The Waverley – the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer – will operate for 3 weeks from 4th to 25th September with sailings along the South Coast and from the Isle of Wight. This year’s sailing programme builds on the “outstandingly successful” 2023 season, which saw a 55% increase in passenger journeys. Paul Semple, General Manager for Waverley, commented:
“We are delighted to be able to further expand and develop Waverley’s sailing programme when she returns to the South Coast in September. The 2023 season saw record numbers stepping aboard for a truly unique day out on our famous steamer. This year we will be operating Waverley along the entire south coast from Penzance to Folkestone as we work to give as many people as possible the opportunity to sail on a paddle steamer.” “I am thrilled that once again we will be able to berth at Ryde Pier thanks to Wightlink and return to Shoreham following her first ever visit to the Sussex port last year. After some repair work Eastbourne Pier is open to Waverley for the first time in over 20 years thanks to investment by the pier owner.” The Waverley
During Waverley’s visit she will sail from a variety of ports and piers including Southampton, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, Swanage and Poole. Cruise options include sailing Round the Island, cruising along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast or steaming out to view the famous Needles rocks and lighthouse. Passengers can also choose to step ashore at Swanage and enjoy a combined trip on the Swanage Railway. This year, Waverley holds the prestigious status of being crowned National Flagship by National Historic Ships UK. The award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of Waverley’s sailings in addition to the extended sailing programme planned for 2024 which includes an extended programme of sailings along the south coast from Penzance to Folkestone. 2024 also marks the 50th anniversary since Waverley was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society to preserve her for future generations. Since 1975, the steamer has been operated on a not-for-profit basis to ensure her continued survival given she is the last of her kind. The Waverley engine room The ship boasts open promenade decks, a self-service dining saloon, period lounges, a gift shop and an open engine room. Passengers aboard Waverley are able to watch the engineers at work as they operate the impressive triple expansion steam engine and view the ship’s paddle wheels. To help mark the 50th anniversary since Waverley was gifted for preservation there are opportunities for children to travel for just £1 on selected sailings. Following on from Waverley’s south coast programme of cruises she will sail round to London and the Thames Estuary. During her Thames season there will the unique opportunity on Thursday 3rd October to sail from Folkestone Harbour all the way to London where on arrival Waverley will pass under a floodlit Tower Bridge to berth at Tower Pier. Tickets for all sailings can be purchased at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224.
More trips than the floating bridge then
Trouble is packs them on board ,no room to move. If it rains not fun . You take a chance
Ironically, same timetable too. Serves Island residents on average one month a year…
A beautiful ship. Trouble is we also had one which is now a heap of rust halfway up the Medina. Disgusting.
Well sadly Joe, these ships need lots of volunteer enthusiasm, painstaking effort, time, energy and yes, money.