

**cessna152towser** · 20th June 12, 03:20 AM

Looking good Jimmy.
I worked my summer holidays as a galley slave on the Waverley back in 1979, serving fish and chips and chicken curries and teas and coffees to the passengers, but I don't get much opportunity to sail on her nowadays when I am living on the other side of the country.

**McClef** · 20th June 12, 04:39 AM

Always wanted to sail on her - must check when she is next due in the Bristol Channel!

**Jimmy** · 20th June 12, 04:51 AM

There has been quite a number of new initiatives since last year's fund raising campaign including a Friends Membership club costing £175 per year or £150 if over 60 years of age. This allows for all sailings on the Waverley and Balmoral not only in the Clyde but also every port of call in England including the Thames, Bristol Channel and the South Coast, a great bargain.
The response to their Save the Waverley appeal was very successful with a substantial amount of cash donated from the Euro Lottery winners from Largs, they are rumoured to have cleared the Waverley's debt. Largs has always been a great port for the Waverley, always well supported from there.
So we are hoping for decent weather over the next 2 to 3 months allowing for as many people as possible to come on board.
As you know Alec, there is no where like the the islands and sea lochs of the Clyde estuary on a glorious summer's day.
Also it offers an opportunity to be kilted every other week or so

**English Bloke** · 20th June 12, 05:10 AM

Nice one Jimmy. The PS Waverley looks like a beautiful old boat. I'll have to have a go myself if I get the chance. In 2004, I got to cross to Douglas on the MS Lady of Mann (built 1976) when the Isle of Mann Steam Packet Company ferry Ben-my-Chree (pron. Ben McCree) was in refit and before it was sold off to the Greeks in 2005. That was a delightful experience so I'm sure the Waverley is just as special.

Very generous of Lottery Winners Chris and Colin Weir as well.

**Piipriker** · 20th June 12, 05:37 AM

Thank you for sharing, it's nice to see, that there are still people around who care for the old technology.

If you ever come to Dresden make a trip on the Elbe with one ship of the paddle steamer fleet.

Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt

**creagdhubh** · 20th June 12, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

Thanks, Jimmy. It is always a pleasure to see old engineering with dozens and dozens of rivets. A skill and an art of a bygone age.

Regards

Chas

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**dea3369** · 20th June 12, 07:26 AM

Very nice, and thank you for sharing. I wanted to see what the ship looked like and found this tidbit:

Since 2003, Waverley has been listed in the British National Register of Historic Ships core collection as 'a vessel of pre-eminent national importance'. She appeared in the 2011 film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.