The Paddle Steamer Waverley

Pictured on a wonderful, around the Isle of Wight Cruise, the Paddle Steamer Waverley majestically approaches the pier at Yarmouth, which is crowded with eager customers who wish to enjoy the experience of sailing around the Island  on the magnificently restored historic ship.

We intended circumnavigating the island on the Waverley, now the only sea-going steam powered paddle steamer in the world. Built on the Clyde in 1947, Waverley is powered by a massive 2,100hp triple expansion steam engine. Carrying up to 800 passengers in 1940’s style and comfort, with polished brass and vanished mahogany, with full on board catering and bars. Waverley normally cruises the Clyde, but occasionally comes south during the summer, 

Our cruise was estimated to take approx. 4hours departing on Saturday from Yarmouth at 13:15 and returning at approx. 17:30. This was not to be the case we did eventually depart at 14:10 Sue and I were at the front of the queue that contained upwards of three hundred people, and although we had pre-booked tickets it was a free for all when it came to boarding, so you can imagine the rush. Anyway we got on board and found seats on the port side deck just behind the paddle. Our coarse was anti-clockwise around the island passing the Needles and then out into the channel approx. one mile off- shore.

 The cruise was going along quite nicely when we were aware of a Coastguard helicopter overhead it was “rescue India Juliet”, they had asked Waverley to be part of their rescue exercise. A member of the crew was winched down onto the rear deck followed by a stretcher, the copter then flew off and returned a couple of minutes later to winch the crew member and stretcher back into the copter.

 The cruise continued after the excitement of the helicopter exercise. As we approached Sandown bay the tide was on the turn going out, and with the on-shore wind our nice afternoon cruise became a bit of a nightmare. Rough sea became the order of the day until we rounded the island at Bembridge and back into the calm of the Solent. We picked up a pilot and continued onto Yarmouth.

 The tide was running at an estimated 5knots past Yarmouth and the skipper of Waverley had to approach Yarmouth pier into the tide, he missed the pier and had to try again, second time lucky to a big cheer and round of applause. We docked at approx. 18:30.  Back to our hotel for dinner.

 We stayed two nights in Totland at Sentry Mead hotel AA***, superb food and service.

Click on this link for the latest news and how to book a trip on the Waverley

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Thames Traditional Boat Rally,

Fawley Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire

The Allsorts Members who attended this event very much enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather and a picnic by the Thames.  The stunning traditional craft were lovely to watch, gliding by on the water, and many of the crew and passengers where in traditional dress.  The launches were delightfully decorated with flowers and champagne on ice!

The Thames Traditional Boat Rally was formed after the River Thames Society put up a trophy to encourage the restoration, maintenance and use of traditionally built craft.  To enter the Rally, eligible boats should be constructed from traditional materials  using traditional methods.  The age of the boats is not one of the entry criteria, although there are separate awards for maintenance, restoration, and for new construction.

The Society has thus fostered more old boats being restored, new traditional built boats and introduced a large number of people to traditional boating.

The programme was interesting and varied and included a parade of the Little Boats that sailed to Dunkirk, which proved emotional and evocative.

Our thanks to the TTBR Committee