PS Waverley update.

[Duke Drennan]

Going on annual holiday we sailed on the PS Waverley in 1948, 1949 and 1950, although our first choice of steamer was always the TS Queen Mary II which is currently being restored as a museum in Glasgow.
Does anyone else on site remember going to sea on board the Waverley seventy two years ago.?.

Regards from
Fouro.

Being raised by my granny, I remember her taking me and my older sister on the odd trip on the Waverley back in the 50’s.
Another interesting memory was both my sister and I being put aboard the Royal Scotsman in the evening as she prepared to sail from the Broomielaw for Belfast. Both of us sat on deck throughout the night voyage, name tags around our necks and met upon docking in Belfast the next morning by our Irish relatives. By today’s standards, this would be unthinkable to let kids travel unescorted by adult family members but back then I suppose we all looked out for each other with no harm likely to befall us.
Like Liverpool and London etc, the Clyde was an exciting place to be especially 10 or so years later when I was outward bound on a long voyage.

[Fouro]

As both ships are mentioned in the topic I thought watching this would be appropriate.
Click on html below.

https://youtu.be/yeZOihGIuPQ

Fouro.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hopefully, of interest:

VIA: The History of Wales

A near disaster on 19th August 1956 marked the beginning of the end of the paddle steamer era.

The period after World War Two, was a boom time for the holiday trade of South Wales. During this time one of the main attractions was a trip in one of the paddle steamers, Cardiff Queen and Bristol Queen, which regularly ploughed up and down the Bristol Channel, calling at places such as Cardiff Pier, Penarth Pier, Mumbles Pier, Barry and Tenby. They carried holiday makers eager for the chance of a trip on one of the new ships.

Then on 19 August 1956 a bizarre accident occured that had a catastrophic effect on an industry already under pressure from cheaper foreign travel. The Bristol Queen had just left Ilfracombe Pier when, suddenly, there was a big bang. It was the noise of one of the paddle wheels sheering and the stricken steamer was being driven by a strong wind and tide towards the cliffs of Illfracombe and with no other form of propulsion, it was drifting helplessly.

Captain George of the Bristol Queen sent an emergency radio message to the Cardiff Queen, who happened to be approaching Illfracombe. She arrived just in time to pass a 2,000 feet ropef line to the now heavily wallowing Bristol Queen and an attempt at a tow began.A paddle steamer being towed by another paddle steamer was an incredibly difficult task, but with slow and steady progress, both paddle steamers had moored in the Mumbles just over four hours later, with thankfully no fatalities. However, the consequences were great, as everyone realised that if the Cardiff Queen had not been so close at hand the damaged paddler would have been driven onto the rocks and there would have been considerable loss of life. Business slumped and eventually both boats were taken out of service and broken up. It was the end of an era, the end of paddle steamer cruising on the Bristol Channel.

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She's going well. (PS Waverley)

[Keith at Tregenna]

Technical hitch delays Waverley paddle steamer return sailing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotla...UmtnMaRK1odJfM

[Keith at Tregenna]

Seems all is back on track - barring storm Ellen:

Sailing Update - Sunday 23rd August

Please note that Waverley’s sailing from Largs and Rothesay on Sunday 23th August round Bute is now sold out.

All passengers must book tickets in advance this year to allow us to capture customer data. With significantly reduced capacity to ensure physical distancing we expect other sailings to sell out. Please book early to ensure your place aboard Waverley.

K.

[Keith at Tregenna]

WHOOPS.

News coming in, last thing she needed:

Emergency response after Waverley steamer hits pier.

[Bill Cameron]

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cp...2-wkaez1kz.jpg

[vic mcclymont]

Should have gone to specs savers.
Earlier this week they announced the season had been extended until 26/9, looks like it will be cut short.
More info at Dailyreckord.co.uk
Vic

[Keith at Tregenna]

Busy day with ensign raisings, news here
just put out by Aunty:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotla...x-pNvHRBua3mmA

[Keith at Tregenna]

**Waverley in Winter**

PS Waverley made her triumphant return to service in 2020 after her £2.3m boiler appeal to a warm reception from her passengers and the communities she visited. Sadly, her return season was cut short, leaving her short of funds for winter repairs.

Waverley now hunkered down for winter? RE:A broader update on PS Waverley, what has happened over 2020, Relief Appeal which is being launched to make sure she can paddle again come summer 2021, where we will mark the 75th anniversary of her launch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suaX...hopdG7CLT4yBQQ