The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, PS Waverley, is set to make a much-anticipated return to the Isle of Wight this September.
The historic vessel provides passengers with a unique opportunity to experience maritime heritage firsthand, offering a series of nostalgic cruises around the Island and along the South Coast.
Waverley’s visits to the South Coast and Isle of Wight have become a treasured annual tradition since her first arrival at Newhaven almost 47 years ago on 17th April 1978. Her return this September will mark another chapter in a long and valued history of offering excursions in the region.
This year’s programme follows a disrupted 2024 season, when the Waverley had to be towed back to Portsmouth after suffering damage to one of its paddles. Furthermore, the Waverley was unable to dock at Yarmouth or Ryde piers last year.
In September, the Waverley will operate several cruises that include stops in both Ryde and Yarmouth, such as:
- Thursday 4th September: Departing from Portsmouth Harbour to steam around the Isle of Wight, stopping at Ryde Pier
- Friday 5th September: A cruise around The Needles and Freshwater Bay, leaving Portsmouth and stopping at Yarmouth via Southampton
- Saturday 6th September: A steam around the Isle of Wight, departing from Southampton and stopping at Yarmouth and Portsmouth
- Sunday 7th September: Cruise the Jurassic Coast, departing from Yarmouth
- Wednesday 10th September: Steam around the Isle of Wight departing from Poole, stopping at Yarmouth
- Friday 12th September: Cruise Needles and Freshwater Bay, departing Southampton and stopping at Portsmouth and Yarmouth
- Saturday 13th September: A full circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, departing from Southampton and stopping at Yarmouth
- Sunday 14th September: Steam around the Isle of Wight, stopping at Ryde
- Wednesday 15th September: Cruise the Needles and Freshwater Bay, picking up at Yarmouth
- Thursday 18th September: Cruise the Jurassic Coast, picking up at Yarmouth
- Friday 19th September: Cruise The Needles and Freshwater Bay, picking up from Yarmouth
- Saturday 20th September: Steam around the Isle of Wight, picking up from Yarmouth and Portsmouth
- Sunday 21st September: Cruise the Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, picking up from Yarmouth
All sailings are subject to weather conditions and operational considerations.
Waverley’s Master, Captain Dominic McCall, comments:
“It’s always a pleasure to bring Waverley back to the South Coast and Isle of Wight as she receives such a warm welcome year after year. This year’s timetable includes more variety than ever, from round the Island cruises and sunset sailings to steam train connections on Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Swanage Railway.
Article continues below this advertisement “One highlight I’m looking forward to is our special sailing to mark the 70th anniversary of Steamship Shieldhall on Saturday 13th September, as it will be a truly unique moment to see two historic Clyde built steamships meeting once again. There’s no better way to take in the stunning scenery of the Dorset, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight coastlines than from the decks of Waverley, and I look forward to welcoming passengers aboard.”
Tickets for the Waverley’s September cruises are available for purchase online. Early booking is recommended, as these popular excursions often sell out quickly.
For more details and to secure your place aboard this iconic vessel, visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
Looking forward to it, can’t beat a trip on the
famous Paddle Steamer, roll on September.
It’s good to see PS Waverley is returning South again this year, but a shame that it seems Wightlink are not allowing her to berth directly at Ryde Pier or Portsmouth Harbour (Station) . She will be using a tender service provided by Portsmouth/Gosport ferry to Portsmouth Continental Terminal, and by Solent Cruises to connect with anchored Waverley off Ryde Pier.
There wer claims last year that the paddler had ‘damaged’ the berths, but maybe just got in the way?